Quick Claims Checklist
Stressed after a crash? Start here. Each card below shows the action plus why it matters under Florida’s no-fault rules.
Capture Evidence Fast
Prevents fault disputes
Photos, videos, and witness info prevent “he-said, she-said” disputes when adjusters review fault.
File Within 24–48 Hours
Avoid delays or denials
Most Orlando carriers require prompt notice. Hit-and-run UM claims need a police report within 24 hours.
Use Your PIP + Track Medical
Keeps 14-day rule intact
PIP covers injuries regardless of fault, but treatment must start within 14 days to unlock full benefits.
Choose Repair Path
Faster approvals, transparent pricing
Use insurer DRP shop or your own. Get written estimates and ask for supplements if hidden damage appears.
Protect Your Settlement
Paper trail beats lowball offers
Stay factual, keep a paper trail, and escalate delays. Consider attorney for injuries or liability disputes.
Orlando Claims Snapshot
Local numbers matter—these highlights come from combined carrier + DMV reporting for Metro Orlando.
Average Claim Size
$5,830
Includes collision + PIP payouts from the most recent filing period.
Average Repair Delay
6.2 days
Storm surges + parts backorders extend DRP turnaround.
Rental & UM Exposure
- 1 in 5 accidents involve rental cars
- 23% involve uninsured or underinsured drivers
- Top claim zones: I-4/Kirkman, Colonial Dr, Sand Lake Rd
When You Should NOT File a Claim
Sometimes paying out of pocket costs less than a three-year surcharge. Use these guardrails.
Damage Below Deductible
Single-car scrape or bumper scuff under $500? Paying cash avoids premium hikes of $400–$800 per year.
No Other Vehicles or Injuries
Garage mishap or mailbox tap with no structural damage usually isn’t worth a claim.
Will Not Impact Resale
Cosmetic scratches on older vehicles rarely affect value. Save claims for damage that impacts safety.
Rule of thumb
If expected repairs are less than 1.5x your deductible and nobody else is involved, consider paying cash. But always file if there are injuries, leased vehicles, or another party claims damage.
Not sure if filing will help or hurt?
Check your premium impact before you submit. Licensed Orlando claim advocates will review your scenario and flag hidden risks (like surcharge triggers or rental liability).
Orlando Claim Hotspots & Delay Triggers
High-Claim Corridors
- I-4 & Kirkman Rd: Heavy merge traffic + theme park exits
- International Drive: Rental cars + pedestrian crossings
- Colonial Dr (SR 50): Multi-lane sideswipes, delivery vans
- John Young Pkwy: Logistics corridor with commercial vehicles
- Disney / Lake Buena Vista exits: Multi-insurer claims (rental + personal)
Top Claim Delay Causes
- Missing police report or report number
- Tourist driver returns home before insurer contacts them
- Medical documentation submitted late or incomplete
- Repair shop backlog after summer storms
- Rental company involvement (separate liability policy)
Florida No-Fault Snapshot
PIP Coverage
- Pays your medical bills up to $10,000 regardless of fault
- Treatment must start within 14 days or benefits drop to $2,500
- Lost wages covered at 60% up to policy limits
- PIP does NOT pay for car repairs
Property Damage
- Fault-based—party that caused crash pays for vehicle repairs
- Minimum PD liability in Florida is only $10,000 (often insufficient)
- Use collision coverage if other driver is uninsured or slow to respond
- UM/UIM property damage can fill gaps if you purchased it
UM / UIM
- Protects you when the at-fault driver has little or no insurance
- Covers medical + sometimes property damage, depending on policy
- Required police report within 24 hours for hit-and-run claims
- Highly recommended in Orlando (23% uninsured drivers)
Florida’s 14-Day PIP Rule (Don’t Miss This)
If you don’t see a licensed medical provider within 14 days, your PIP medical limit drops from $10,000 to $2,500. Even if pain shows up later, schedule an urgent care, ER, or telehealth visit now.
Documents You Must Save
Keep digital copies in cloud storage + originals in a safe folder. Adjusters will ask for these during every stage.
Police Report
Case number, officer name, and diagrams. Request the long-form report via FLHSMV portal.
Photos / Video
Vehicle damage, VIN plates, skid marks, weather, traffic signals, injuries, and witness statements.
Medical + Expense Records
ER summaries, invoices, prescriptions, lost wage statements, towing & storage bills, rental car receipts.
Carrier Communication
Keep every email, letter, adjuster note, and settlement offer. Respond in writing for a clear audit trail.
