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Third-party auto insurance claims

Find resources on starting and managing an auto claim after an accident with a USAA member.

Report an auto claim

Check claim status (Opens new window)

What’s a third-party claim?

If you get into an accident that wasn’t your fault, you can start a claim through the other driver’s insurance as a third party. 

For example, if a USAA member hits your parked car, you can go through us instead of using your insurance company.

You can report a claim as the driver or passenger, or if you’re another party representing someone in the accident, like a legal guardian or lawyer.

If we accept liability, we’ll cover the costs to fix or replace your car, no matter which repair shop you use.

How the auto claims process works

We’re committed to making the process simple and keeping you informed.

Steps to complete How the auto claims process works

  1. Report your claim

    Tell us what happened. Get started on usaa.com.

  2. Get more details

    We’ll review what happened and check what the USAA policy covers.

  3. Evaluate the claim

    We’ll go over the details and figure out what to pay based on who’s responsible.

  4. Settle the claim

    If covered, we’ll make a payment to you or other third parties like repair shops.

What you’ll need to file a third-party claim

The more details you can give us, the faster we can complete the claim. If possible, provide these:

  • USAA member’s name

  • Their USAA policy number

  • Date of the accident

  • Makes of the vehicles involved

  • Basic details of the accident

  • Police report information, if one was made

  • Names of all drivers, passengers and witnesses

Extra perks with the USAA Direct Repair Network

You’ll get a few added benefits if you choose from our partner repair shops. They offer:

  • A limited lifetime warranty.
  • An estimate that's available online 24/7.
  • An Enterprise Rent-a-Car® on-site or nearby.

For more information, call us at 800-531-USAA (8722).

Are you an insurance carrier or a body shop?

Insurance adjusters can file a claim for their customers.

If you work for a repair shop and need claim information, use our body shop portal.

Third-party auto insurance claims FAQ

We conduct an independent investigation and base the decision on a number of factors. These include laws, policy conditions and limits, regulations, and facts of the accident.

The time it takes to resolve a claim depends on a number of factors, including the:

  • Number of vehicles involved.
  • Injuries resulting from the accident.
  • Liability finding.

To help the process go smoothly, you can:

  • File third-party claims online.
  • Provide as much relevant information as possible.
  • Check the status by emailing your adjuster or visiting our online portal.

You can:

  • Email us using the address your adjuster provided.
  • Call us at 800-531-USAA (8722).
  • Send a fax with your name and claim number to 800-531-8669.

Payments may be sent to you, your vehicle's lienholder or another authorized party.

View all third-party claims FAQ

Ready to report an auto claim?

Report an auto claim

Check claim status (Opens new window)

Related footnotes:

  1. Use of the term "member" or "membership" refers to membership in USAA Membership Services and does not convey any legal or ownership rights in USAA. Restrictions apply and are subject to change.

  2. Property and casualty insurance underwritten by United Services Automobile Association (USAA), USAA Casualty Insurance Company, USAA General Indemnity Company, Garrison Property and Casualty Insurance Company, NOBLR Reciprocal Exchange, based in San Antonio, Texas; USAA S.A. (Europe), and USAA S.A. UK Branch (United Kingdom) and is available only to persons eligible for property and casualty group membership. Each company has sole financial responsibility for its own products.

    Coverages subject to the terms and conditions of the policy.

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