Key Takeaways
- In California, you typically file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurer, not your own.
- State Farm allows claims to be filed online, by phone, or through its mobile app.
- You are not required to give a recorded statement or accept the first settlement offer.
- State Farm must pay an agreed settlement within 30 days under California law.
- Personal injury lawsuits generally must be filed within two years of the crash.
- Adjusters often start with low offers and may look for statements that reduce liability.
- A lawyer can handle negotiations and escalation if the claim stalls or is undervalued.
After a car accident, most people know to exchange insurance information—but filing a claim is where confusion and costly mistakes often begin. If the at-fault driver is insured by State Farm, understanding how their claims process works can help you protect your rights and avoid settling for less than your case is worth.
This guide explains how to file a car accident claim against State Farm in California, what to expect after filing, and when legal help may be necessary.
Whose Insurance Company Do I File a Claim With?
California is an at-fault insurance state. This means the driver who caused the accident is responsible for paying damages through their insurance company.
If the other driver caused the crash and is insured by State Farm, you would file a third-party claim directly with State Farm. Many people still notify their own insurer first, but your insurer is not responsible for paying your injuries unless the other driver is uninsured or underinsured.
How Do I File a Car Accident Claim With State Farm?
State Farm offers several ways to file a claim, whether you are a policyholder or a third-party claimant.
You can file:
- Online, using State Farm’s claims portal (select non-customer filing if applicable)
- By phone, by calling 1-800-STATE-FARM
- Through the State Farm mobile app
Before starting, gather key information, including:
- The State Farm insured’s name and policy number (if available)
- Date, time, and location of the accident
- Vehicle details for all cars involved
- Police report number, if one was filed
If you do not know the answer to a question, it is better to say you do not know than to guess. Speculation can later be used to challenge your claim.
What Is the Deadline for Filing a Claim With State Farm?
State Farm does not publish a strict deadline for filing a claim, but it requires claims to be reported within a reasonable time.
More importantly, California law sets firm deadlines for lawsuits:
- Personal injury claims must generally be filed within two years
- Property damage claims must generally be filed within three years
Missing these deadlines can permanently bar recovery, even if your insurance claim is still pending.
What Happens After You File a Claim?
Once your claim is opened, State Farm assigns an adjuster to investigate the accident. This process typically includes reviewing police reports, vehicle damage, medical records, and statements from the parties involved.
Adjusters may ask questions that seem casual but are designed to assess fault or minimize damages. You are not required to give a recorded statement, and you are not obligated to accept a settlement offer simply because it is presented.
State Farm often begins with a low initial offer, particularly before the full extent of injuries is known. Negotiation is expected, and rejecting an early offer does not end your claim.
How Long Does State Farm Take to Pay a Claim?
Once a settlement is agreed upon, California law generally requires insurers to issue payment within 30 days. State Farm’s average payout timeline is consistent with this requirement, though delays can occur if documentation is incomplete or disputes arise.
Do I Need a Lawyer to File a Claim Against State Farm?
You are not legally required to hire a lawyer to file a claim. However, many people choose to work with an attorney when injuries are involved or when State Farm disputes liability or undervalues damages.
A California car accident lawyer can handle communication with adjusters, evaluate settlement offers, and escalate the claim if negotiations stall. If necessary, an attorney can also file a lawsuit and pursue compensation through litigation rather than insurance negotiation alone.
For serious injuries, legal representation often results in stronger outcomes than handling the process independently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I file a claim with State Farm if I’m not their customer?
Yes. If the at-fault driver is insured by State Farm, you can file a third-party claim even if you are insured elsewhere.
Do I have to give a recorded statement to State Farm?
No. You are not required to give a recorded statement, and doing so can sometimes harm your claim if statements are taken out of context.
What if State Farm denies my claim?
A denial does not necessarily end your case. You may be able to challenge the denial, provide additional evidence, or pursue compensation through a personal injury lawsuit.
Can I negotiate a State Farm settlement offer?
Yes. Settlement offers are negotiable, and initial offers are often lower than what a claim may actually be worth.
Need Help With a State Farm Car Accident Claim?
Filing a claim against a large insurer like State Farm can be frustrating, especially when injuries and medical bills are involved. If you are unsure whether a settlement offer is fair or your claim is being delayed or disputed, speaking with a California personal injury lawyer can help clarify your options.
Gomez Trial Attorneys represents accident victims throughout California and has extensive experience handling claims against major insurance carriers. If you were injured in a crash involving a State Farm–insured driver, legal guidance can help protect your recovery.
