USAA is an insurance company that serves military members, veterans, and their families. While its customer base is more specialized than that of other major insurers, many Illinois drivers are covered by USAA policies.
If you’re involved in a car accident caused by negligence, USAA could be the company handling your claim, either as your own insurer or the insurer for the at-fault driver.Â
Accident victims in Illinois should approach the USAA claims process with caution and know their rights under state law.
Illinois’s At-Fault Insurance System
Illinois follows an at-fault system for auto accidents. This means the driver who causes a crash is legally responsible for covering medical expenses, property damage, and other losses to victims injured in the crash.
To satisfy this responsibility, every Illinois driver must carry at least:
- $25,000 in bodily injury liability per person
- $50,000 in bodily injury liability per accident
- $20,000 in property damage coverage
Severe accidents often exceed these limits, especially when they involve catastrophic injuries like brain damage, paralysis, or multiple-vehicle collisions. In such cases, victims may have the right to pursue damages from the at-fault driver personally.
When to File a Claim With USAA
You may find yourself dealing with USAA after an Illinois car crash in two common scenarios:
1. Filing Against an At-Fault Driver Insured by USAA
If the negligent driver carries a USAA policy, you’ll initiate a third-party liability claim with USAA. USAA will assign an adjuster to investigate who caused the crash and what damages should be covered. If it accepts liability, USAA will extend a settlement offer, but these offers often undervalue the true costs of recovery.
2. Filing a Claim Under Your Own USAA Policy
If you are a USAA policyholder, you may file a claim against your coverage after an accident.
Depending on your policy, this may include:
- Collision coverage for damage to your car, regardless of fault
- Comprehensive coverage for non-crash losses (theft, weather damage, etc.)
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage if the at-fault driver doesn’t carry enough insurance
If you caused the crash, USAA will pay out claims up to your policy limits. If another driver was at fault, USAA may coordinate with their insurer. However, the primary responsibility for the claims process lies with you.
How to File a Claim With USAA
USAA offers several ways to file a claim:
- USAA’s mobile appÂ
- USAA’s online portal
- By phone: At 1-800-531-8722 (USAA claims line)
When you submit your claim, you’ll need to provide:
- Contact and insurance details for all drivers
- Witness information
- Police report number, if available
- Photos of vehicle damage and the accident scene
USAA will assign an adjuster who may ask for additional records, such as medical documentation or repair estimates.
Challenges You May Face With USAA Claims
Despite its reputation for good customer service, Illinois drivers still encounter difficulties with USAA claims, such as:
- Low initial offers that don’t reflect the true value of injuries or long-term care
- Requests for recorded statements that can later be used to reduce liability
- Disputes over liability, particularly in cases with conflicting accounts
- Delays in processingÂ
Illinois law requires insurers to act in good faith, but it often takes extensive negotiation and evidence to secure a fair settlement.
Contact An Experienced Illinois Car Accident Lawyer for Help With a USAA Claim
If you’ve been injured in a car accident involving USAA Insurance, you may want legal help to ensure your claim is handled fairly. An experienced Illinois car accident lawyer can help you navigate the claims process and seek full compensation for your damages.
Call Feagans Law Group today for a free consultation to learn how we can help you handle a USAA claim.