How to File an Auto-Owners Insurance Claim
Auto-Owners has built its reputation on claims service, consistently ranking #1 or in the top tier of J.D. Power claims satisfaction studies for years. The combination of dedicated independent agents, 24-hour phone support, mobile app filing, and adjusters known for fair settlements distinguishes Auto-Owners’ claims approach from purely digital insurers. For Auto-Owners customers, filing a claim typically means working with people who know your situation and care about resolving it well, backed by an A++ Superior rated insurer with 100+ years of claims handling experience.
This guide walks through exactly how to file an Auto-Owners insurance claim, what to expect during the process, and tips for a fast, fair settlement.
Before You File: Immediate Steps After an Incident
Auto Accidents
- Move to a safe location if possible without leaving the scene
- Check for injuries and call 911 if anyone is hurt
- Take comprehensive photos of vehicle damage from multiple angles
- Photograph license plates of all involved vehicles
- Document the accident scene including road conditions and traffic signs
- Exchange insurance and contact information with other drivers
- Get contact information from witnesses
- Request a police report
- Note the time, date, and exact location
Property Damage
- Address immediate safety hazards first
- Photograph and video all damage extensively
- Document the cause of damage if known
- Save damaged items rather than disposing of them
- Take steps to prevent additional damage
- Keep receipts for emergency mitigation expenses
Theft
- File a police report immediately
- Document what was stolen with descriptions and serial numbers
- Check for security camera footage
How to File Your Auto-Owners Claim
Auto-Owners offers four ways to file a claim.
Through Your Independent Agent
This is often the most effective method. Your independent agent can file the claim on your behalf and advocate for you throughout the process. Agents have direct access to Auto-Owners claims systems.
By Phone
Call 1-888-252-4626 to file a claim 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Through the Auto-Owners Mobile App
The Auto-Owners mobile app provides claim filing and tracking capabilities. Available 24 hours a day.
Through Auto-Owners.com
The website’s claims portal allows online claim filing with photo upload capabilities.
Information You Will Need
- Your Auto-Owners policy number
- Date and time of the incident
- Location where it occurred
- Brief description of what happened
- Names and contact information of other involved parties
- Police report number if applicable
- Other parties’ insurance information for auto accidents
- Witness contact information
- Photos and documentation
What Happens After You File
Claim Number Assignment
You receive a claim number immediately upon filing. Save this number for all future communications.
Adjuster Contact
Auto-Owners assigns a claims adjuster to handle your case. The adjuster typically contacts you within 24 hours. Auto-Owners adjusters are known for prompt, fair, and personal service.
Damage Inspection
For auto and property damage claims, an adjuster or third-party inspector assesses the damage. Many claims can be handled through photo-based estimating.
Coverage Determination
The adjuster reviews your policy coverage and determines what is covered. For customers with the Personal Automobile Plus Package, additional coverages may apply.
Settlement Offer
You receive a settlement offer covering the damage according to your policy provisions. Auto-Owners has a strong reputation for fair settlement offers reflecting actual damage costs.
Auto-Owners Claim Service Advantages
#1 J.D. Power Claims Satisfaction
Auto-Owners consistently ranks at or near the top of J.D. Power claims satisfaction studies, often outperforming all major national insurers.
Independent Agent Advocacy
Your independent agent provides personalized support throughout the claims process. The agent can intervene if issues arise.
Personal Automobile Plus Package Coverage
If you have the Plus Package, additional coverages like cell phone, personal property, pet injury, and identity theft expense may apply.
Common Loss Deductible
If the same incident damages both home and auto, the Common Loss Deductible waives your auto deductible automatically.
Fast Response Times
Auto-Owners claims handling is consistently faster than industry average.
Specific Claim Type Walkthroughs
Auto Accident Claim
1. Address safety, document the scene, and exchange information
2. Contact your independent agent or call the claims line
3. Receive your claim number and adjuster assignment
4. Vehicle is inspected (often through photo-based methods)
5. Auto-Owners provides a repair estimate
6. You choose a repair shop (your own or Auto-Owners’ preferred network)
7. Repairs are completed and Auto-Owners pays the shop directly when possible
8. Rental car coverage applies during repairs if you have it
9. You pay your deductible (waived if Common Loss Deductible applies)
Homeowners Property Damage Claim
1. Take steps to prevent additional damage and document everything
2. File the claim through your agent or preferred channel
3. Adjuster contacts you and schedules property inspection
4. Inspector documents damage and provides estimate
5. Settlement is calculated based on your policy coverage
6. Initial payment is issued
7. You complete repairs using your contractor of choice
8. You submit receipts for completed repairs to receive any depreciation holdback
Total Loss Auto Claim
1. After significant accident or theft, Auto-Owners determines if the vehicle is repairable or a total loss
2. If total loss, Auto-Owners calculates the actual cash value
3. You receive payment for the actual cash value minus your deductible
4. The vehicle title transfers to Auto-Owners (or salvage processor)
5. If you have a loan, the payment goes to the lender first
6. Any remaining balance after the loan goes to you
Plus Package Claim (Cell Phone, Pet Injury, etc.)
