- What should you do in the first 24 to 72 hours after a crash before filing a Progressive claim?
- How do you start a Progressive car accident claim and get a claim number?
- What documents and evidence help the Progressive insurance claim process?
- What are the step-by-step stages of a Progressive auto insurance claim?
- How long do you have to file a claim with Progressive in Texas, California, and Illinois?
- How do Texas, California, and Illinois laws change your Progressive claim strategy?
- What if the other driver is uninsured or underinsured with Progressive?
- How should you talk to insurance adjusters after a car accident?
- How are medical bills and lost wages handled in a Progressive personal injury claim?
- What can you do if Progressive delays, underpays, or denies your claim?
- What is subrogation in auto claims, and why does it matter?
- Will Progressive declare your car a total loss, and how is the value calculated?
- Can you get a rental car after an accident in a Progressive claim?
- How do you track your Progressive claim number and status?
- What common mistakes should you avoid in a Progressive auto claim?
- When does a car accident claim turn into a lawsuit against the at-fault driver?
- How do you file a Progressive property damage-only claim versus a personal injury claim?
- What local crash reporting rules apply in Texas, California, and Illinois?
- How does comparative negligence affect Progressive payouts in TX, CA, and IL?
- Where can you find official forms, laws, and resources for your claim?
- How can GoSuits help with a Progressive car accident claim?
What should you do in the first 24 to 72 hours after a crash before filing a Progressive claim?
The first days set the tone for your Progressive car accident claim. Focus on safety, medical care, documentation, and preserving your rights by contacting a car accident lawyer from GoSuits as soon as possible.
- Call 911 and get a police report. In many states, police must file reports for injury crashes or significant property damage. In Texas, an officer files a report for crashes involving injury, death, or damage at or above the reporting threshold under Transportation Code Chapter 550 [Tex. Transp. Code Ch. 550].
- Get a medical evaluation. Some injuries are delayed. Your medical records become core evidence for a Progressive personal injury claim.
- Collect evidence. Photos or videos of vehicles, debris, skid marks, traffic signals, and visible injuries. Exchange contact and insurance information with all drivers and witnesses.
- Do not admit fault. Even polite statements can be misinterpreted.
- Notify your insurer promptly. Most policies require prompt notice. If you have Progressive, you can report using your ID card contacts or mobile app.
- Consider legal help early. Injury claims involve liability, coverage, medical liens, and deadlines. Early representation often preserves evidence and reduces adjuster friction.
Context: Traffic crashes remain a serious risk. NHTSA reported more than 42,000 U.S. traffic fatalities in 2022 [NHTSA 2022 Fatalities]. The stakes in a Progressive auto insurance claim are high, especially when injuries or unfair fault disputes arise.
How do you start a Progressive car accident claim and get a claim number?
You can open a Progressive car accident claim in three common ways:
- Call the claims phone number listed on your Progressive ID card. The safest source for the correct number is your policy documents or the Progressive app.
- Report a claim through the Progressive mobile app. The app usually allows photo uploads, location data, and messaging with the adjuster.
- Report online through your Progressive account. If you have portal access, you can start the claim and receive a confirmation.
After you report, Progressive will create a claim file and issue a claim number. Save that number. Share it with repair shops, medical providers upon request, and your attorney. If you are a third-party claimant making a Progressive accident report against their insured, request the claim number from the adjuster and confirm the insured’s policy information in writing.
What documents and evidence help the Progressive insurance claim process?
Good documentation can shorten investigations and help fair valuation of your injuries and damages. Prepare to provide:
- Police crash report. Officers’ narratives, diagrams, and citations are often used in liability assessments. In California, you may also need an SR-1 report to DMV if there are injuries, death, or property damage over the threshold [CA DMV SR-1].
- Photos and videos. Crash scene, vehicle positions, weather, road conditions, signal status, damage close-ups, and injuries.
- Witness statements. Names, phone numbers, and brief summaries.
- Medical records and bills. ER records, primary care, specialists, physical therapy, imaging, prescriptions, and itemized charges.
- Work records. Employer letter, wage statements, and off-work slips to support lost income.
- Insurance information. Progressive policy or ID card, declarations page, and any correspondence from adjusters.
- Vehicle documents. Title or registration, maintenance records, aftermarket equipment receipts, and comparable value research.
What are the step-by-step stages of a Progressive auto insurance claim?
While every claim is unique, most Progressive car accident claims follow this flow:
- Initial intake. You provide crash details, injuries, and coverage info. Progressive assigns a claim number and an adjuster.
