How Long Does an Insurance Claim Take in Australia?
In a Nutshell: A straightforward car insurance claim takes about 5–15 business days from lodgement to repair approval. Simple fault claims may be approved in 2–5 days. Complex claims (disputed fault, injury, multiple parties) can take weeks or months. Your level of preparedness determines how fast your claim moves.
Average Claim Timelines
| Claim Type | Assessment | Repair Approval | Repairs Complete (Estimated) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Simple claim (clear fault, no injury, 2 vehicles) | 2–5 days | 5–10 business days | 7–14 days |
| Not-at-fault claim (other driver's insurer) | 5–15 business days | 10–20 business days | 14–21 days |
| Hit and run (own insurer) | 5–10 business days | 10–15 business days | 14–21 days |
| Disputed fault claim | 15–30+ business days | 20–45+ business days | 30–60+ days |
| Multi-vehicle accident (3+ cars) | 10–20 business days | 15–30 business days | 21–45 days |
| Written off (total loss) | 3–7 business days | 5–10 business days (payout) | N/A |
| Injury claim (CTP) | 1–6 months | Settlement: 6–24 months | Ongoing |
What Influences Claim Speed
| Factor | Impact on Time |
|---|---|
| Fault is clear | Fast — simple processing |
| Fault is disputed | Slow — investigation needed |
| Injuries involved | Slow — CTP claims take months |
| Multiple vehicles involved | Slower — more parties to contact |
| Your documentation | Fast claims are well-documented |
| Time of year | Peak seasons (post-hail, after long weekends) mean more claims = slower |
| Your insurer | Some insurers process faster than others |
| Repairer availability | Some areas have panel shop shortages |
| Parts availability | Import, EV, and luxury cars take longer to repair |
How to Speed Up Your Claim
| Action | Why It Helps |
|---|---|
| Report the claim immediately | Don't wait — the clock starts when you lodge |
| Provide ALL details upfront | Photos, witness details, dashcam footage, police report number |
| Be available | Answer calls quickly — missed calls = delays |
| Choose an approved repairer | Insurer's preferred repairers have pre-approved processes |
| Authorise repairs online | Digital approvals are faster than paper |
| Don't make minor changes | Once repairs are set, changes cause delays |
| Keep a claim diary | Note dates, names, and reference numbers |
| Follow up weekly | Not too often, but regular check-ins keep you on their radar |
Average Repair Times by Damage Type
| Damage Type | Typical Repair Time |
|---|---|
| Minor panel beater repair (door, bumper) | 3–7 days |
| Moderate panel work (replace bumper, re-spray) | 5–14 days |
| Major structural repair | 14–30 days |
| Full respray | 7–14 days |
| Windscreen replacement | 1–2 days |
| Hail damage (multiple panels) | 14–60 days (weather dependent — high demand after major storms) |
| Waiting for imported parts | 14–90+ days |
When to Escalate
| Situation | What to Do |
|---|---|
| Claim not acknowledged within 5 business days | Call the insurer's claims line |
| Repairer hasn't contacted you within 7 business days | Ask your insurer for the repairer's contact |
| Assessment not completed within 15 business days | Escalate to the claims manager |
| Claim takes over 30 days for a simple case | Ask for a written explanation |
| Insurer not responding to calls | Lodge a complaint through their internal dispute resolution |
| Unresolved after 45 days | Contact the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) |
AFCA — Your Last Resort
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| What AFCA does | Resolves insurance complaints for free |
| Time to contact AFCA | After 45 days from your complaint to the insurer |
| Free service | Yes — no cost to you |
| Phone | 1800 931 678 |
| Website | afca.org.au |
| Average AFCA resolution time | 60–90 days |
Key Takeaway
- Simple claims: 5–15 business days from lodgement to repair approval.
- Complex claims (disputed fault, injuries): weeks to months.
- Your documentation quality is the biggest factor — have photos, witness details, and dashcam ready.
- The fastest month for claims is February (post-holiday lull); the slowest is January (peak holiday crashes).
- If your claim is delayed beyond reasonable timeframes, escalate to a manager, then to AFCA.
- Repair times depend on parts availability — common cars (Corolla) repair faster than imports/luxury vehicles.
- Total loss (write-off) payouts happen within 7–14 days of agreeing on valuation.
Last updated: July 2026
Disclaimer: This article provides general guidance on insurance claim processing times in Australia. Individual timelines vary by insurer, complexity, and circumstances. This is not legal advice.