1. After accident or theft involving Plus Package coverage, contact Auto-Owners
2. Specific coverage limits apply per the package terms
3. Cell phone, personal property, pet injury, and other Plus Package coverages typically have low or no deductibles
4. Receipts and documentation support the claim
Roadside Assistance Claim
1. Call 1-888-869-0608
2. Service provider is dispatched to your location
3. Standard services include towing, jump starts, tire changes, fuel delivery, and lockout assistance
How Long Does an Auto-Owners Claim Take?
| Claim Type | Typical Resolution Time |
|---|---|
| Simple auto repair claim | 1 to 2 weeks |
| Total loss auto claim | 2 to 3 weeks |
| Standard property damage claim | 2 to 4 weeks |
| Major property loss | 2 to 5 months |
| Auto injury claim | 3 to 12 months or longer |
| Liability claim with lawsuit | 6 months to several years |
Auto-Owners claims are typically resolved faster than industry average, reflecting the company’s investment in efficient claims processing.
Tips for a Successful Auto-Owners Claim
Document Everything Thoroughly
Photos, videos, written descriptions, and receipts all support your claim.
Report Promptly
File your claim as soon as practical.
Work With Your Independent Agent
Your Auto-Owners agent provides ongoing support and advocacy throughout the claims process.
Use the Mobile App
The Auto-Owners mobile app provides convenient filing and lets you track claim status.
Mention All Applicable Coverages
If you have the Plus Package or other endorsements, mention them when filing to ensure proper coverage application.
Keep Communication Records
Note dates, times, and content of all communications with Auto-Owners representatives.
Review Settlement Offers Carefully
Do not feel pressured to accept the first offer.
What to Do If Your Claim Is Denied
Get the Denial Reasons in Writing
Request a written explanation of why the claim was denied.
Review Your Policy
Compare the denial reasoning against your actual policy language.
File an Internal Appeal
Auto-Owners has formal appeal processes for denied claims.
File a Complaint With Your State Insurance Department
Your state’s insurance department investigates consumer complaints.
Consider Legal Action
For high-value claims with strong evidence supporting coverage, an attorney specializing in insurance disputes may be appropriate.
For broader perspective on managing insurance situations, our overview of how insurance protects you from financial loss walks through the foundational concepts.
Frequently Asked Questions
How quickly does Auto-Owners pay claims?
Auto-Owners pays claims faster than industry average. Simple claims with clear documentation often pay within one to two weeks.
Will my Auto-Owners rate go up after a claim?
At-fault accident claims may affect rates. Accident Forgiveness can provide protection for qualifying first accidents.
Can I choose any repair shop with Auto-Owners?
Yes. You can use any licensed repair shop for covered repairs. Auto-Owners has preferred repair networks but does not require their use.
What is Auto-Owners’ claims phone number?
The 24-hour claims line is 1-888-252-4626.
Does Auto-Owners offer rental car coverage during repairs?
Only if you have rental reimbursement coverage on your auto policy.
Can I file an Auto-Owners claim entirely online?
For many claim types, yes. The mobile app and website allow you to file the claim and upload photos.
Does my agent handle my claim?
Your independent agent can file the claim and provide advocacy, but the actual claim processing involves Auto-Owners claims adjusters.
The Bottom Line
Auto-Owners claims process consistently ranks at the top of customer satisfaction studies. The combination of independent agent advocacy, dedicated claims adjusters, 24-hour service, fast resolution times, and value-added features like Common Loss Deductible and Personal Automobile Plus Package coverages makes Auto-Owners’ claims experience among the best in the industry.
For Auto-Owners customers, the strong claims service combined with competitive pricing, A++ Superior financial strength rating, and personal agent relationships makes the company one of the strongest insurance choices in the United States.
The team at Matrix Insurance can help you compare Auto-Owners Insurance against other top carriers. For auto coverage, use our Car Insurance Calculator. For homeowners coverage, use our Home Insurance Calculator. Or reach out to our team directly for a personalized review.
Post Comment
You must be logged in to post a comment.