How Long Does it Take to Get an Insurance Check from a Car Accident?

Mission Personal Injury Lawyers | April 21, 2025 | Car Accidents

How Long Does it Take to Get an Insurance Check from a Car Accident?

After a car accident, one of the biggest concerns drivers have is when they’ll receive their insurance check. Whether you’re dealing with a minor fender bender or a totaled vehicle, waiting on payment can feel frustrating. So, how long does it take for an insurance claim to be processed and for the check to arrive?

While every case is different, most drivers can expect to receive their check within a few weeks, assuming everything goes smoothly. However, delays can happen depending on the type of accident, the insurance company involved, and how quickly you provide documents.

This blog will walk you through the general timeline for receiving your claim check, explain the factors that can affect the process, and offer tips for speeding things up.

Average Timeline for Receiving an Insurance Check

In general, once your insurance claim is approved, it can take anywhere from 7 to 30 days to receive your check. Some companies process claims faster, while others take more time, especially if the case is complicated.

If you’re wondering how long an insurance claim takes or how long insurance claims can take for more serious collisions, the process may take longer if liability is unclear or if more than one driver is involved.

For example:

  • Simple property damage: 1–2 weeks
  • Injuries and medical treatment: 3–6 weeks or more
  • Total loss (car is totaled): 2–4 weeks, depending on paperwork and the vehicle’s value

If you’re working with a company like Farmers Insurance, you may need to contact Farmers Insurance customer service or use the Farmers Insurance claims portal for updates. You can also find the Farmers Insurance claims phone number on your policy documents or their website.

For more details on the claims process, you can visit auto accident practice area pages or browse law firms’ FAQs pages about insurance timelines.

Who Gets the Insurance Check When a Car Is Totaled?

If your car is declared a total loss, you may be wondering who gets the insurance check when a car is totaled.

The answer depends on who owns the car:

  • If the car is fully paid off, the check will be issued directly to you.
  • If you still owe money on a loan, the insurance company will usually send the payment to the lender first. If there’s money left after paying off the loan, you’ll get the remaining amount.

If your vehicle is leased, the payment goes to the leasing company. In some cases, the check may be issued jointly to you and the lender, and both parties must sign it.

You can learn more about how insurance affects totaled cars and payouts by visiting resource pages or reading guides about how long for car insurance claim payments to be completed.

Factors That Can Delay Your Insurance Payment

Sometimes, insurance checks take longer than expected, and reasons for delays include:

  • Incomplete documentation
  • Disputes over fault
  • Medical treatment is still ongoing
  • Lack of communication between you and the insurer

To avoid these delays, make sure you:

  1. File your claim quickly
  2. Provide police reports and photos
  3. Respond to calls or emails from the adjuster

If your claim is with First Acceptance Insurance, be sure to check their payment policies and follow up regularly.

You can also find helpful advice by exploring personal injury practice areas or checking out blog resources about claims and car accident recovery.

Tips to Get Your Claim Paid Faster

Here are a few ways to make sure your claim moves forward without unnecessary delays:

  • Be honest and thorough in your report
  • Stay in contact with your insurance adjuster
  • Keep copies of everything you submit
  • Ask questions if something seems unclear

If you feel your insurance company is giving you the runaround or if you’re unsure whether you’re being offered a fair settlement, speaking with a legal professional may help. 

Final Thoughts on Getting Your Insurance Check

So, how long does it take to get an insurance check from a car accident? It depends on your situation, but for most people, the process takes a few weeks. Being proactive and organized helps keep the process on track. If you need help, don’t hesitate to contact a California personal injury lawyer.

Contact the Car Accident Law Firm of Mission Personal Injury Lawyers Today To Get More Information

If you’ve been injured in San Diego or Chula Vista, please call Mission Personal Injury Lawyers for a free case evaluation with a personal injury lawyer or contact us online.

We proudly serve San Diego County and throughout California.

Mission Personal Injury Lawyers – San Diego Office
2515 Camino del Rio S Suite 350, San Diego, CA 92108
(619) 777-5555

Mission Personal Injury Lawyers – Chula Vista Office
690 Otay Lakes Rd #130, Chula Vista, CA 91910
(619) 722-3032

We also serve the state of Texas. For legal assistance, contact our personal injury law office in El Paso today.

Mission Personal Injury Lawyers – El Paso Office
201 E Main Suite 106, El Paso, Texas 79901
(915) 591-1000