Your Auto Claim and Subrogation
If you had an accident but you were not at fault, your claim may go through subrogation. Subrogation is the process we use to recover funds from the person, business or insurance company at fault for your loss after we’ve already paid for your repairs.
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Two cars stopped after a rear-end with the owners standing next to their cars.
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When you're in an accident, Travelers pays to repair your vehicle based on what's covered under your policy.
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Four characters appear on a white background: the two characters from the accident, and two insurance representatives.
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If you're not at-fault for the accident and we've paid to repair your vehicle, we may be able to recover some or all of your deductible.
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Your deductible is the amount you previously agreed to pay out-of-pocket for repairs.
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(SPEECH) This process is called subrogation and your eligibility may depend on your state, policy or your shared liability in the accident.
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Here's what to expect during the subrogation process.
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First, our Subrogation team will contact the at-fault party and their insurance carrier in an attempt to recover some or all of the amount paid for your repairs
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If necessary, we'll negotiate with the carrier to determine how much is owed using the information we've collected during the claim process, such as police reports, witness statements, photos and more.
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Text: Police Reports. Witness Statements. Photos
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If we're unable to reach an agreement with the carrier, we may move it to arbitration.
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Arbitration is when a neutral third party determines who's liable for a damages.
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Below the gavel, three circles appear with icons within them: A clipboard with a police report, a silhouette of a person giving a statement, and a photo.
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This process may take several months to complete.
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The Travelers logo and a green shield appear on a white background with an X between them.
The X slides over to the green shield and turns into a check mark. Money then flows from the green shield towards the Travelers logo.
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If the responsible party or their insurer accepts liability or arbitration determines they're responsible, they'll reimburse Travelers for what was paid on the claim.
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The Travelers logo next to a circle with the character who was rear-ended, and money flows from the Travelers logo to the character.
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This may include some or all of your deductible if you paid one, which we will then return to you.
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Travelers logo, text: www.travelers.com/claims
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To learn more, visit travelers.com/claim. Thanks for being a Travelers customer.
How the process works
First, we gather information.
Our subrogation team reviews the cause of the loss and documents gathered as part of the claim process – things like the police report, photos, and statements – to confirm who’s legally responsible.
Next, we pursue recovery.
We contact the responsible party or their insurance carrier. Most cases are resolved through negotiation, though some require arbitration or legal action, which can extend the timeline.
Last, we reimburse you if applicable.
The amount due to you may depend on your state, policy or your shared liability in the accident. If we’ve recovered funds, we issue any deductible reimbursement you’re owed. Recovery isn’t always full. Sometimes the at-fault party only pays a portion, and your deductible reimbursement is calculated accordingly depending on your jurisdiction.
Example
If your repairs cost $5,500 and you paid a $500 deductible, a full recovery returns your full $500. An 80% recovery returns $400. The full process typically takes several months. Complex or contested cases may take longer.
What you need to do
For most customers, the answer is nothing. We handle the process from here. If we need additional documentation, or if you’re contacted by the other party or their insurer, we’ll let you know what to do.
Frequently asked questions
No. Subrogation is a recovery process between insurance carriers and the responsible party. It doesn’t change how your claim is recorded or affect your rate.
If the responsible party can’t be identified or successfully disputes liability, we may close your collision claim without recovery. Your deductible isn’t reimbursed in that case, but your claim itself remains paid and resolved.
We’ll contact you when the case closes, whether that’s with a deductible reimbursement, a status update or notice that recovery wasn’t possible.
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