Step-by-Step Guide to Filing a Car Insurance Claim in the Philippines

Got Into an Accident? Here’s What to Do Next (Besides Panicking)

Car accidents—whether it’s a minor fender bender or a serious crash—can shake anyone up. But if you’re driving in the Philippines, knowing the right steps can make or break your car insurance claim. What you do right after the incident could mean a fast payout—or weeks of frustrating delays.
 

Many drivers still ask:
 

✔ Should I file a police report right away?

✔ Do I need to wait for an adjuster from my car insurance provider?
 

✔ What if the other driver doesn’t have insurance?

According to the MMDA, Metro Manila records thousands of car accidents every month. Yet many motorists miss key steps when filing a car insurance claim in the Philippines, risking delays or even denial.
 

• In this guide, we’ll break down:
   

• What to do immediately after a car accident
   

• Which documents your car insurance company will ask for
   

•  The timeline and process of filing a claim
   

• Common pitfalls to avoid
  

If you’re new to auto insurance, you might also want to read:

• Understanding Car Insurance Coverage in the Philippines
  
  

• CTPL Car Insurance: Coverage, Benefits & Exclusions
  
  

• When Is Your Car Considered a “Total Loss” in the Philippines?

Now that you know what’s at stake, let’s talk about why the claims process can feel overwhelming—especially if it’s your first time.

Why Insurance Claims Feel Complicated for Many Drivers

Picture this: you’re stuck in EDSA traffic, and suddenly—bam!—you’re in a fender bender. Your heart’s racing, your bumper’s hanging loose, and you’re not sure if you should call your car insurance provider or look for a tow truck first.
 

Here’s the truth:
Filing a car insurance claim in the Philippines can feel overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time. Between the paperwork, deadlines, and coordination with adjusters, it’s easy to get lost in the process—all while still reeling from the stress of the car accident itself.
 

Skip a step or miss a requirement, and your car insurance claim might get delayed—or denied.
 

But the good news? With the right steps and preparation, it doesn’t have to be complicated.

Step 1: Stay Calm and Secure the Scene

Your safety comes first. If no one’s injured and the damage is minor, move your car to avoid blocking traffic. If it’s more serious, leave the vehicle in place and call emergency services.

Then:
 

• Call the authorities (LTO, MMDA, or PNP)
  
  

• Take clear photos of the scene, vehicle damage, license plates, road signs, and any visible injuries
  
  

• Exchange contact and insurance info with the other driver
  
  

• Pro tip: Don’t admit fault. Just stick to the facts and document everything.
   

Once everyone’s safe and the situation is recorded, your next move is just as important: notify your car insurance company as soon as possible.

Step 2: Notify Your Insurance Provider ASAP

Once the scene is secure, report the car accident to your insurance company right away. In the Philippines, most insurers require notification within 24 hours to 7 days, depending on your policy. Delaying this step could slow down—or even invalidate—your car insurance claim.
 

You can usually report the incident through:
 

• Hotline or customer service
   

• Your insurance agent or broker
   

• An online claims portal (if available)
   

Have the following ready:
 

• Your policy number
   

• A quick summary of what happened (time, place, and what occurred)
   

• Plate number and name of the third party (if another driver was involved)
   

Oona Tip: The sooner you file the report, the easier it is to support your claim with fresh, accurate details. Real-time documentation = fewer disputes and faster processing.

Once you’ve reported the incident, your car insurance provider will request specific documents to begin verifying the claim. Getting these ready early can help you stay ahead.

Step 3: Prepare and Submit Your Documents

After reporting the accident, it’s time to gather and submit the required documents to your car insurance provider. Having a complete and organized set of papers will speed up your car insurance claim and reduce the chances of delays.
 

Here’s a general checklist of what you’ll need:

Disclaimer: Requirements may vary depending on your car insurance provider and the nature of the incident. Always double-check with your insurer or agent to avoid missing anything.
 