Repair Estimates
Get at least two estimates (DRP + independent). Attach photos and supplement requests for hidden damage.
What To Do After a Car Accident in Orlando (Step-by-Step)
What you do in the first few minutes after an accident can significantly impact your claim. Follow these steps to protect yourself and maximize your claim settlement.
Check for Injuries & Call 911
Florida requires police involvement for most crashes; medical help unlocks PIP benefits.
First, check yourself and passengers for injuries. If anyone is hurt, call 911 immediately. In Florida, you must call police for accidents with injuries or property damage exceeding $500.
Move to Safety
Prevent secondary crashes while you wait for first responders.
If vehicles are drivable and no one is seriously injured, move to the shoulder or a safe location. Turn on hazard lights. Never leave the scene of an accident in Florida—it's a criminal offense.
Call Police
A report number is required by nearly every Orlando carrier.
Florida law requires police reports for accidents with injuries or $500+ in damage. Even for minor accidents, a police report strengthens your claim. Wait for officers to arrive and provide accurate information.
Exchange Information
Capture ID, insurance, VIN, and photos of all documents.
Get the other driver's name, phone, address, license number, insurance company, and policy number. Also get vehicle make/model, license plate, and VIN. Take photos of their license and insurance card.
Document Everything
Evidence wins disputes when adjusters review fault.
Take photos of: damage to all vehicles, license plates, accident scene, road conditions, traffic signs, weather, injuries, and witness contact information. The more documentation, the stronger your claim.
Don't Admit Fault
Let adjusters and police evaluate liability.
Never admit fault at the scene, even if you think you caused the accident. Fault determination is complex and should be left to insurance adjusters and police. Stick to facts only.
Orlando-Specific Considerations
- Tourist Areas: I-Drive, Universal, Disney see many rental car accidents. Document rental car information carefully.
- Hit-and-Runs: Common in high-traffic areas. If hit-and-run, call 911 immediately and file police report within 24 hours for UM coverage.
- Uninsured Drivers: 20%+ of Florida drivers are uninsured. Get their information, but don't rely on them paying out-of-pocket.
How Long Orlando Claims Usually Take
Set expectations early. These are averages from Orlando carriers (actual timelines depend on documentation quality and repair shop capacity).
Quick Claims
4–10 days
Common: Minor fender-benders, virtual inspections
Upload photos + police report same day to stay in the fast lane.
Injury / PIP
2–8 weeks
Needs: Treatment within 14 days, organized medical bills
Delays happen when therapy notes or diagnostics arrive piecemeal.
Total Loss
12–28 days
Faster if: Title + loan payoff info ready
Slowdowns come from valuation disputes or missing payoff statements.
Hit-and-Run / UM
3–6 weeks
Must have: Police report within 24 hours, surveillance if possible
No police report is the #1 reason UM claims stall.
Disputed Fault
60–180 days
Speeds up with: Dashcam video, independent witnesses, clear diagrams
Expect negotiations between carriers + possible litigation.
What NOT to Do After an Orlando Accident
These five mistakes cause most claim denials or lowball payouts in Central Florida.
Never admit fault
Even saying “I’m sorry” can be spun as an admission. Stick to facts when speaking with police or adjusters.
Don’t leave without photos
Lack of scene photos makes it easy for the other driver to change their story later.
Don’t skip the police report
Florida requires police involvement for most crashes. No report = weak claim.
Don’t delay treatment
PIP benefits drop from $10,000 to $2,500 if you don’t seek care within 14 days.
Don’t give recorded statements blindly
Ask what the statement will be used for, stick to facts, and talk to your own carrier (or an attorney) before speaking to the other driver’s insurer. Their goal is to minimize payout.
Before You File, Make Sure You Have…
Police Report Number
Florida carriers can’t process without the officer’s case ID.
Photos of Every Vehicle
Capture angles, plates, VIN tags, road conditions, and debris.
Witness + Driver Details
Full names, phone numbers, insurance cards, rental agreements.
Proof of Treatment (14-Day Rule)
Urgent care, ER, or telehealth visit within 14 days keeps your PIP limit at $10K.
Repair / Tow Estimates
Initial damage estimate, towing invoice, storage fees, rental receipts.
Filing Your Insurance Claim
Contact your Orlando insurance companies as soon as possible after an accident. Most Orlando carriers require claims to be reported within 24-48 hours.
