Where Do I Get a Claim Number, and What Do I Do With It?

August 8, 2025

Your claim number is more than a reference code—it’s the gateway to a smooth and efficient collision repair process.

After a vehicle collision, one of the first steps in moving forward is filing an insurance claim. Once that claim is submitted, your insurance company will assign you a claim number. This number plays a critical role in everything that follows—from coordinating repairs to communicating with insurance adjusters and attorneys. 


At VICE Collision, we simplify this process by managing the details for both clients and legal professionals. Here's what you need to know about your claim number—and how it helps move your case forward. 

What Is a Claim Number?

A claim number is a unique identifier assigned by your insurance provider once a collision claim is filed. It’s used to track all documentation, communication, and progress related to your case. 


This number links your accident report, policy coverage, repair estimates, and payment information into one centralized file. Without it, repair facilities and insurers can’t move forward with your claim efficiently.

How Do You Receive It?

You receive your claim number after reporting the accident to your insurance company. This can be done through: 

  • A phone call with a claims representative 
  • The insurer’s website or mobile app 
  • Your insurance agent directly 

You’ll typically be contacted by an adjuster who confirms your coverage and provides the number via email, text, or a formal letter. 

Why It Matters for

Repair Shops

Shops like VICE use your claim number to connect with the insurer, submit estimates, schedule inspections, and track approvals. It's the key that opens the door to your repair timeline. 


When provided early, it allows us to: 

  • Communicate directly with your adjuster 
  • Send accurate documentation and supplements 
  • Push for timely authorizations 
  • Avoid unnecessary delays

What If You Lose It?

If your claim number is misplaced, it can be retrieved by contacting your insurance company or checking the initial confirmation email or text. At VICE, once we receive the number, we keep it securely on file to minimize disruptions. 

Why It Matters for Repair Shops

Shops like VICE use your claim number to connect with the insurer, submit estimates, schedule inspections, and track approvals. It's the key that opens the door to your repair timeline. 


When provided early, it allows us to: 

  • Communicate directly with your adjuster 
  • Send accurate documentation and supplements 
  • Push for timely authorizations 
  • Avoid unnecessary delays

What If You Lose It?

If your claim number is misplaced, it can be retrieved by contacting your insurance company or checking the initial confirmation email or text. At VICE, once we receive the number, we keep it securely on file to minimize disruptions. 

What Role Does It Play in Legal Cases?

For attorneys representing injured clients, the claim number is also essential. It helps: 

  • Track property damage and rental car timelines 
  • Support diminished value and total loss documentation 
  • Align repair milestones with medical and legal claims 

VICE keeps both clients and legal representatives informed every step of the way, ensuring all documentation is accurate and timely. 

What Role Does It Play in Legal Cases?

For attorneys representing injured clients, the claim number is also essential. It helps: 

  • Track property damage and rental car timelines 
  • Support diminished value and total loss documentation 
  • Align repair milestones with medical and legal claims 

VICE keeps both clients and legal representatives informed every step of the way, ensuring all documentation is accurate and timely. 

Will VICE Handle

the Insurance Coordination?

Yes. Once we have your claim number, our team handles communication with the insurer on your behalf. This includes: 

  • Verifying coverage 
  • Submitting repair estimates and supplements 
  • Coordinating inspections 
  • Managing follow-ups and approvals 

We keep attorneys and clients updated at every stage, removing the guesswork from the process. 

Will VICE Handle the Insurance Coordination?

Yes. Once we have your claim number, our team handles communication with the insurer on your behalf. This includes: 

  • Verifying coverage 
  • Submitting repair estimates and supplements 
  • Coordinating inspections 
  • Managing follow-ups and approvals 

We keep attorneys and clients updated at every stage, removing the guesswork from the process. 

Your claim number isn’t just a formality—it’s a critical component of the post-accident repair process. It enables accurate tracking, fast approvals, and seamless communication between repair shops, insurers, and attorneys. 


At VICE Collision, we make sure that once you have your claim number, the rest of the process is clear, efficient, and built around your recovery—both legally and financially.

Know someone navigating a car accident claim? Share this blog to help them understand the importance of their claim number—and how to make the most of it.