Once you’ve submitted the documents, your claim moves into the next phase: Adjustment and evaluation. Here's how that part works—and what you can do to stay on track.

Step 4: Coordinate with the Claims Adjuster

Once your documents are in, your car insurance provider will assign a claims adjuster—a key person in the approval process.
 

The adjuster’s job is to:
 

• Inspect your vehicle and assess the extent of the damage
  
  

• Review your documents and repair estimate
  
  

•  Verify if the damage is covered under your car insurance policy
  
  

• Recommend whether to approve the claim and how much the payout or repair coverage should be
   

Depending on your insurer, the adjuster may:
 

• Visit your home, the towing location, or an accredited repair shop
  
  

• Or conduct a virtual/video inspection (a convenient option offered by some insurers)
   

This step ensures your claim is fair, accurate, and aligned with the terms of your car insurance in the Philippines.

What If You’re Covered by Oona Car Insurance?

If you're insured with Oona Car Insurance, you're in good hands. Our claims process is built for speed, convenience, and transparency—designed to minimize stress and maximize support when you need it most.
 

Here’s what you can expect when you file a car insurance claim with Oona:

And when it’s time for repairs, you can trust our Oona-accredited repair shops for:
 

• ✅ Quality-assured parts and service
  
  

• ✅ Professional labor
  
  

• ✅ Faster turnaround times
   

You’ll be back on the road with confidence, knowing your vehicle was repaired right.
 

Not yet covered by Oona?
Explore your car insurance options here and experience claims the way they should be.
 

Up next: What happens after the assessment? Will your car be repaired, reimbursed, or written off? Let’s break it down.

Step 5: Approval, Repair, or Payout

After your car insurance claim is assessed and approved, you’ll be informed of the next steps—whether your car will be repaired, reimbursed, or declared a total loss.
 

Here are the possible outcomes:
 

• Approved for repair at a partner shop
  
  If your car can still be fixed, your insurer may direct you to an accredited repair shop. This is often the fastest and most hassle-free option since partner garages work directly with the insurer.
  
  You’ll need to pay a participation fee (usually a small, fixed amount based on your policy). The rest of the repair cost is covered by your insurer.
   

• Cash payout or reimbursement
  
  If you choose to have your car repaired at a non-partner shop or want to pay upfront and be reimbursed later, your insurer may offer a cash settlement instead.
  
  You’ll still need to submit a repair estimate and other required documents. Reimbursement may take longer than partner shop repairs but gives you more flexibility. 
   

• Total loss payout
  
  If the damage is so severe that repairs would cost over 75% of your car’s fair market value (FMV), the insurer may declare it a total loss.
   

In this case, you’ll receive a payout equivalent to your vehicle’s FMV, minus depreciation and deductibles.
 

The vehicle may be surrendered to the insurer depending on your policy.

Recommended Read: When Is Your Car Considered a “Total Loss” in the Philippines?

What to Expect Next:
 

Once the outcome is confirmed, your insurer or agent will walk you through the next steps. Whether you’re driving off from the shop with a freshly repaired car or receiving a payout, you’ll likely need to shoulder a small portion (like a participation fee or deductible), depending on your policy terms.

Step 6: Pay the Participation Fee

Once your car insurance claim is approved, you’ll need to settle your participation fee—also known as the deductible. This is your share of the cost for repairs or damages, and it’s a standard part of most car insurance policies in the Philippines.
 

Here’s what you can expect to pay:
 

• ₱2,000–₱5,000 per incident (depending on your policy and insurer)
  
  

• This fee is usually fixed and applies regardless of whether the damage was your fault
   

Additional Costs to Watch Out For:

Aside from the base deductible, you might also be charged for:
 

• Depreciation on parts – If your policy doesn’t cover full replacement value, certain car parts (like bumpers or headlights) may be subject to depreciation.
  
  

• Third-party property damage participation – If you caused damage and your TPL (Third Party Liability) coverage doesn’t fully cover the third party’s loss, you may need to shoulder the excess.
   