- Coverage verification. Progressive confirms policy status, coverages, exclusions, and limits that may apply to your loss.
- Liability investigation. Review of police reports, photos, statements, vehicle inspections, and sometimes recorded interviews.
- Damage assessment. Vehicle estimate, supplement reviews, and for injury claims, Progressive reviews medical records and bills.
- Valuation. Progressive evaluates property damage, medical expenses, lost wages, and general damages where applicable under state law.
- Negotiation. Offers and counteroffers are exchanged. Evidence quality and state law standards drive outcomes.
- Resolution. Settlement releases, payment, vehicle repairs or total loss processing, and closing the claim. If unresolved, litigation against the at-fault driver may follow.
State rules can add deadlines. For example, Texas has prompt-payment statutes that set specific timeframes for insurer acknowledgment and payment decisions [Tex. Ins. Code Ch. 542].
How long do you have to file a claim with Progressive in Texas, California, and Illinois?
There are two kinds of time limits to keep in mind.
What are the policy notice requirements to Progressive?
Auto policies typically require prompt notice of a loss. If you wait too long without good reason and Progressive is prejudiced in its investigation, coverage can be challenged. Check your policy for exact wording. Provide notice as soon as practical.
What are the lawsuit filing deadlines against the at-fault driver?
- Texas: Generally 2 years to file a personal injury or property damage lawsuit arising from a car crash [Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code §16.003].
- California: 2 years for personal injury [Cal. CCP §335.1], 3 years for property damage [Cal. CCP §338].
- Illinois: 2 years for personal injury [735 ILCS 5/13-202], 5 years for property damage [735 ILCS 5/13-205].
These general statutes can be affected by special rules, including claims against government entities or minors. Do not wait if you are in Houston, Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, Fort Worth, Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, Sacramento, Orange County, Chicago, Cook County, Naperville, or Aurora. The earlier you act, the better your documentation and negotiating position.
How do Texas, California, and Illinois laws change your Progressive claim strategy?
What Texas insurer deadlines apply to Progressive?
Texas law requires insurers to meet prompt payment deadlines once you submit a claim and request documentation. Generally, an insurer must:
- Acknowledge and begin investigation within 15 calendar days of receiving the claim [Tex. Ins. Code §542.055].
- Accept or reject a claim within 15 business days after receiving all necessary items [§542.056].
- Pay within 5 business days after notification of acceptance of the claim [§542.057].
If delays occur, interest penalties may apply under Chapter 542. Keep a written log of dates and requests.
What California fair claims rules affect Progressive?
California’s Unfair Insurance Practices Act makes unfair claims practices unlawful [Cal. Ins. Code §790.03(h)]. The Department of Insurance also enforces Fair Claims Settlement Practices Regulations, which set standards for prompt, fair communications and claim decisions. You can review consumer laws and regs through the Department’s portal [CA DOI Laws and Regs].
What Illinois claim standards apply to Progressive?
Illinois prohibits unfair claim settlement practices such as failing to promptly investigate or settle claims in which liability becomes reasonably clear [215 ILCS 5/154.6].
What if the other driver is uninsured or underinsured with Progressive?
If you have Uninsured Motorist or Underinsured Motorist coverage, you may make a UM or UIM claim under your own Progressive policy when the at-fault driver lacks adequate insurance. Key points vary by state.
- Texas: A UM/UIM breach of contract claim generally accrues after liability and damages are determined or when the insurer denies the claim. The Texas Supreme Court discussed this in Brainard v. Trinity Universal Insurance Co. [Brainard, 216 S.W.3d 809].
- California: The Insurance Code sets UM/UIM procedures, including time limits to demand arbitration for some claims [Cal. Ins. Code §11580.2].
- Illinois: UM/UIM claims are often governed by policy arbitration clauses and Illinois law. Do not delay because contractual time limits can be shorter than general statutes.
UM/UIM claims still involve proving the other driver’s fault and your damages. Preserve evidence and consider attorney representation early, especially for serious injuries.
How should you talk to insurance adjusters after a car accident?
Adjusters are trained to evaluate and limit claim costs. Keep communications careful and documented.
- Stick to facts. Provide basic crash information and contact info. Avoid speculation about speed, visibility, or fault.
- Be mindful of recorded statements. You are typically required to cooperate with your own insurer, but you do not have to give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurer.
- Document everything. Save emails, letters, and voicemail. Confirm important points in writing.
- Do not downplay injuries. Follow medical advice and keep treatment consistent.
