Auto-Owners Insurance is a major auto insurer serving drivers throughout Illinois. If you’re involved in a car accident, you may end up filing a claim through Auto-Owners — either because you carry a policy with them or because the at-fault driver does.
When to File a Claim With Auto-Owners
Illinois uses an at-fault insurance system for motor vehicle accidents. This means drivers who cause a crash are financially responsible for the resulting injuries and property damage.
Illinois law requires all drivers to maintain at least:
- $25,000 in bodily injury liability coverage per person
- $50,000 in bodily injury liability coverage per accident
- $20,000 in property damage liability coverage
However, these minimums often fall short when accidents involve severe injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, or multi-car collisions. In such cases, victims may be able to pursue the at-fault driver personally for damages beyond the policy limits.
You may need to file a claim with Auto-Owners in two common scenarios:
1. The At-Fault Driver Was Insured by Auto-Owners
If the at-fault driver’s liability policy is issued by Auto-Owners, you would file a third-party claim. An Auto-Owners claims adjuster will investigate who was at fault. If the company accepts liability, it will make a settlement offer. You can accept this offer, but in many cases, you may need to negotiate for additional compensation that reflects the full extent of your damages.
2. You Have an Auto-Owners Policy
If you are insured by Auto-Owners, you may be able to file a first-party claim depending on your coverage. Policies often include options such as:
- Collision coverage (for vehicle damage regardless of fault)
- Comprehensive coverage (for non-collision losses, like theft or storm damage)
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist protection (for crashes caused by drivers without enough insurance)
If you caused the accident, Auto-Owners will cover damages up to your policy limits. If someone else was at fault.
How to File a Claim With Auto-Owners
Auto-Owners allows customers to report claims by contacting their local independent agent or local claims branch. If you do not know the information for your local agent, you can input your zip code into Auto-Owner’s “Find an Agent” page and locate a local insurance professional.Â
If your agent is unavailable, you can call 1-888-252-4626 to report your claim.
When filing a claim, you’ll need to provide information related to the crash, including:
- Names and contact information of drivers and witnesses
- Policy numbers and insurance details
- Police report number (if applicable)
- Photos or documentation of vehicle damage and the accident scene
Auto-Owners provides online tools for tracking claim progress.
What Happens After You File
Once a claim is opened, Auto-Owners will assign an adjuster to investigate. The adjuster will request and examine police reports, repair estimates, and your medical records (if you’re claiming injuries). Adjusters may also request a recorded statement, but you should know that anything you say could later be used to reduce or deny your claim.
After the investigation, your adjuster will issue a written decision accepting or denying liability. Illinois law requires insurers to handle claims in good faith, meaning they cannot unreasonably delay payment or wrongfully deny coverage. Unfortunately, insurers often make low settlement offers, especially in cases involving costly medical care or long-term injuries.
Contact an Illinois Car Accident Lawyer for Help With an Auto-Owners Claim
If you’ve been injured in a crash and need to file a claim with Auto-Owners Insurance, you should consider seeking legal assistance. An experienced Illinois car accident lawyer can help you navigate the claims process, protect your rights, and guard you from mistakes that hurt your chances of recovering full compensation.
Call Feagans Law Group today for a free consultation and learn how we can help you navigate an Auto-Owners claim.