Oona Tip: Always ask for a detailed cost breakdown so you understand what you're being charged for. This helps avoid confusion and gives you full transparency in your insurance claim settlement.
 

Once the participation fee is paid, and repairs or reimbursement are completed, your case is officially closed—and you’re back on the road with peace of mind.

Step 7: Claim Follow-Up and Release

You’ve submitted your documents, coordinated with the adjuster, and paid the participation fee—now it’s time to wrap things up. Depending on the outcome of your car insurance claim, here’s what happens next:

If Your Claim Was Approved for Repair:

• Your car will be repaired at a partner or accredited shop.
  
  

• Oona (or your insurer) pays the shop directly, minus your participation fee.
  
  

• You’ll be notified once the repairs are complete so you can inspect the work and drive away.
   

Bonus with Oona: Partner repair shops follow strict quality standards for both parts and labor—so you're not just getting a fix, you’re getting peace of mind.

If You’re Receiving a Cash Settlement or Reimbursement:

• You’ll be asked to sign a Release, Waiver, and Quitclaim Form—a legal document confirming that the claim is settled.
  
  

• The payout will be issued via bank deposit or check, depending on your insurer’s process.
   

Important: Always request an official receipt or proof of settlement—this serves as your final record in case questions arise later.

Common Mistakes That Delay Car Insurance Claims

Filing a car insurance claim in the Philippines can go smoothly—unless you make one of these costly mistakes. Even small missteps can delay processing or, worse, result in a rejected claim.
 

Here’s what to avoid:

Disclaimer: These are based on general industry practices. Actual claim outcomes vary by insurer, policy terms, and incident details. When unsure—call your insurer first before taking any action.
 

Up next: What if you weren’t at fault—and the other driver doesn’t even have insurance?
 

Here’s what you can do to still get protected.

What If the Other Driver Doesn’t Have Insurance?

You’re not at fault—but the other driver has no insurance. What now?
 

While it’s a frustrating situation, you still have options—especially if you’re covered by a comprehensive car insurance policy in the Philippines.
 

Here’s what you can do:
 

• File under your own comprehensive policy
  If you have comprehensive car insurance, you can file a claim for the damages to your vehicle—even if the other party can't pay. This gives you faster access to repairs without waiting for the other driver to settle.
  
  

• Ask your insurer to pursue reimbursement (subrogation)
  Once your insurer pays your claim, they may initiate a subrogation process to recover the costs from the at-fault driver. This means you don’t have to chase the other party yourself.
  
  

• Consider Filing a Small Claims Case
  If the damage exceeds your coverage or there’s a dispute, you can take legal action through the Small Claims Court. This is a cost-effective option for seeking reimbursement—no lawyer needed.
   

Remember: Your CTPL (Compulsory Third Party Liability) insurance only covers bodily injury or death to third parties. It does not cover property damage, which is why comprehensive insurance is essential for full protection.

Recommended Read: CTPL Insurance Coverage & Exclusions

Filing a claim in these cases can feel tedious—but with the right insurer and a clear process, you can resolve the situation quickly and fairly—and get back on the road with peace of mind. 

Conclusion: File Confidently, Get Paid Properly

Filing a car insurance claim in the Philippines doesn’t have to be stressful or confusing. With the right guidance, complete documents, and a reliable insurer by your side, you can avoid delays, denials, and unnecessary headaches.
 

The secret? Act quickly, follow the correct steps, and steer clear of common claim mistakes.
 

And if you’re insured with Oona, you get even more peace of mind—with:
 

• Fast-track repairs through accredited shops
  
  
• Digital claims tools for easier filing
  
  
• 24/7 claims support whenever you need it
  
  
• Real-time updates so you’re never left in the dark
   

Accidents may be out of your control—but your recovery doesn’t have to be.
Choose car insurance that puts you first. Choose confidence. Choose Oona.