How to File a Car Accident Claim with The Hartford | GoSuits

• What should you do immediately after a crash if you plan to file a claim with The Hartford?
• How do you report or start a Hartford auto insurance claim?
• What documents do you need to file a Hartford car accident claim?
• Do you need a police report for a car accident claim with The Hartford?
• How does The Hartford assign a claims adjuster and what do they do?
• Which Hartford coverages may apply to your claim?
• What if your car is a total loss or loses value after repairs?
• How do comparative negligence rules in TX, CA, and IL affect your Hartford claim?
• What are the filing deadlines and statutes of limitations in TX, CA, and IL?
• What deadlines apply to insurers handling claims in TX, CA, and IL?
• How do you negotiate a settlement with The Hartford?
• How can you challenge or appeal a denied Hartford insurance claim?
• What are subrogation and liens, and how do they affect your settlement?
• Should you talk to a lawyer for a Hartford car accident claim?
• Quick FAQs for Hartford car claims
• Local notes for Texas, California, and Illinois drivers
• About GoSuits
• Resources

What should you do immediately after a crash if you plan to file a claim with The Hartford?

First, take care of your safety and health. Call 911 if anyone is hurt. Move to a safe place if you can. Then think about the information your future claim will need. Crash numbers remain high nationwide, so treating every collision like a potential claim protects you. In 2022, more than 42,000 people died in U.S. traffic crashes, with millions more injured or affected by property damage, according to federal estimates from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) [source: NHTSA].

To support a Hartford auto insurance claim, try to do the following:

• Call police when required or advisable. A police response creates an official record that can help later. See our police report section below for state rules and resources.
• Exchange information. Get names, addresses, phone numbers, driver’s license numbers, license plates, and insurance details for all involved drivers. Photograph insurance ID cards.
• Document the scene. Take photos and short video of vehicle damage, roadway, traffic control, skid marks, debris, weather, and visible injuries. Note the time, location, and direction of travel.
• Collect witness info. Ask for names and contact details of any witnesses. Note nearby businesses or cameras that may have footage.
• Seek medical care. Even if injuries feel minor, prompt care documents complaints and helps you heal. Keep all discharge papers, referrals, and bills.
• Notify your insurer promptly. Policies require timely notice. If you are a Hartford policyholder, you can report the claim through your insurance ID card contact number or your mobile app.
• Avoid discussing fault. Stick to facts at the scene. Save detailed statements for your insurer and, if you choose, your attorney.
• Preserve evidence. Do not discard damaged parts, dashcam footage, or torn clothing. Save vehicle repair estimates and towing receipts.

How do you report or start a Hartford auto insurance claim?

The Hartford accepts claims by phone and digital channels. Your policy packet, declarations page, and insurance ID card list contact options. If you are an insured:

• Find the Hartford claim phone number on your ID card, declarations page, or the insurer’s mobile app.
• Have key facts ready: date and time, location, people involved, vehicle info, and a brief description of what happened. Reference any police report number you received.
• Ask about next steps: whether an inspection is needed, how to submit photos, where to send medical bills, and rental coverage procedures.

If you are not a Hartford policyholder but were hit by a Hartford-insured driver, you can open a third-party claim with The Hartford using the other driver’s policy number and contact details. You can also choose to go through your own insurer first, particularly if you have collision coverage or if fault is disputed. Your insurer may later pursue subrogation to recover what it paid.

What documents do you need to file a Hartford car accident claim?

Insurers typically request documents that show what happened, who was involved, injuries, and losses. Common items include:

• Identity and insurance: driver’s license, insurance ID card, and your policy declarations page.
• Police report details: incident number or a copy once available.
• Photos and video: vehicle damage, scene, and injuries.
• Medical records and bills: ER and clinic records, imaging, prescriptions, therapy notes, and billing statements for any bodily injury claim.
• Lost wages proof: employer letter outlining time missed and pay lost, recent pay stubs, or tax records if self-employed.
• Vehicle estimates: body shop estimate, towing and storage bills, and any total loss valuation documents.
• Out-of-pocket costs: receipts for medications, medical devices, Uber or Lyft to appointments, and child care needed due to injuries.

Producing complete and organized records can shorten the time needed for an adjuster to evaluate your Hartford claim.

Do you need a police report for a car accident claim with The Hartford?

