If you've been in an accident and need to reach AAA for a claim, the process starts with a phone call — but what happens after that depends on your specific policy, your state, and the circumstances of the crash.
AAA operates through a network of regional clubs, which means there isn't a single universal claims number that works for every policyholder. Your claims contact information is typically printed on your insurance ID card, in your policy documents, or accessible through your regional AAA club's website or mobile app.
Common regional AAA clubs that offer auto insurance include:
Each operates its own underwriting and claims department. When you call, you'll generally be connected to a claims adjuster — the person assigned to investigate your claim, review coverage, and work toward a resolution.
📞 If you can't locate your claims number quickly after an accident, log into your AAA account online or check the back of your insurance card. Most clubs also have 24/7 claims reporting lines.
When you report an accident to AAA, the claims process typically begins with an intake call where you'll describe:
From there, an adjuster is assigned to investigate. This includes reviewing the police report, inspecting vehicle damage, speaking with involved parties, and — in cases with injuries — reviewing medical documentation.
Understanding which type of claim you're filing affects how the process unfolds.
| Claim Type | Who Files It | What It Covers |
|---|---|---|
| First-Party Claim | You, against your own policy | Collision, comprehensive, MedPay, PIP, uninsured motorist |
| Third-Party Claim | You, against the at-fault driver's insurer | Liability coverage for your damages caused by another driver |
If you were hit by another driver who carries AAA insurance, you would file a third-party claim with AAA. If you're filing against your own AAA policy — for example, using your collision coverage or uninsured motorist coverage — that's a first-party claim.
Whether fault matters to your claim — and how much — depends on what state you're in.
At-fault states require the driver who caused the accident (or their insurer) to pay for damages. Your ability to recover compensation from another driver's policy is tied to proving their liability.
No-fault states require drivers to carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage, which pays for your own medical expenses and lost wages regardless of who caused the crash. In these states, your ability to step outside the no-fault system and pursue the other driver often depends on meeting a specific injury threshold defined by state law.
Fault is generally established using:
Most states use some form of comparative fault, meaning your compensation can be reduced by your percentage of responsibility. A small number of states still apply contributory negligence rules, which can bar recovery entirely if you're found even partially at fault.
Coverage types vary by policy, but auto insurance policies generally include some combination of the following:
| Coverage Type | What It Generally Does |
|---|---|
| Liability | Pays for damage/injuries you cause to others |
| Collision | Pays for your vehicle damage regardless of fault |
| Comprehensive | Covers non-collision events (theft, weather, etc.) |
| MedPay | Covers medical bills for you and passengers |
| PIP | Broader no-fault medical/wage coverage (available in select states) |
| Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) | Protects you if the other driver has no or insufficient coverage |
Your policy declarations page lists exactly which coverages you purchased and your coverage limits. The adjuster will work within those limits when evaluating your claim.
If you were injured, medical records become a central part of your claim. Adjusters review treatment records to understand the nature and extent of injuries, how they connect to the accident, and what costs were incurred.
Common documentation that matters in injury claims includes:
Gaps in treatment or delays in seeking care can sometimes raise questions during the claims review process — though the significance of that varies by insurer, adjuster, and jurisdiction.
Simple property-damage-only claims can often be resolved in days or a few weeks. Claims involving injuries generally take longer — sometimes months — particularly when:
Most states have laws requiring insurers to acknowledge claims and respond within specific timeframes, though those deadlines vary by state. ⏱️
No two claims work out the same way. The key factors that shape how a claim resolves include:
Your regional AAA club, your specific policy language, and the facts of your accident are the pieces that determine how your claim actually unfolds — and those details aren't something any general resource can assess for you.