- Route medical record requests through your attorney when possible to avoid overbroad disclosures.
How are medical bills and lost wages handled in a Progressive personal injury claim?
In an at-fault liability claim against a Progressive insured, you may claim economic and allowable non-economic damages permitted by your state’s law. Common components:
- Medical expenses. ER, hospital, diagnostics, therapy, and future care supported by physician opinions.
- Lost wages. Employer verification of missed time and rate of pay, or profit and loss records if self-employed.
- Loss of earning capacity. If the injury reduces future ability to work, expert analysis may be needed.
- Pain and suffering. Valued under state law standards and supported by medical documentation and daily impact logs.
If you have medical payments coverage under your Progressive policy, it may pay certain medical bills regardless of fault, subject to limits. Health insurers may seek reimbursement from your settlement under subrogation or reimbursement rights. See the general definition of subrogation here [LII: Subrogation].
What can you do if Progressive delays, underpays, or denies your claim?
First, ask for the denial basis in writing and the policy provisions relied on. Then:
- Provide missing items. Close any gaps in proof of loss, medical causation, or property valuations.
- Escalate. Request supervisor review and summarize your evidence in writing.
- Use state tools. In Texas, California, or Illinois, you can submit a consumer complaint to the state insurance regulator for claim handling concerns [see Resources].
- Consider litigation. If a fair settlement is not possible, a civil lawsuit against the at-fault driver may protect your rights within the statute of limitations.
What is subrogation in auto claims and why does it matter?
Subrogation means an insurer that pays a claim can step into your shoes to pursue the at-fault party to recover what it paid. Subrogation can affect your settlement net if health insurers or medical benefit plans assert reimbursement rights from your Progressive injury settlement. Understand these claims early and address them during negotiations. Learn more about the concept at Cornell Law School’s Legal Information Institute [LII: Subrogation].
Will Progressive declare your car a total loss, and how is the value calculated?
Insurers declare a total loss when repair cost plus salvage value meets or exceed the vehicle’s actual cash value under state thresholds. Valuation is usually based on comparable vehicles, mileage, condition, packages, and the local market.
- Dispute respectfully. Share maintenance records, options list, recent upgrades, and better comparable listings in your area.
- Loss of use. Some states allow loss-of-use damages even when a vehicle is a total loss. For example, the Texas Supreme Court recognized loss-of-use damages in total loss cases [J&D Towing v. American Alt. Ins. Corp.].
Can you get a rental car after an accident in a Progressive claim?
If you carry rental reimbursement coverage with Progressive, you can typically rent a vehicle up to a daily and maximum limit while your car is being repaired. If the other driver is at fault and insured by Progressive, you can request a comparable rental during reasonable repair time or for a reasonable period after a total loss determination, subject to state loss-of-use rules. Keep all rental receipts and return the vehicle promptly when the reasonable period ends to avoid disputes.
How do you track your Progressive claim number and status?
Maintain centralized records:
- Save your claim number in your phone and email.
- Use the Progressive app or online account to upload documents and read messages.
- Confirm next steps in writing after each call with your adjuster.
- Calendar deadlines, especially if you are in Texas, where prompt-payment timelines apply [Tex. Ins. Code Ch. 542].
What common mistakes should you avoid in a Progressive auto claim?
- Delaying medical care. Gaps in treatment make causation harder to prove.
- Giving broad medical authorizations that allow unnecessary access to unrelated records.
- Posting on social media about the crash or your injuries.
- Accepting early low offers before full medical evaluation and future care needs are known.
- Missing statutes of limitations or contractual deadlines for UM or UIM arbitration requests.
When does a car accident claim turn into a lawsuit against the at-fault driver?
A lawsuit may be necessary when liability is disputed, injuries are significant, or Progressive’s insured has low limits that will not cover losses without litigation leverage. Filing suit preserves your rights within the statute of limitations. Civil cases typically involve investigation, discovery, depositions, expert opinions, mediation, and trial if a settlement is not reached. Filing deadlines differ by state and claim type, such as 2 years for most personal injury claims in Texas, California, and Illinois, with the state-specific variations noted above [see deadlines].
How do you file a Progressive property damage-only claim versus a personal injury claim?
What is different about a Progressive property damage claim?
- Focus on vehicle repair estimates, photos, parts availability, and diminished value where allowed.
- Rental and loss of use may be available based on coverage and state law.
- Faster timelines are typical because medical evaluation is not involved.
What is different about a Progressive personal injury claim?