While you can sometimes file without a police report, it is often helpful and sometimes legally required to involve law enforcement or file a report in specific situations. State laws vary:

• Texas: Officers generally prepare a crash report if a crash results in injury, death, or property damage to an apparent extent of at least $1,000. Texas Transportation Code chapter 550 governs duties following crashes and officer reporting [source: Tex. Transp. Code ch. 550]. Ask the responding agency how to request a copy.
• California: You must report a crash to the DMV within 10 days using an SR-1 form if anyone was injured or killed, or if property damage exceeds a state threshold. The California DMV provides the SR-1 and instructions [source: CA DMV Accident Reporting].
• Illinois: Police-reporting thresholds and procedures apply for injury, death, or specific damage amounts. Check your local police or the Illinois Department of Transportation for current rules. You can also consult the Illinois Secretary of State or IDOT for crash reporting information.

Provide the police report number to The Hartford when you have it. If no officer responded, gather as much information as possible at the scene and promptly notify your insurer.

How does The Hartford assign a claims adjuster and what do they do?

After you report the claim, The Hartford typically assigns a claims adjuster. In most cases:

• Initial contact: The adjuster will contact you to confirm basic facts, identify applicable coverages, and explain next steps. In Texas, insurers must acknowledge a claim within specific time frames [source: Tex. Ins. Code ch. 542]. California and Illinois have similar standards through regulations and unfair claims practices rules [sources: CA DOI Fair Claims Regs; 215 ILCS 5/154.6; 50 Ill. Adm. Code Part 919].
• Investigation: They may take your statement, request records, inspect your vehicle, and speak to witnesses or other insurers. Be factual and concise.
• Valuation: The adjuster evaluates repair costs, medical expenses, lost income, and other compensable losses. They consider policy terms, coverage limits, and state law.
• Communication: Ask about expected timelines for decisions. In California, for example, insurers generally have 40 calendar days to accept or deny claims after receiving proof of claim, with regular updates on outstanding items [source: 10 CCR § 2695.7].

Which Hartford coverages may apply to your claim?

Your policy’s declarations page lists your coverages and limits. Common coverages that may be relevant include:

What is PIP or MedPay and how do you use it with The Hartford?

• Texas PIP: Personal Injury Protection must be offered in Texas and applies regardless of fault unless you rejected it in writing. It can cover medical costs and a portion of lost income, typically starting at $2,500 per person unless you chose more [source: Tex. Ins. Code §§ 1952.151–1952.159].
• California MedPay: Medical Payments coverage is optional. It can pay reasonable medical expenses for you and your passengers after a crash, regardless of fault. See consumer guidance from the California Department of Insurance [source: CA DOI Auto Policy Guide].
• Illinois MedPay: Medical Payments is also typically optional and can help pay medical bills. Check your declarations page and the Illinois Department of Insurance for coverage guidance [source: Illinois DOI Auto Insurance].

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How do liability coverages work with Hartford claims?

• Bodily injury liability: If you are at fault, this coverage pays claims by others up to your policy limits.
• Property damage liability: Covers damage you cause to others’ vehicles or property up to your limits.

How do UM and UIM claims work at The Hartford?

• Texas: Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage must be offered and can protect you if the other driver lacks enough insurance, unless you rejected it in writing [source: Tex. Ins. Code § 1952.101 et seq.].
• California: UM and UIM must be offered; terms and procedures are in the Insurance Code [source: Cal. Ins. Code § 11580.2].
• Illinois: UM coverage is required at certain minimums and UIM is generally required when you carry higher liability limits [source: 215 ILCS 5/143a].

UM and UIM claims can be complex, especially where injuries are significant or liability is disputed. Pay attention to any policy provisions requiring notice, medical examinations, or arbitration in certain states.

What about collision, comprehensive, and rental car coverage?

• Collision: Pays for damage to your vehicle from a crash, subject to your deductible, regardless of fault.
• Comprehensive: Covers non-crash losses such as theft, vandalism, or hail.
• Rental reimbursement: Pays toward a rental car while your vehicle is being repaired or until a total loss is settled, subject to daily and maximum limits. Ask The Hartford about approved vendors and billing procedures.

What if your car is a total loss or loses value after repairs?

When repair costs approach or exceed a certain percentage of the vehicle’s value, insurers may declare a total loss. The valuation process and salvage procedures can be governed by policy terms and state rules.

