What happens after you submit a digital damage report?

Filling out and sending a digital damage report is often the most important thing you do after an accident. But many wonder what actually happens afterwards: Who looks at the case first, when do you get a response, and why do some companies ask for more information?

In 2026, the flow in many damage settlements is more automated than before, but the fundamental principle remains the same: the insurance company must ensure they have enough facts to assess liability (who is at fault) and coverage (what the insurance actually covers). Below, we explain the process step by step – and what you can do to make it go faster.

1) The damage report is registered and gets a case number

When the damage report is submitted, it is usually automatically registered in the insurance company's claims system. You often receive a case number via SMS/email or in the company’s app/website. From here, two things can happen:

• Automatic triage: Some cases are sorted automatically based on the extent of the damage, type of damage, and whether it is personal injury.
• Manual review: A case handler reviews the report, especially if there is a disagreement about the sequence of events, large damages, or unclear information.

Tip: A digital damage report progresses faster when both parties agree on the facts. On Skademeldinger.no, you can fill it out together with the other party, get one shared version, and sign digitally – this typically reduces back-and-forth about “who said what.”

2) The company assesses liability: Who is liable for compensation?

In traffic accidents, the initial assessment often concerns liability according to general compensation rules and traffic regulations, followed by how this affects the insurance. If the incident should also be reported (for example, vandalism, theft, or burglary in a vehicle), the Police's guidelines provide a good starting point: Police – report of theft/burglary/vandalism.

The case handler typically examines:

• Sketch and explanation (what happened, where, in what direction)
• Pictures of the accident scene, damages, and any evidence
• Witnesses (name/phone) if available
• If there are contradictions between the parties’ descriptions

If the parties disagree, the company may request additional documentation or, in some cases, collect statements from both sides. In complicated cases, they may also use appraisals/expert assessments.

3) You may be asked for more documentation

Even if you have filled everything out, it is common for the company to need more before they can conclude. Common follow-up questions include:

• More pictures (full car, detail shots, dashboard/warning lights)
• Documentation of previous damages or repairs
• Confirmation from the workshop or appraisal
• Report number if the matter is reportable

The tidier and more consistent the damage report is, the less friction there will be. One advantage of creating the damage report with the other party (and signing digitally) is that key facts – time, place, sequence of events – are anchored in the same document.

4) Repairs, appraisal, and choice of workshop

When liability/coverage is sufficiently clarified, you will normally be informed about the next step: repair or assessment. The process often goes like this:

• You choose the workshop (some companies have partner workshops that can provide faster appointments and smoother billing).
• The workshop conducts a damage assessment and sends a quote/appraisal to the insurance company.
• Approval before the repair starts (especially for larger damages).

For minor damages, it may go directly to repair, while larger damages may require extra checks. Remember that terms and procedures vary between companies, and you should always check what your insurance states about workshop choice and settlement.

What about a rental car?

A rental car may be included, but it depends on the coverage you have (for example, comprehensive/additional covers) and the company's terms. Some cover rental cars for a certain number of days, while others link it to repair time. Clarify early with the company so you don’t incur unexpected costs.

5) Settlement: deductible, bonus effects, and payment

When the case is processed, the settlement usually occurs in one of two ways:

• Direct settlement with the workshop: The company pays the workshop, and you pay the deductible.
• Payment: For certain types of damages, you may receive payment based on the appraisal (typically where repairs are not done at a partner workshop).

Deductible is usually deducted according to the terms of your agreement. Bonus may be affected in liability damages, but bonus loss and “bonus protection” vary greatly between companies. Therefore, it is wise to check your specific terms or customer pages at your company before making decisions about the form of settlement.

6) If there is disagreement: how it is handled

Disagreement often revolves around the sequence of events, extent of damage, or whether something falls within coverage. The company typically will:

• Request a more detailed explanation and more pictures
• Obtain workshop assessments/appraisals
• Evaluate witness statements

If you believe the assessment is incorrect, you can file a complaint with the company and request a new assessment. You can also get help from independent complaint schemes (insurers typically inform about this in their responses). Always keep documentation and communication.

7) How to get faster processing

• Send pictures immediately: Overview + details + signs/surroundings.
• Be specific: Time, place, speed, direction, lane, right of way, weather/road conditions.
• Avoid two versions: Make sure that your description and the other party's description do not diverge unnecessarily.
• Keep track of attachments: Witnesses, if applicable, report number, and workshop info.

Skademeldinger.no is designed specifically for this part of the process: you can fill out the damage report together, sign digitally right then and there, and share a clear, common version ready to be sent to the insurance company. This leads to fewer misunderstandings and often faster case flow.

Sources (last checked 2026)

• Police – report of theft/burglary/vandalism
• Norwegian Public Roads Administration (main page)
• NAF (main page)

Note: Procedures, deadlines, and coverage may vary between insurance companies and agreements. Always check the applicable terms for your insurance.