Insurance
Notice of claim after an auto accident: Certified Mail letter template
Pre-filled template, USPS tracking and Electronic Return Receipt
Auto policies require prompt written notice of an accident, and late notice is a classic reason insurers use to question a claim. A formal notice of claim, sent with dated proof of receipt, closes that door.
A good notice states the facts only: date, time, and location of the accident, the vehicles and drivers involved, whether a police report exists, and the damage or injuries observed. It asks the insurer to open a claim, assign an adjuster, confirm the claim number in writing, and preserve all records. It carefully avoids speculation about fault or settlement positions.
USPS Certified Mail with Electronic Return Receipt establishes the exact date the insurer was put on notice, protecting you under the policy's notice conditions.
This template is provided for informational purposes only and is not legal advice.
The letter template
The parts in blue and in brackets should be replaced with your information: they are pre-filled automatically when you use the template online.
Your contact details
Filled in automatically from the addresses step.
Recipient
Name and address entered at the addresses step.
Re: Notice of Claim, Accident of [date of the accident], Policy No. [policy number of the insured driver]
Sent via USPS Certified Mail with Electronic Return Receipt
Dear Sir or Madam,
This letter is formal notice of a claim arising from a motor vehicle accident that occurred on [date and approximate time] at [location: street, city, state]. The vehicles involved were [your vehicle: year, make, model, plate] and [other vehicle: year, make, model, plate, driver name if known].
A brief factual description of the accident: [describe what happened without speculation: the insured vehicle struck my vehicle from behind while stopped at a red light, etc.]. A police report was [filed under report number X with the X police department / not filed]. The accident resulted in [vehicle damage, and injuries if any, described factually].
Please open a claim, assign an adjuster, and send me written confirmation with the claim number and the adjuster's direct contact information. I request that you preserve all records related to this claim. Nothing in this letter waives any right or remedy, and this notice is not a statement of fault or a settlement position.
I can be reached at [phone number and email]. Supporting materials, including photographs and repair estimates, are available on request. This notice is sent via USPS Certified Mail, and the signed Electronic Return Receipt will establish the date you received it.
Sincerely,
Mr. First name Last name
How to send this letter online
- 1
Enter the addresses
Your details and the recipient's: they are placed automatically in the letter heading.
- 2
Personalize the template
At the writing step, this template is ready to complete: replace the bracketed placeholders with your information.
- 3
Review the exact preview
What you see on screen is exactly what will be printed and mailed.
- 4
We handle the rest
Printing, sealing, and hand-off to USPS as Certified Mail. Proof of mailing and the Electronic Return Receipt are stored in your account.