Auto Claims
Helpful claims support
We've got your back. OnStar Insurance makes filing a claim for your vehicle quick and easy. Our team of adjusters are ready to help 24/7, to assist with filing claims like:
Claims FAQ
Remain calm
- Make sure everyone is safe. Then, if possible, turn on your hazard lights and move out of traffic.
- If someone is hurt, call 911 immediately. If no one is injured, call the local police department's non-emergency phone number. They can help clean up the accident, facilitate the exchange of information between you and any others involved and help set up a tow for your car.
- If other vehicles were involved in the accident, collect their contact, license and insurance information before anyone leaves the scene. If you feel unsafe doing so, wait for the police to arrive. Do not discuss fault or your insurance coverage.
- Take photos of the license plates of all involved, any damage to all vehicles, street names, road conditions, other property damage and any injuries if possible. Get the names and badge numbers of all police at the scene.
- Once everyone is safe, information has been exchanged, you've been released from the scene by authorities and you have taken photos of everything, you should file a claim with us as soon as possible.
For most claims, you'll need the following information:
- The date and time of the event
- A brief description of what happened
- Any photos of damage done to your vehicle
- The insurance and contact information of any others involved
You might want to file a claim in case additional injuries or damages are discovered that increase the claim value above your deductible amount.
A claims representative will review the information you've provided and contact you within 1-2 business days to discuss the next steps in the claims process.
You should file your claim as soon as you're safe and have most or all of the information you need. Once you file it, our claims representatives can get to work on reviewing it as quickly as possible.
There are two ways you can check the status of your claim and view your claims adjuster's information:
- Log in to My Account
- Connect with our Call Center at 1-888-495-4OSI (4674)
We'll assign your claim to a representative familiar with the claim handling laws and procedures in that state. We'll also arrange for the repair estimate and review process, and we'll help you find repair options in the state where the accident occurred or in your home state — whichever is most convenient for you.
If you receive a legal summons or complaint, let your claims representative know right away. To ensure the best possible legal defense, forward a copy of the summons or complaint — along with any other letters and documents — to your representative.
Yes, the policy deductible applies even if you're not at fault. Once your claim is paid, and if the at-fault party is known, we'll seek to recover the payments — including your deductible — from the responsible party or that party's insurance company. If the deductible is recovered during this process, you’ll receive a refund for the full deductible amount.
For vehicle repairs, payment is usually issued within 24-48 hours, once you and your adjuster have agreed on the repairs. For total loss situations and more complex accidents, like those where injuries are involved, the amount of time it takes to receive your check varies.
If the cost to repair your vehicle approaches or exceeds the value of your vehicle, it may be considered “non-repairable” or a “total loss”. Your claims adjuster will complete a thorough inspection of your vehicle to determine its fair market value. Upon receipt of your title paperwork, a check for the total loss value — minus your deductible — will be issued to you and, if appropriate, your lien holder.
If the cost to repair your vehicle approaches or exceeds the value of your vehicle, it may be considered “non-repairable” or a “total loss”. Your claims adjuster will complete a thorough inspection of your vehicle to determine its fair market value. Upon receipt of your title paperwork, a check for the total loss value — minus your deductible — will be issued to you and, if appropriate, your lien holder.
If applicable to your policy, our auto reimbursement coverage can help pay for a rental vehicle while your car is being repaired.
