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 builds your file for you

SettleFair's AI assembles your claim file and can fetch missing records — like the police report or your medical records — at no cost to you. You focus on recovering; it handles the paperwork.

Related questions

What if I don't have the police report?

That's common. SettleFair can request the police report and missing medical records on your behalf, for free.

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

Our AI builds your claim, negotiates with insurance, and gets you a settlement offer. Keep 100% — or have vetted lawyers bid to win you more. Free, with no obligation.

Start my free claim

Keep reading