How to File an Auto Insurance Claim in Texas: Step-by-Step

Filing an auto insurance claim in Texas is straightforward, but small choices early in the process can save or cost you thousands of dollars. This guide walks through every step, in order, with the specific Texas Department of Insurance rules that apply at each stage.

Before you file: what to capture at the scene

• Check for injuries and call 911 if anyone is hurt
• Move drivable vehicles out of traffic if it is safe to do so
• Photograph every vehicle, all license plates, the wider scene, and any visible injuries
• Exchange names, phone numbers, carrier names, and policy numbers
• Get the police report number – Texas requires a report for any crash involving injury, death, or roughly $1,000 or more in damage

Everything above becomes the factual backbone of the claim. Photographs taken at the scene settle more El Paso liability disputes than anything an adjuster records afterward.

Step 1: Report the claim promptly

Texas policies require notice 'as soon as practicable.' For practical purposes, call your insurer the same day as the crash, or within 24 hours if injuries took you to the hospital. Late notice can void coverage entirely.

Step 2: Provide the basics

• Policy number
• Date, time, and exact location of the crash
• Police report number and responding agency
• Names, contact info, and insurance details of every other party
• Names and contact info for witnesses
• A factual summary – not a fault assessment

Step 3: Get a claim number

Write it down. Every communication going forward will reference this number. Texas insurers must acknowledge receipt of a claim within 15 days under Insurance Code §542.055.

Step 4: Adjuster contact

An adjuster will reach out, typically within 1–3 business days. They may ask for a recorded statement. You are not required to give one to the other driver's insurer; you are required to cooperate with your own.

Step 5: Vehicle inspection

Your insurer will arrange an inspection, either at a partnered body shop, a drive-in center, or via mobile adjuster. You can choose your own body shop in Texas – insurers cannot require you to use their preferred network.

Step 6: Repair authorization

Once an estimate is written, repairs can begin. Texas law requires insurers to make a coverage decision within 15 business days of receiving all required information under §542.056.

Step 7: Payment

Payment is issued within 5 business days of acceptance under §542.057. Checks may be sent to you, the body shop, or jointly with your lender if there's a loan.

Step 8: Total loss handling

If repairs exceed roughly 75% of actual cash value, the vehicle is declared a total loss. You'll receive ACV minus your deductible. You can dispute valuations – see our total-loss guide.

Step 9: Final closing

Once repairs are complete and payments are issued, the claim closes. Keep all documentation for at least three years in case of follow-up disputes or subrogation.

Subrogation and your deductible

If the other driver caused the crash, your insurer can pursue their carrier for reimbursement. When subrogation succeeds you get your deductible back, in whole or pro-rated to the share of fault assigned. Ask for the subrogation status before you close the file.

How an independent agent helps

We file the claim with you on the line, push the adjuster on timelines, and review every estimate before you sign. For our clients, the claim process is a phone call, not a project.