Allstate is among the biggest automobile insurance companies in the U.S., insuring against car accidents, auto body damage, medical bills, and liability. If you’ve had a car accident and have to make an Allstate claim, knowing what the claims process is can minimize delays and secure a better settlement for you. Whether you are an Allstate policyholder or claiming against an Allstate-insured driver, being aware of how to work the system can make a big difference in the success of your claim.
This guide explains the most important steps in making an Allstate car insurance claim, typical problems you may experience, and how to make sure you’re paid a fair amount for your damages.
How to File an Auto Insurance Claim with Allstate
Filing an Allstate auto insurance claim is a key process to recover monetary loss following a crash. Either as an Allstate policyholder or filing a claim against the Allstate-insured driver, the process will benefit you in ensuring smooth passage of challenges and getting a justifiably good settlement.
From the reporting of the accident to settlement negotiation, every step needs careful documentation and precision. Familiarity with your rights and coverage under the policy can be the difference between the ease of claim processing and the amount you ultimately receive.
1. Report the Accident Immediately
The first step in any insurance claim is to report the accident to Allstate as soon as possible. You can do this through:
- The Allstate mobile app
- Their website (www.allstate.com/claims)
- Calling their 24/7 claims hotline at 1-800-ALLSTATE (1-800-255-7828)
If another driver was at fault and you’re filing a third-party claim against their Allstate policy, you should still report the accident to Allstate to begin the process.
2. Provide Essential Information
To avoid delays in your claim, make sure to gather and submit all necessary details, including:
- Your policy number (if you are an Allstate customer)
- The date, time, and location of the accident
- Names and contact information of all parties involved
- The other driver’s insurance policy details
- A copy of the police report (if available)
- Photos of the accident scene and vehicle damage
- Medical records if you suffered any injuries
Providing thorough and accurate information can prevent disputes and speed up your claim.
3. Get a Damage Assessment
Once your claim is filed, Allstate will assign a claims adjuster to evaluate the damage to your vehicle. Depending on your situation, Allstate may:
- Send an adjuster to inspect the vehicle in person
- Ask you to visit an Allstate-approved repair shop for an estimate
- Request that you submit photos of the damage through the Allstate app
The adjuster will estimate repair costs and determine how much Allstate will cover based on your policy’s terms or the at-fault driver’s coverage.
Understanding Your Coverage and Settlement Options
If you are an Allstate policyholder, your compensation will depend on the type of coverage you have:
- Collision Coverage – Pays for damages to your vehicle, regardless of fault, after deductibles.
- Liability Coverage – Covers damages to another party if you were at fault for the accident.
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UM/UIM) – Helps pay for damages if the at-fault driver has no insurance or insufficient coverage.
- Medical Payments (MedPay) or Personal Injury Protection (PIP) – Covers medical expenses for you and your passengers.
If you are filing a third-party claim against an Allstate policyholder, the amount you receive will depend on the at-fault driver’s liability coverage limits.
Repairing Your Vehicle or Receiving Compensation
Once your claim is approved, you can choose how to handle vehicle repairs:
- Allstate-Approved Repair Shops – These shops work directly with Allstate, which can speed up the process.
- Independent Repair Shops – You can choose your repair shop, but Allstate may require an additional review before approving costs.
- Total Loss Claims – If your car is deemed a total loss (repair costs exceed its actual cash value), Allstate will offer a settlement based on the market value of your vehicle before the accident.
Be sure to review the settlement offer carefully, as insurance companies may undervalue a vehicle’s worth.
Common Issues When Filing an Allstate Claim
While Allstate provides an efficient claims process for many customers, some policyholders and third-party claimants face challenges such as:
- Delays in processing – Some claimants experience long wait times for inspections, approvals, or payouts.
- Low settlement offers – Initial offers may be lower than the actual cost of repairs or medical bills.
- Claim denials – Allstate may deny claims due to policy exclusions, liability disputes, or insufficient evidence.
- Disagreements on vehicle value – If your car is totaled, the payout may not match its true market value.
If you encounter difficulties, keeping detailed records of all communications and seeking legal assistance may be necessary.
What to Do If Your Allstate Claim Is Denied or Underpaid
If Allstate denies your claim or offers a lower-than-expected settlement, you have options to challenge their decision:
- Review the Denial Letter – Allstate must provide a reason for denying your claim. Review this explanation carefully and determine if additional evidence can support your case.
- Gather Additional Evidence – If your claim was denied due to insufficient proof, gather more documentation, such as accident scene photos, witness statements, or medical records.
- Request a Re-Evaluation – You can ask Allstate for a second review of your claim, providing any new evidence you have.
- Negotiate the Settlement – If Allstate’s offer is too low, you can present counter-evidence, such as alternative repair estimates, medical bills, or proof of lost wages.
- File a Complaint – If negotiations fail, you can file a complaint with your state’s Department of Insurance.
