Every step, and the one right most drivers don't know they have.
Maryland's auto insurance claim process follows a predictable sequence, but a few state-specific details — especially your legal right to choose your own repair shop — can change how smoothly it goes. Here's the full process from the moment you report a claim to final payment.
Airpark Auto Collision of Gaithersburg — 7615 Rickenbacker Dr, Suite C, Gaithersburg, MD 20879. Call (301) 908-0606
Call your insurance company's claims line (or the at-fault driver's insurer, if you're filing a third-party claim) as soon as possible after the accident. You'll need your policy number, the date/time/location of the accident, a description of what happened, and the other driver's information if applicable. Most carriers also offer mobile app claim filing with photo upload.
Once your claim is logged, you'll receive a claim number — write this down, you'll need it everywhere, including at the body shop. An adjuster will be assigned to your file and will typically contact you within 1-3 business days to discuss coverage and next steps.
This is the step most Maryland drivers don't know they have full control over. Maryland law gives you the right to select any body shop you want for repairs; your insurance company can recommend a 'preferred' or 'direct repair program' shop, but they cannot require you to use it, and choosing a different shop cannot be used to deny or delay your claim. Bring your claim number to Airpark Auto Collision and we'll take it from there.
The body shop prepares a written estimate, which may be reviewed by the insurance company's own estimating software or in-person by an adjuster. If additional damage is found once the vehicle is disassembled, the shop submits a supplemental estimate for approval — this is normal and doesn't mean anything went wrong with your claim.
Once the estimate (and any supplements) are approved, the shop begins repairs. With direct billing, the shop bills your insurance company directly for the covered amount, and you're responsible only for your deductible (if applicable — none if you're filing a liability claim against an at-fault driver who accepted responsibility).
After repairs are complete and you've picked up the vehicle, the insurance company issues final payment to the shop (for direct-billed claims) or to you (if you paid upfront and are seeking reimbursement). The claim closes once all payments are settled — keep your paperwork in case any issue surfaces later.
No. Maryland law protects your right to choose any licensed body shop for repairs. Your insurer can suggest a preferred shop or direct repair program, but cannot require you to use it or penalize your claim for choosing elsewhere.
Reporting and adjuster assignment typically happens within a few days. The repair itself, once authorized, follows the shop's timeline (often 3-14 days depending on damage). Total claim resolution from report to final payment commonly takes 2-4 weeks.
It's an additional cost estimate submitted after a shop discovers hidden damage once the vehicle is disassembled — common on collision repairs. Insurance typically reviews and approves supplements within a few business days.
If you file through your own collision coverage, you pay your policy's deductible upfront (potentially recoverable via subrogation if the other driver was at fault). If you file a liability claim against an at-fault driver's insurer who accepts responsibility, there's typically no deductible.
No. Denying or reducing a claim specifically because you chose a shop outside their preferred network is not permitted under Maryland's right-to-choose protections.
The Maryland Insurance Administration handles consumer complaints about insurance claim practices and can be reached through its website.