Can insurance companies find estimates before claim is filed?

Answer 1

It is not likely that an insurance company would be looking for an estimate of damage for an accident if no claim or loss notice has been filed. This is because without a claim or loss notice, then the insurer will generally not be aware that a loss has occurred. It is however common for an insured to get estimates for property damage prior to filing a claim. Minor property damage may often be at or below the insureds deductible and therefore the insured may decide not to file a minor claim based on the obtained estimates.