When to File
- Immediately: Accidents with injuries, significant damage, hit-and-run
- Within 24 hours: All other accidents
- Delayed reporting: Can result in claim denial or reduced settlement
- Hit-and-run: Must file police report within 24 hours for UM coverage
Information to Provide
- Date, time, and location of accident
- Police report number (if available)
- Other driver's information
- Witness contact information
- Photos and documentation
- Description of what happened
- Vehicle damage description
| Claim Type | Reporting Deadline | Special Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| At-Fault Accident | 24-48 hours | Police report if injuries or $500+ damage |
| Not-At-Fault Accident | 24-48 hours | File with your insurer and other driver's insurer |
| Hit-and-Run | 24 hours (police report) | Police report required for UM coverage |
| Uninsured Driver | 24-48 hours | UM coverage claim, police report recommended |
| Theft/Vandalism | 24-48 hours | Police report required for comprehensive claim |
Working with Insurance Adjusters
The adjuster investigates your claim and determines settlement amounts. Understanding how to work with adjusters helps you get fair compensation.
What Adjusters Do
- Review police reports and documentation
- Inspect vehicle damage
- Review medical records (if injuries)
- Determine fault and coverage
- Calculate settlement amounts
- Approve or deny claim
Tips for Working with Adjusters
- Be honest and provide all requested documentation
- Keep detailed records of all communications
- Get repair estimates from multiple shops
- Don't accept first settlement offer if it seems low
- Ask questions about coverage and deductibles
- Request written explanations for denials
Vehicle Repairs & Settlements
Repair Process
- Adjuster inspects damage and provides estimate
- You choose repair shop (or use carrier's preferred shop)
- Shop provides detailed repair estimate
- Carrier approves repairs (may require supplement if hidden damage found)
- Repairs completed
- Final inspection and claim closure
Settlement Options
Repair: Carrier pays repair shop directly (minus deductible)
Total Loss: If repair costs exceed vehicle value, carrier pays actual cash value (minus deductible)
Cash Settlement: Some carriers offer cash instead of repairs (usually less than repair cost)
Rental Car: If you have rental reimbursement, carrier covers rental during repairs
Total Loss Threshold
In Florida, a vehicle is considered a total loss if repair costs exceed 80% of the vehicle's actual cash value. If your vehicle is totaled, the carrier pays actual cash value (market value before accident) minus your deductible. You can negotiate the ACV if you have evidence of higher value.
Common Claim Issues & Solutions
| Issue | Solution | Prevention |
|---|---|---|
| Claim Denied | Request written explanation, review policy, file appeal, consider hiring public adjuster | File promptly, provide complete documentation, understand your coverage |
| Missing Documentation | Send complete photo set, medical bills, police report, and repair estimate in one batch | Use a checklist before filing and upload everything through the carrier portal at once |
| Low Settlement Offer | Get multiple repair estimates, provide evidence of vehicle value, negotiate, consider appraisal clause | Document vehicle condition before accident, keep maintenance records |
| Disputed Fault | Provide police report, witness statements, photos, consider independent investigation | Call police, document thoroughly, get witness contact info |
| Delayed Processing | Follow up regularly, escalate to supervisor, file complaint with Florida Department of Financial Services | File promptly, provide all documentation immediately |
| Hidden Damage Found | Request supplement from adjuster, provide photos and shop estimates | Thorough initial inspection, use reputable repair shop |
How Claims Affect Your Premium
Understanding how different types of claims affect your rates helps you make informed decisions about when to file claims.
Claims That Increase Rates
- At-fault accidents: 20-40% increase for 3-5 years
- Multiple claims: Can lead to non-renewal
- DUI-related claims: Significant increases or cancellation
- Major violations: Reckless driving, excessive speeding
Claims That Usually Don't Increase Rates
- Not-at-fault accidents: Typically no increase
- Comprehensive claims: Theft, vandalism, weather (usually no increase)
- Windshield replacement: Usually no increase
- Hit-and-run (UM claim): Usually no increase
Need a Claims-Friendly Carrier After Your Last Loss?
Enter your ZIP to compare insurers with fast Orlando claims departments, OEM parts guarantees, or accident-forgiveness options. Perfect if you’re switching after a slow payout.
- See which carriers waive surcharges for not-at-fault or comprehensive claims
- Match with local agents who specialize in documentation and supplements
Need Help with an Auto Insurance Claim in Orlando?
Get expert guidance on your claim. Connect with licensed Orlando insurance agents who can help you navigate the claims process, maximize your settlement, and understand your coverage.
- Claims process guidance and support
- Documentation review and claim filing help
- Settlement negotiation assistance