A “claimant” is a person or organization that requests payment from an insurance company after experiencing a covered loss or being affected by an accident. In auto insurance, a claimant is the individual asking the insurer to review the claim and determine whether benefits or compensation may be paid under the terms of a policy. Depending on the circumstances, the claimant may be the policyholder using their own insurance after a covered event or someone seeking compensation from another driver's insurance company. Understanding what a claimant is in insurance can make it easier to follow the claims process and know what role the claimant plays after an accident.
First-party versus third-party claimants
Who the claimant is depends on which insurance policy the claim is filed under.
A “first-party claimant” is a policyholder who files a claim with their own insurance company. For example, a driver submitting a collision or comprehensive claim under their own policy is considered a first-party claimant.
A “third-party claimant” is someone who files a claim against another driver's insurance policy. For example, if another driver is responsible for an accident, the injured person may file a liability claim with that driver's insurer as a third-party claimant. Understanding first-party vs third-party claimant situations can help explain why claims may be handled differently.
How does the claims process work for a claimant?
After an accident or another covered event, a claimant typically contacts the appropriate insurance company to report what happened and begin the claims process. According to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, the insurer may assign a claims adjuster to inspect the damage, review the available information, and evaluate the claim.
The claimant may also need to provide documentation, answer questions about the incident, and make the vehicle available for inspection. The length of the process may vary depending on the insurer, the type of claim, and the circumstances surrounding the loss.
Claimant versus insured versus policyholder
Understanding the differences between a claimant, an insured, and a policyholder can help clear up common confusion.
The “policyholder” is the person who owns the insurance policy. The “insured” refers to the person or people covered under that policy. A “claimant” is an individual seeking payment from an insurance company. Depending on the claim, the claimant may be the policyholder, another insured person listed on the policy, or a third party who is not covered under the policy.
To learn more about how claims are handled, visit the Infinity Insurance Agency, Inc. (IIA) Knowledge Center's guide to the claims process.
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Knowing who the claimant is and how claims work can make reporting a claim after an accident feel a little less confusing. IIA works with more than 20 insurance carriers to help drivers explore coverage options that fit their needs and budget. Our experienced, Spanish-bilingual agents can explain your coverage options and answer questions before and after you purchase a policy.
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