California law states your insurance company must file a subrogation claim within three years of the accident that caused your injuries. Subrogation is the right of the insurance company to recover from a third party the amount of damages it paid to you.If an insurance company filed a subrogation claim for property damage against you, a skilled property damage attorney could can help you. In California, the made whole doctrine requires you be "made whole" financially before your insurance company subrogates your personal injury settlement. If you have trouble filing a claim online, call the Office of the Los Angeles City Clerk at 213-978-1133. You cannot file a claim over the phone. If you receive a subrogation letter in the mail and you do not have insurance, you will need to defend the claim on your own. Just like in a personal injury claim, property damage subrogation works in a similar manner. Subrogation occurs when your insurance company pays for an accident, then works to recoup expenses from the at-fault driver's insurer. Subrogation and Property Damage Claims.