EV Claim Reporting — How to File and How Long Settlement Takes in 2026
Settling a claim for an electric car differs significantly from the procedure known from combustion vehicles. The traction battery, energy management system, and vehicle software require specialized diagnostics that most independent workshops do not perform. As a result, the time to settle an EV claim in 2026 is on average 4–12 weeks — and the more complex the damage, the longer it takes. This article shows how to file a claim correctly, what to prepare, and how to avoid common problems.
First steps right after the incident
The first 24 hours after the incident matter most. After ensuring safety — calling the police if there are injuries or a dispute over fault — document the scene with photos of the vehicle, surroundings, and any damage to a public charger. For an EV claim, it is also worth taking a photo of the battery state-of-charge indicator and the on-board screen with error messages — this data is useful for the loss adjuster.
- Ensure safety and call services if necessary
- Document the incident with photos from different angles
- Exchange details with the at-fault party — including their OC policy number
- Report the claim by phone to your insurer within 24 hours
- Do not sign any documents you do not understand
- Keep all receipts related to the incident
Towing and the authorized service center
An electric car after a claim requires special towing — towing with the powertrain engaged is impossible because the electric motors also serve as generators and could damage the high-voltage system. Professional flatbed trucks offered by Assistance know this procedure. After towing, the vehicle should go to a manufacturer-authorized service center — replacing or repairing the traction battery requires certification and specialist tools that independent workshops usually do not have.
Battery claim settlement time
The longest claims to settle are those involving the traction battery. Battery diagnostics at an authorized service center usually takes 7–14 days — it requires running the manufacturer's specialist software that tests each battery module separately. Battery repair (if possible) takes another 2–4 weeks. Replacing the entire battery is usually 4–8 weeks, and for popular models with domestic parts availability — often faster. The total settlement time, including payout, is typically 4–12 weeks.
Documentation — what to prepare
Well-prepared documentation shortens settlement time by 1–3 weeks. A complete set typically includes the incident-scene protocol, photos, the at-fault party's statement or police note, OC policy data of the at-fault party, and a diagnostic report from the authorized service center. For battery claims, the vehicle log from the on-board computer is additionally required, which the service extracts during diagnostics.
- Incident-scene protocol or police note
- Photos of vehicle damage and the scene
- At-fault party's statement with all required fields
- OC policy details of the at-fault party and their insurer
- Diagnostic report from the authorized service center (for battery claims)
- Vehicle log from the on-board computer
- Registration certificate and driving license
- Your AC policy number
Most common problems and how to avoid them
Typical problems in EV claim settlement are disputes over the extent of battery damage, delays in factory parts delivery, and refusal of payout due to an OWU clause about charging with non-standard cables. To avoid the last scenario, before any claim it is worth keeping documentation of all chargers used and ensuring they all meet IEC 62196. In case of a dispute with the insurer, you have the right to free use of the Financial Ombudsman or filing a complaint with the Financial Supervision Authority (KNF).
EV claim settlement is a multi-stage process in which preparing documentation and choosing an authorized service center play a key role. Extended Assistance with no-mileage-limit towing to an authorized repair point is an add-on that in 2026 is practically mandatory for every EV owner — the cost of PLN 100–200 per year pays back with the first serious claim.