• California total loss valuations: California’s Fair Claims Settlement Practices Regulations include standards for total loss cash settlements and valuations [source: 10 CCR § 2695.8].
• Diminished value: After repairs, some vehicles may be worth less than before the crash. Third-party diminished value claims may be asserted against an at-fault driver in some scenarios. Availability and scope can depend on state law and policy terms. For Texas consumers, the Department of Insurance provides general guidance on auto claims issues that can include valuation questions [source: TDI Auto Insurance].

If your vehicle is declared a total loss, ask The Hartford to explain the valuation method, comparable vehicles used, taxes and fees included, and title or salvage implications in your state. If you believe the valuation is low, you can provide additional comparables or consider an independent appraisal. Regulations in some states establish dispute procedures for total loss valuations.

How do comparative negligence rules in TX, CA, and IL affect your Hartford claim?

Comparative negligence allocates fault among drivers. Your recovery can be reduced or barred depending on your share of responsibility and your state’s rule:

• Texas: Modified comparative responsibility with a 51 percent bar. You cannot recover if you are more than 50 percent at fault. If you are 50 percent or less at fault, your recovery is reduced by your percentage of responsibility [source: Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code ch. 33].
• California: Pure comparative negligence. Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault, even if you are mostly at fault, as established by the California Supreme Court [source: Li v. Yellow Cab Co., 13 Cal.3d 804].
• Illinois: Modified comparative negligence with a 51 percent bar. A plaintiff cannot recover if more than 50 percent at fault. Otherwise, damages are reduced proportionally [source: 735 ILCS 5/2-1116].

These rules affect both first-party and third-party negotiations. For example, in a Texas claim, if the adjuster believes you are 30 percent at fault, your injury and property claims may be reduced by 30 percent. Evidence from scene photos, the police report, and witness statements can be critical in challenging an unfavorable fault allocation.

What are the filing deadlines and statutes of limitations in TX, CA, and IL?

Civil deadlines limit the time to file a lawsuit. Missing them can end your claim. The deadlines vary by claim type and state:

• Texas:

• Personal injury: Generally 2 years from the date of injury [source: Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 16.003].
• Property damage: Generally 2 years [same source].

• California:

• Personal injury: Generally 2 years [source: Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 335.1].
• Property damage: Generally 3 years [source: Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 338].

• Illinois:

• Personal injury: Generally 2 years [source: 735 ILCS 5/13-202].
• Property damage: Generally 5 years [source: 735 ILCS 5/13-205].

Other deadlines may apply, including claims against government entities, UM or UIM policy notice requirements, arbitration deadlines, or contractual suit limitations. To protect your rights, get legal help early enough to investigate, collect records, and meet every deadline in Texas, California, and Illinois.

What deadlines apply to insurers handling claims in TX, CA, and IL?

States regulate how quickly insurers must respond, investigate, and pay approved claims. Highlights include:

• Texas prompt payment: Insurers generally must acknowledge a claim within 15 calendar days, request needed items promptly, and accept or reject within 15 business days after receiving all requested items. Payment is due within 5 business days after agreeing to pay, subject to limited extensions [source: Tex. Ins. Code §§ 542.055–.058].
• California fair claims rules: Insurers must respond to communications within 15 calendar days, provide necessary forms and explanations, and accept or deny claims within 40 days after receiving proof of claim, with updates every 30 days if still investigating [source: 10 CCR § 2695.7].
• Illinois standards: Unfair claims practices are defined by statute and regulations. The Illinois Administrative Code sets timelines for acknowledging communications and conducting investigations, and the statute lists improper practices [sources: 50 Ill. Adm. Code Part 919; 215 ILCS 5/154.6].

If you think your claim is being delayed or mishandled, document every contact and consider contacting your state insurance department. Links to complaint portals appear in the resources below.

How do you negotiate a settlement with The Hartford?

Whether you have a bodily injury claim, a property damage claim, or both, negotiation is a process. Staying organized and evidence-driven helps you move from first offer to a fair outcome under your policy and state law.