Seek Legal Assistance – If you are facing significant delays, unfair settlement offers, or wrongful denial, hiring a personal injury or insurance claims attorney can help you get the compensation you deserve.
Legal References:
- Espejo v. The Copley Press, Inc. (2017) 13 Cal.App.5th 329. See also ABC Test, California Department of Labor.
- California Labor Code 2775 LAB. See also California Civil Jury Instructions (CACI) No. 2705. See also, for example, Bowen v. Burns & McDonnell Engineering Co., Inc. (Cal.App. 2024) .
- California Labor Code 2775 LAB.
- California Labor Code 2775(b)(1)(A) LAB.
- Dynamex Operations West, Inc. v. Superior Court of Los Angeles County (2018) 4 Cal.5th 903, 958. See also Vazquez v. Jan-Pro Franchising Internat. (2021) 10 Cal. 5th 944.
- Dynamex, supra note 5, citing Western Ports v. Employment Security Department (2002) 41 P.3d 510.
- Dynamex, supra note 5, citing Fleece on Earth v. Department of Employment & Training (2007) 181 Vt. 458.
- Dynamex, supra note 5, citing Great Northern Construction, Inc. v. Dept. of Labor (2016) 161 A.3d 1207.
- Dynamex, supra note 5, at 959-961.
- Dynamex, supra note 5, citing Dole v. Snell (10th Cir. 1989) 875 F.2d 802.
- Dynamex, supra note 5, at 959.
- Alamo Foundation v. Secretary of Labor (1985) 471 U.S. 290.
- Dynamex, supra note 5, at 961-3.
- Dynamex, supra note 5, at 962. Going into business for oneself often involves taking the following steps: incorporating as a business, advertising, obtaining any necessary business licenses, and making offers to provide business services to the public.
- Dynamex, supra note 5, citing Brothers Construction Co. v. Virginia Employment Commission (1998) 494 S.E.2d 478.
- Dynamex, supra note 5, citing Southwest Appraisal Group, LLC v. Administrator, Unemployment Comp. Act (2017) 155 A.3d 738.
- California Labor Code 2780 LAB. Examples include recording artists or their managers, songwriters, lyricists, composers, or proofers, record producers and directors, musical engineers and mixers, musicians and musical groups, vocalists, and photographers working in the music industry.
- California Labor Code 2782 LAB.
- California Labor Code 2783 LAB.
- Same.
- Same. The licensed professionals include lawyers, architects and landscape architects, engineers, accountants, and private investigators.
- Same.
- Same.
- Same.
- California Labor Code 2778 LAB.
- Same.
- Same.
- Same.
- Same.
- Same.
- California Labor Code 2776 LAB.
- California Labor Code 2777 LAB.
- California Labor Code 2778 LAB.
- California Labor Code 2779 LAB.
- California Labor Code 2781 LAB.
- S.G. Borello & Sons, Inc. v. Department of Industrial Relations (1989) 48 Cal.3d 341. Some of those factors of the Borello test are:
- whether the worker is in a distinct occupation or business,
- whether the type of work normally happens under the direction of the employer or by a specialist without supervision,
- how much skill is necessary for the work,
- who supplies the tools and workspace,
- whether or how much the worker invested in their tools or helpers,
- how long the services will be performed,
- whether the worker is compensable based on time spent on the job or upon the job’s completion,
- whether the work is within the purported employer’s regular business,
- whether the parties believe that they are creating an employer-employee relationship, and
- whether the worker can profit or lose from the work based on their managerial skill.
None of these factors are dispositive. - Same.
- Dynamex, supra note 5, at 954.
- Dynamex, supra note 5, at 956, footnote 23. Because the Dynamex decision changed independent contractor misclassification law, it had a huge impact on ridesharing companies like Uber and Lyft that rely on delivery drivers and taxi-like drivers.
- California Labor Code 2785 LAB.
- Daniel Wiessner, 9th Circuit weighs claims that Uber was targeted by Calif. contractor law, Reuters (March 20, 2024).
- California Code of Civil Procedure 338 CCP; California Code of Civil Procedure 337 CCP. While independent contractors do not enjoy these legal and financial benefits, they have more control in how they work. True independent contractors can: choose which days and hours to work, choose and use their own equipment, and take breaks whenever they want. Actual independent contractors only have to satisfy the companies that they contract with in the products and services that they provide. True independent contractors cannot be told how to provide them. They are central to the current gig economy. This is why independent contractor misclassification is a problem in employment law: Employers classify workers as independent contractors but treat them as employees. By doing so, they can control the work that is provided while also avoiding the legal obligations that are owed to employees.
- California Labor Code 226.8 LAB.
About the Author
Neil Bhartia
Neil Bhartia isn’t your typical, stuffy attorney that you see on TV. While some have their sights exclusively on money and treat their clients like a number, Neil takes a personal interest in every single client he has. As an empath, Neil understands that people that seek legal help are typically in an involuntary, and stressful situation, and he goes out of his way to diffuse the stress and educate clients on each every detail of the legal process.
