How Many Days Are Allowed for Vehicle Damage Assessment After a Collision?
3 Answers
There is no specific time limit for vehicle damage assessment, but there are time regulations for insurance claims. The state does not impose strict requirements on the time frame for vehicle insurance damage assessment. If a traffic accident occurs and the parties involved cannot reach a settlement, they must call the traffic police for assistance. Insurance claims are subject to time regulations. According to the Insurance Law, claims must be filed within 48 hours after the accident. In general, policyholders who wish to file an insurance claim will report the accident immediately. Below is additional information on vehicle damage assessment: 1. After filing a claim, the insurance company's surveyor will complete the inspection of the accident scene and vehicle damage within one working day after receiving notification from the company's internal staff. 2. If the accident occurs in a different location, the assessment is usually delegated to the local insurance company and completed within three working days. 3. After the damage assessment, the processing time for each insurance claim varies depending on the type of insurance and the nature of the accident. Generally, insurance companies can complete the claim settlement within about a week.
That time when my car got hit, I was really panicked and immediately called the insurance company to ask if the damage assessment could be delayed for too long. They said you should report the accident as soon as possible, preferably within 24 hours, and the damage assessment usually needs to be completed within 10 working days. I feel that if it exceeds this time, the claims process becomes more troublesome. For example, my friend’s case—he waited half a month and still hadn’t gotten the damage assessed, which led to increased repair costs. He then had to argue with the insurance company and ended up getting much less compensation. So, I suggest taking photos and gathering evidence right after an accident, not letting the car sit idle, and pushing for the damage assessment to be completed as soon as possible to avoid affecting your own finances. Also, leaving the car unused just adds more costs, so resolving it early means peace of mind and getting back to work sooner. Remember the insurance company’s rules—don’t wait too long to avoid complications.
As a veteran driver with over a decade of experience, I've been through several accidents and know that post-collision damage assessment is nothing to take lightly. The standard procedure is to file a claim immediately after the accident, ideally within 48 hours, and the insurance company must complete the damage evaluation within 10 working days. Delays can cause problems: parts may become more expensive or harder to find, claims may be delayed, or even denied. Last time I handled an accident, it was settled within a week—smooth sailing. But I've seen others wait three weeks just for the assessment, ending up paying an extra two or three thousand for repairs. Remember to keep photos of the scene and contact information, and don’t exceed that deadline—you’ll be fine. The sooner you get your car fixed, the safer you’ll be. Don’t make things harder for yourself.