- Medical proof of diagnosis, causation, treatment plans, and prognosis is critical.
- Wage loss documentation must be specific and well supported.
- Negotiations consider pain and suffering and, in serious cases, future medical care and loss of earning capacity.
What local crash reporting rules apply in Texas, California, and Illinois?
- Texas: Police file crash reports for qualifying crashes under Chapter 550 of the Transportation Code. Drivers must remain at the scene and exchange information and render aid, with criminal penalties for failure to do so [Tex. Transp. Code Ch. 550].
- California: Drivers must file an SR-1 with DMV within 10 days for a crash with injury, death, or property damage above the threshold. You can download the SR-1 here [CA DMV SR-1].
- Illinois: Drivers must give immediate notice of accidents to police and file written reports when required, including within 10 days under certain circumstances [625 ILCS 5/11-406] and [625 ILCS 5/11-408].
How does comparative negligence affect Progressive payouts in TX, CA, and IL?
- Texas uses a 51 percent bar. You cannot recover if you are more than 50 percent responsible. Damages are reduced by your percentage of fault [Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code §33.001].
- California applies pure comparative negligence. You can recover even if mostly at fault, but your damages are reduced by your percentage of fault, established by case law [Li v. Yellow Cab, 13 Cal.3d 804].
- Illinois uses modified comparative negligence. You cannot recover if your fault exceeds 50 percent, and otherwise your damages are reduced by your fault [735 ILCS 5/2-1116].
Fault rules directly affect negotiations with Progressive. Strong evidence can shift fault percentages and materially change settlement value.
Where can you find official forms, laws, and resources for your claim?
- Federal crash data: NHTSA national traffic safety statistics and research [NHTSA].
- Texas: Insurance prompt payment rules [Tex. Ins. Code Ch. 542], personal injury limitations [§16.003], transportation crash rules [Transp. Code Ch. 550].
- California: Personal injury and property damage limitations [CCP §335.1] and [CCP §338], Unfair Insurance Practices Act [Ins. Code §790.03], SR-1 accident form [DMV SR-1], UM/UIM statute [Ins. Code §11580.2].
- Illinois: Personal injury and property damage limitations [735 ILCS 5/13-202], [735 ILCS 5/13-205], comparative negligence [735 ILCS 5/2-1116], unfair claims practices [215 ILCS 5/154.6], crash reporting [625 ILCS 5/11-406] and [625 ILCS 5/11-408].
- Case law: Texas UM/UIM accrual [Brainard v. Trinity], Texas loss-of-use in total loss [J&D Towing], California comparative negligence [Li v. Yellow Cab].
- Legal definitions: Subrogation overview [Cornell LII].
How can GoSuits help with a Progressive car accident claim?
Filing a Progressive auto insurance claim can feel overwhelming, especially when injuries, UM or UIM coverage, or disputed fault are involved. A free consultation with a personal injury attorney can help you understand coverage, deadlines, medical documentation, liens and subrogation, and negotiation strategy. GoSuits represents clients in Texas, California, and Illinois, including Houston, Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, Fort Worth, Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, Sacramento, Orange County, Chicago, Cook County, Naperville, and Aurora.
We use a technology-driven approach designed to move cases faster with fewer surprises. Our exclusive proprietary software centralizes evidence, treatment timelines, and damages modeling, which helps our team anticipate insurer requests and respond quickly. While we rely on technology to expedite each stage, every client has a designated attorney, not a case manager. You have direct access to your lawyer for strategy, updates, and preparation for statements, mediations, or trial.
Our team brings 30 years of combined experience in civil litigation and negotiation. We try cases when necessary, which often strengthens our settlement posture. You can review past case outcomes here: https://gosuits.com/prior-cases/?. Results depend on facts and law, and prior outcomes do not predict future results, but they reflect our readiness to litigate when fair offers are not on the table.
Practice areas include car, truck, and rideshare crashes, pedestrian and bicycle collisions, premises liability, and wrongful death. If you were hurt in a crash involving a Progressive car accident claim and want help with the process, evidence, medical bills, and lost wages, or a denied Progressive claim appeal, contact GoSuits for a free consultation. We handle both Progressive personal injury claims and Progressive property damage claims, as well as uninsured motorist claims with Progressive. We also guide clients through at-fault versus no-fault questions where applicable, Progressive total loss claims, and rental car issues after an accident with Progressive.
From the first call to resolution, our goal is straightforward communication, timely follow-up, and strong preparation for negotiation or trial.
