SettleFair Answers

What documentation do I need for my insurance claim?

Short answer

At minimum: the police or accident report, your medical records and bills, photos of the scene and your injuries, and proof of lost income. Documentation is the single biggest driver of a strong claim — it's what turns your account of the accident into evidence an insurer can't dismiss.

Your core checklist

  • Police / accident report.
  • Medical records and itemized bills (including ongoing treatment).
  • Photos and video of the scene, vehicle damage, and visible injuries.
  • Contact details for any witnesses.
  • Proof of lost wages — pay stubs or a letter from your employer.
  • Repair estimates or the total-loss value of your vehicle.
  • All correspondence with the insurance company.

Why documentation makes or breaks a claim

Insurers value — or discount — your claim based on what you can prove. Gaps in documentation are exactly what adjusters use to justify a lowball offer. Consistent medical treatment and a clear paper trail are what support the full value of your injuries, including pain and suffering.

How SettleFair helps you prepare the file

SettleFair is designed to help you organize the records you have, identify common gaps, and prepare one reviewable claim file. Confirm whether record-retrieval assistance is currently available for your claim before relying on it.

Related questions

What if I don't have the police report?

That's common. Ask the reporting agency how to request a copy and use the checklist to track what is still missing. Confirm whether SettleFair currently offers retrieval assistance for your claim.

Do I need documentation for pain and suffering?

Yes. Consistent medical records, and even a personal journal of how the injury affects your daily life, help support a pain-and-suffering claim.

How long do I have to file a claim?

Deadlines (statutes of limitations) vary by state, so it's best to act promptly. This is general information, not legal advice about your specific deadline.

Start with a complete claim

SettleFair is designed to help you organize the claim, understand the factors behind an offer, and prepare your next step for review. Its stated consumer model is free, with no obligation to hire a lawyer.

Start my free claim

Keep reading