• Build a clear demand: Summarize liability facts, injuries, treatment, medical bills, lost wages, and other losses. Include key records and photos. If fault is disputed, address comparative negligence with facts and citations to physical evidence and witness statements.
• Use state rules to your advantage: If your claim is in California, for example, know the 40-day decision window and the requirements for written explanations of denials or partial denials [source: 10 CCR § 2695.7]. In Texas, know the prompt payment timelines [source: Tex. Ins. Code ch. 542].
• Be cautious with recorded statements: Provide accurate facts, but avoid speculative opinions. If you have counsel, coordinate statements with your attorney.
• Document negotiation steps: Keep a log of dates, names, and summaries of calls or emails. Save all letters and settlement offers.
• Check liens and subrogation: If health insurance or PIP paid bills, expect reimbursement claims that may reduce your net recovery. See the subrogation section below.
• Consider timing: Settling too early can leave out medical costs or wage losses that are not fully known yet. On the other hand, approaching legal deadlines without action can jeopardize your rights.

How can you challenge or appeal a denied Hartford insurance claim?

If The Hartford denies or undervalues your claim, read the denial letter closely. It should cite policy provisions and the factual basis. Steps you can take include:

• Request a detailed explanation: Ask for the specific policy language and evidence relied upon. In California, fair claims rules require timely, specific denials and explanations [source: 10 CCR § 2695.7].
• Submit additional proof: Provide missing documents, updated records, or third-party opinions. For total loss disputes, submit comparable vehicles and valuation critiques.
• Escalate internally: Ask for supervisory review. Keep communication professional and evidence-based.
• File a regulator complaint: Your state insurance department can review unfair claim concerns:

• Texas: Texas Department of Insurance Complaints
• California: California Department of Insurance Complaints
• Illinois: Illinois Department of Insurance Complaints

• Consider legal action: If negotiations fail and statutes of limitations are approaching, a civil lawsuit may be necessary to preserve your claim rights in Texas, California, or Illinois.

What are subrogation and liens, and how do they affect your settlement?

Two concepts can reduce your net recovery if not managed early:

• Subrogation: When your insurer pays benefits, it may have a right to recover those amounts from the at-fault party or their insurer. Subrogation is a legal substitution of one person in the place of another to pursue recovery [source: Law.com Dictionary].
• Liens: Health plans, government programs, or providers may assert liens on your recovery for medical costs they paid. Properly negotiating reductions or satisfying liens is critical to finalize settlement and avoid later collection.

If you plan to settle a Hartford claim, ask for a benefits and lien audit before you sign releases. Keep all parties informed to prevent duplicate payments or claim denials later.

Should you talk to a lawyer for a Hartford car accident claim?

Auto insurance claims involve coverage interpretation, fault allocation, medical evidence, and state-specific procedures. Insurers have claim teams and counsel. If injuries are significant, liability is disputed, or deadlines are near, many people find that having legal help levels the playing field and keeps the process on track. Courts, statutes, and regulations in Texas, California, and Illinois impose strict timelines and technical requirements that can be challenging to navigate without support.

Self-representation can carry risk, especially with UM or UIM, comparative negligence arguments, and lien resolution. If you contact an attorney, bring your policy documents, photos, medical records, and any communication from The Hartford.

Quick FAQs for Hartford car claims

What is The Hartford claim phone number and how can I find it?

Look on your Hartford insurance ID card, your policy declarations page, or your mobile app. You can also review any recent emails or letters from The Hartford for claim contact details. (800) 243-5860 is listed number for claims.

Do I need a recorded statement to The Hartford?

Insurers often request recorded statements. Keep it factual and concise. If you have an attorney, discuss the timing and scope of any statement first. Do not guess or speculate.

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Should I sign a broad medical authorization?

When reasonable and tailored to your injuries, medical records help evaluate your claim. Overly broad authorizations can open unrelated records. Ask that requests be limited to relevant providers and dates. In California and Illinois, fair claims standards require reasonable document requests [sources: 10 CCR § 2695.7(d); 50 Ill. Adm. Code Part 919].

Will PIP or MedPay affect my bodily injury claim?

PIP or MedPay may pay medical bills early, and there may be subrogation rights or offsets depending on your state and policy. Keep careful track of what is paid and by whom.

Can I get a rental car through The Hartford?

If you have rental reimbursement coverage, ask The Hartford about approved vendors and billing. If the other driver is clearly at fault and insured with The Hartford, you can request rental coverage from their liability insurer. Confirm daily limits and total duration in writing.

What if the other driver has no insurance or left the scene?

UM and UIM coverage can help in hit and run or uninsured scenarios, subject to your policy and state law [sources: Tex. Ins. Code § 1952.101 et seq.; Cal. Ins. Code § 11580.2; 215 ILCS 5/143a]. Report promptly and follow any documentation requirements.

