The American Family Car Insurance Claim Process in Chicago, Illinois

American Family Insurance is one of the largest auto insurers in the Midwest, serving thousands of drivers across Illinois and the greater Chicago area. Known for advertising strong customer service and community values, AmFam has built a loyal customer base over the years.

But for many people injured in a car accident, dealing with the actual insurance claim process is more frustrating than expected, especially if the injuries are serious or if fault for the crash is unclear.

While American Family may present itself as supportive, injured drivers often face delays, lowball settlement offers, or claims that are denied outright. Understanding how the process works — and knowing your rights along the way — can make a significant difference in whether you receive fair compensation.

This article explains how to file a claim, what to expect, and when to get help from a car insurance claim lawyer in Chicago.

How to File a Claim With American Family Insurance After a Car Accident

If you’re involved in a car accident and need to file a claim with American Family Insurance, you can start the process online through their website, via the MyAmFam mobile app, by calling 1-800-MYAMFAM, or by reaching out to your local American Family agent in Chicago.

When filing your claim, you’ll need to provide your policy number along with the date, time, and location of the accident, and give a general description of what happened.

It’s essential to report the facts without admitting fault. Avoid saying anything that might suggest you were responsible for the accident or that your injuries aren’t serious. Even a simple statement like “I feel okay” can later be used to argue that you weren’t truly hurt.

Many injuries — including head trauma, soft tissue injuries, and back injuries — can take days to fully develop, and downplaying your symptoms at the start of the claim can damage your ability to recover compensation later.

What to Expect During the American Family Car Insurance Claims Process

After you file your claim, American Family will assign a claims adjuster to your case. The adjuster is responsible for reviewing the crash, assessing liability, and evaluating the value of your claim.

You may receive a call asking for a recorded statement about what happened. Before giving any statements, it’s wise to speak with a lawyer, especially if you’re still in pain, unsure about your condition, or confused about what caused the crash.

The adjuster will investigate the accident, including any available evidence, and review injuries and vehicle damage. They’ll also look at your medical records if you’re making a personal injury claim. They may try to determine whether your injuries were directly caused by the accident, or whether American Family can argue they were pre-existing or less severe than claimed.

Documents You’ll Need for an American Family Insurance Claim

To support your claim and strengthen your case, you’ll need to provide documentation that shows what happened and how the crash affected you.

This usually includes the official police report from the Chicago crash scene, photos or videos showing the condition of the vehicles and the surrounding area, and detailed medical records from any hospital visits or follow-up treatment.

You’ll also need to provide copies of your medical bills and any documents showing how your injuries have affected your ability to work, such as a doctor’s note placing you on restricted duty or records of missed paychecks.

Keeping organized records from day one can make a big difference, especially if your case becomes contested. Without detailed documentation, the insurance company may question the seriousness of your injuries or dispute your right to full compensation.

What Happens If the American Family Insurance Adjuster Disputes Your Claim

Many people are surprised when an insurance company questions the validity of their claim, especially after a clear-cut car accident. But it happens often. Some adjusters delay the process by repeatedly asking for paperwork you’ve already provided, hoping you’ll give up.

Others offer fast settlements that don’t come close to covering the long-term care or treatment you may need. American Family may also try to assign partial blame to you for the crash, which, under Illinois’ modified comparative negligence laws, can reduce the amount they have to pay.

There’s also the tendency to downplay injuries, especially ones like whiplash, soft tissue damage, or chronic pain that aren’t immediately visible on scans. In some cases, the insurance company refuses to fully cover wage loss or future therapy, leaving accident victims to deal with the financial burden themselves.

This is why it’s so important to be cautious during conversations with adjusters and to know what a fair settlement should actually include.

Next Steps If You’re Hurt in a Car Accident and Have American Family Insurance

If you’re injured and your car insurance claim is being handled by American Family, your next steps are critical. First, get medical treatment immediately, even if the pain seems minor. Waiting can make it harder to link your injuries to the crash. Follow all medical advice and attend follow-up appointments.

Second, don’t give a recorded statement to the adjuster before talking to a lawyer. You’re not required to, and anything you say can be used to reduce or deny your claim. Save every receipt, medical bill, and document related to your injury.

Lastly, don’t sign a release form or accept a check until a lawyer has reviewed your situation and advised you on what your claim may be worth.

When to Contact a Lawyer for Help With an American Family Insurance Claim

There are several situations where working with a Chicago car accident lawyer is especially important. If you’ve suffered serious injuries, such as broken bones, spinal cord damage, head trauma, or anything requiring surgery, legal help can make a big difference in recovering fair compensation.

You should also speak with a lawyer if your claim has been denied, undervalued, or delayed for weeks with no answers. If you’re filing a wrongful death claim on behalf of a loved one, having legal representation is essential.

Cases involving multiple vehicles, rideshare drivers, or commercial vehicles insured through AmFam are often more complicated and need experienced legal support.

Many of these crashes happen on busy roadways like the Dan Ryan Expressway, Lake Shore Drive, or Stevenson Expressway, or at major intersections like Western Avenue, Ashland Avenue, and Roosevelt Road. These high-traffic areas are known for sudden lane changes, speeding, and distracted driving, all common causes of serious accidents in Chicago.

Notable Disputes Involving American Family Car Insurance Claims

American Family Insurance has faced criticism for how it handles injury claims. While not known for major national scandals, the company has been sued in various states for bad faith practices, including unfair claim denials and low settlement tactics.

In Illinois and elsewhere, some policyholders have claimed that American Family unfairly delayed claims or misrepresented the value of injuries to avoid larger payouts.

These lawsuits show that, like any other insurer, American Family is still a for-profit company, one that may prioritize its bottom line over your recovery. Even well-meaning claims representatives are limited in what they can approve if the company takes a hard stance on limiting payouts.

How a Rosenfeld Injury Law Can Help With Your American Family Car Insurance Claim

At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we represent people who’ve been injured in crashes throughout Chicago and Illinois. If American Family Insurance is handling your claim, we’re here to help ensure you’re treated fairly and compensated fully. Our attorneys manage all communication with the insurance company, so you don’t have to worry about what to say or when to say it.

We work with investigators, medical professionals, and accident reconstruction experts to prove fault and show the full impact of your injuries. We don’t stop at just your ER bill; we look at long-term care, lost income, emotional suffering, and future medical needs.

If American Family refuses to negotiate fairly, we’ll file a car accident lawsuit and take the case as far as needed to get results.

Protect Your Rights During the American Family Insurance Claims Process

Just because American Family is a well-known insurer doesn’t mean their interests align with yours. If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Chicago, you deserve a legal team that knows how to push back when the insurance company delays, denies, or minimizes your pain.

Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers has helped thousands of injured clients across Illinois recover compensation from insurers like American Family. If you’re overwhelmed by the claims process or unsure what your case is worth, we’re here to guide you, and we never charge a fee unless we win.

Call us at (888) 424–5757 or complete our contact form to schedule your free consultation with a car accident lawyer in Chicago.

All content undergoes thorough legal review by experienced attorneys, including Jonathan Rosenfeld. With 25 years of experience in personal injury law and over 100 years of combined legal expertise within our team, we ensure that every article is legally accurate, compliant, and reflects current legal standards.