Property damage
Property damage claim checklist
Vehicle damage claims move faster when photos, estimates, rental details, and repair decisions are separated from injury questions.
Short answer
Before approving repairs or paying storage out of pocket, collect photos, tow/storage receipts, inspection instructions, repair estimates, rental terms, and every written message from the carrier.
Photograph before anything changes
- All sides of every involved vehicle.
- Close-ups of impact points, airbags, glass, fluids, tires, and interior damage.
- License plates, VIN label if safe, traffic signs, skid marks, debris, and final resting position.
- Personal property damaged inside the vehicle.
Keep these documents
- Tow invoice, storage bill, repair estimate, and supplement requests.
- Rental agreement, rideshare receipts, and mileage to repair or medical appointments.
- Carrier letters, texts, emails, claim number, adjuster contact, and inspection appointment details.
Before signing
Ask what you are approving, who is paying, whether storage is accruing, and whether the carrier needs a supplement process for hidden damage. If there are injuries too, keep that paperwork separate.
When damage and injury overlap
California Courts notes that a car accident can involve both property damage and personal injury. The two tracks may need different documentation.