Local notes for Texas, California, and Illinois drivers

We work with drivers and families across Texas, California, and Illinois. Urban traffic in Houston, Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, Fort Worth, Los Angeles, San Diego, San Jose, San Francisco, Sacramento, Orange County, Chicago, Naperville, Aurora, and Springfield IL often leads to multiple-witness and multi-vehicle crashes. That can mean more adjusters and competing insurers. A few reminders:

• Texas: Use the Crash Report number from the responding agency when available and track prompt payment deadlines. Comparative responsibility under the 51 percent bar has major settlement impact [sources: Tex. Transp. Code ch. 550; Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code ch. 33; Tex. Ins. Code ch. 542].
• California: File DMV SR-1 when required, maintain proof of claim communications under fair claims regulations, and address pure comparative negligence head-on [sources: CA DMV SR-1; 10 CCR § 2695.7; Li v. Yellow Cab].
• Illinois: Track the longer five-year property damage statute but do not delay pursuing injury claims given the two-year limit. Use the Illinois DOI if you encounter unfair claim practices [sources: 735 ILCS 5/13-202; 735 ILCS 5/13-205; Illinois DOI Complaints].

For more state-specific guidance on post-crash steps, the Texas State Law Library provides a helpful overview for Texas crashes [source: Texas Law Library Car Accidents Guide]. Your city’s police department website often explains how to obtain a crash report copy.

About GoSuits

Car crashes turn life upside down. We help injured people and families in Texas, California, and Illinois pursue civil claims against at-fault drivers and handle first-party coverage issues with insurers including The Hartford. A free consultation can clarify your options, timelines, and what evidence matters most. We focus on personal injury, wrongful death, and related insurance disputes arising from car, truck, rideshare, pedestrian, bicycle, and motorcycle collisions.

• Where we practice: Texas statewide including Houston, Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, and Fort Worth. California statewide including Los Angeles, San Diego, San Jose, San Francisco, Sacramento, and Orange County. Illinois statewide including Chicago, Naperville, Aurora, and Springfield.
• Technology-driven: We built proprietary software that accelerates evidence gathering, lien tracking, and damages modeling, so cases move faster without sacrificing quality.
• Innovation leadership: Our data integrations streamline medical records, police reports, and valuation comparables to reduce bottlenecks that often delay settlements.
• Attorney access: Although technology helps us move quickly, every client has a designated attorney and unfettered access to that attorney. We do not use case managers to run your case.
• Track record: We have secured significant results for clients in complex liability and coverage disputes. See selected outcomes at gosuits.com/prior-cases.
• Experience: 30 years of combined experience across negotiation, litigation, and trial in Texas, California, and Illinois courts.
• Trial readiness: Trial experience matters. Insurers evaluate risk. Being prepared to try a case can influence negotiations and help resolve disputes on fair terms.
• Practice areas: Auto, truck, motorcycle, pedestrian, bicycle, rideshare, drunk driving collisions, uninsured or underinsured motorist claims, bad faith and unfair claims practices disputes, wrongful death, premises liability.

We are here to help you understand how to file an insurance claim after a car accident with The Hartford and navigate next steps. If you want to talk through your situation, we offer free consultations.

Resources

• NHTSA traffic fatality data and estimates
• Texas State Law Library Car Accidents Guide
• Texas Transportation Code ch. 550
• Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 16.003
• Texas comparative responsibility ch. 33
• Texas Insurance Code prompt payment ch. 542
• Texas Insurance Code PIP and UM/UIM ch. 1952
• California Fair Claims Settlement Practices Regulations
• California CCP § 335.1 personal injury
• California CCP § 338 property damage
• California Insurance Code § 11580.2 UM/UIM
• California DMV accident reporting SR-1
• Illinois 735 ILCS 5/13-202 personal injury
• Illinois 735 ILCS 5/13-205 property damage
• Illinois 215 ILCS 5/143a UM/UIM
• Illinois 215 ILCS 5/154.6 improper claims practices
• Illinois Administrative Code Part 919 claims practices
• Li v. Yellow Cab Co., 13 Cal.3d 804
• Law.com Dictionary definition of subrogation
• Texas Department of Insurance auto insurance consumer page
• Texas Department of Insurance complaints
• California Department of Insurance complaints
• Illinois Department of Insurance complaints