State Farm insures a lot of drivers in Bradenton and the rest of Manatee County, so we see State Farm claims come through our doors regularly. If you have been in an accident and State Farm is your insurer (or the other driver's insurer), this page explains how the claim process generally works, the choices you have in Florida, and what Firkins Collision Center does to make the repair side easier.
We are not affiliated with State Farm and do not claim to be part of any State Farm repair program. We simply work with all insurance companies, including State Farm, and help our customers with the paperwork.
How a State Farm Auto Claim Typically Starts
State Farm publishes three ways to report an auto claim:
- Online through State Farm's claims website
- In the State Farm mobile app
- By phone at 800-SF-CLAIM (800-732-5246), which State Farm says is available day or night
Before you call, gather the basics: your policy number, the date, time and location of the accident, a description of what happened, photos of the damage and scene, and the other driver's name, insurer and policy number. Our guide on what to do after a car accident in Bradenton covers what to collect at the scene.
Photo estimates in the app
State Farm's app includes a virtual estimate option where you photograph the damage and submit it. A photo estimate can be a quick starting point, but it only reflects what the camera can see. Cracked brackets, crushed absorbers, bent reinforcements and damaged sensors usually sit behind the bumper cover or panel. That is why the first number often changes after a shop disassembles the vehicle. Read more in our article on hidden damage after a fender bender.
Select Service and other shops
State Farm describes a Select Service program with participating shops that come with program-specific benefits. It also states that you can use any shop you like, and that shops outside the program don't include those particular program perks. Ask your claim handler to explain the differences in payment, warranty and scheduling so you can make an informed choice.
Your Rights as a Florida Driver
Florida law gives you meaningful protections no matter which insurer you have:
- Like-kind parts: Under s. 626.9743, Florida Statutes, an insurer may not require replacement parts that are not at least equivalent in kind and quality to the damaged parts.
- A copy of the estimate: When a partial loss is settled based on a written estimate, the insurer must give you a copy of that estimate.
- No surprise overages: The Florida Motor Vehicle Repair Act limits how far a final bill can exceed the written estimate without your approval (s. 559.909).
Our page on your right to choose a body shop in Florida goes into more detail.
Claim Under Your Policy or the Other Driver's?
| Situation | Whose coverage usually applies | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| The other driver caused it and has State Farm | Their property damage liability | You are a third-party claimant; no deductible applies to you on their liability coverage |
| You caused it and have State Farm collision | Your collision coverage | Your deductible applies |
| Hit-and-run or uninsured driver | Your collision coverage, if you carry it | See our uninsured motorist claims page |
| Storm, hail or flood damage | Your comprehensive coverage, if you carry it | See hail damage repair |
Every policy is different, so confirm details with State Farm.
What to Ask Your State Farm Claim Handler
- Who will the payment go to, and will my lender be on the check?
- Does my policy include rental coverage, and for how many days?
- How will supplements for hidden damage be handled?
- Will an in-person inspection be needed, or is a photo estimate the starting point?
How Firkins Helps State Farm Customers
Once you tell State Farm you want Firkins Collision Center to repair your vehicle, we take on much of the back-and-forth:
- Free upfront estimate. Stop by 2700 1st St, Bradenton, or request a free estimate online.
- Disassembly and inspection. We look for hidden damage and build a full repair plan.
- Supplements with documentation. If we find more damage, we photograph it and submit a supplement to State Farm.
- OEM parts whenever possible. Our on-site Mopar parts department supports Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram repairs, and we repair all makes and models.
- Structural and paint work in-house. Frame machines, computer-assisted measuring, a dedicated paint booth and a waterborne paint system.
- Progress updates until final inspection and road test.
See every step on our repair process page.
Getting around while you wait
We offer free loaner vehicles or help arranging a rental car, plus shuttle service and complimentary pickup and delivery. If your car isn't drivable, call our 24-hour towing line at (941) 749-1450, or learn more about 24-hour towing.
Backed by a lifetime warranty
Firkins provides a lifetime warranty on parts and labor for our workmanship, separate from any insurer program.
Start Your State Farm Repair at Firkins
Call (941) 229-6451 or schedule your free estimate. Hablamos español: (941) 357-5162. We are open Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM, and Saturday from 8:00 AM to noon. For more help with the paperwork side, visit our insurance claim help page.
Frequently asked questions
Can I take my car to Firkins if I have State Farm?
Yes. State Farm's own auto claims page says you can use any shop you like. Tell your claim handler you want your vehicle repaired at Firkins Collision Center in Bradenton, and we will work with State Farm on the estimate and any supplements.
How do I report a State Farm auto claim?
State Farm lists three ways: online through its claims website, through the State Farm mobile app, or by phone at 800-SF-CLAIM (800-732-5246), which it says is available day or night. Have your policy number, the date and location, and the other driver's information ready.
Is Firkins a State Farm Select Service shop?
We do not claim membership in any insurer's network or program. State Farm explains that its Select Service shops come with certain program benefits, while other shops do not carry those specific perks. Firkins backs its own work with a lifetime warranty on parts and labor.
Will State Farm pay for a rental car while my car is repaired?
It depends on your policy. State Farm notes that rental coverage applies if your policy includes it. Ask your claim handler what your policy covers, and ask us about free loaner vehicles or help arranging a rental.
What if Firkins finds more damage than State Farm's estimate?
That is common once panels come off. We document the hidden damage with photos and submit a supplement to State Farm for review, and under Florida law we contact you before charges exceed your written estimate.
Wrecked, dented or scratched? Let's look at it.
Free estimates, help with your insurance claim, and a loaner while we work.