How to File a Car Insurance Claim in Texas (Step-by-Step)

Getting into a car accident or discovering your vehicle was damaged is stressful enough. Knowing exactly what to do next — and what not to do — can make the difference between a smooth claims process and weeks of frustration, delays, or a denied claim.

Here's a complete, step-by-step guide to filing a car insurance claim in Texas.

Step 1: Make Sure Everyone Is Safe

Before anything else — check on yourself, your passengers, and anyone else involved. If anyone is injured, call 911 immediately. Do not move injured parties unless there is an immediate danger (like fire). Getting medical attention is the priority before any insurance concern.

If the accident is minor and everyone is okay, move vehicles out of traffic if it's safe to do so and turn on hazard lights.

Step 2: Call the Police

In Texas, you are legally required to report a crash to local law enforcement if:

• Anyone is injured or killed
• A vehicle must be towed from the scene
• Property damage exceeds $1,000

Even for minor accidents, having a police report creates an official record that supports your insurance claim. Request the report number from the responding officer — you'll need it.

Step 3: Document Everything at the Scene

Use your phone to document as much as possible before anyone moves vehicles or clears the scene:

• Photos of all vehicles involved, from multiple angles
• Photos of damage to each vehicle, close up and wide
• Photos of the road, intersection, skid marks, or debris
• Photos of any injuries (visible)
• Video walk-around of the scene
• Photos of the other driver's license, registration, and insurance card
• License plates of all vehicles involved
• Names and contact info of all witnesses
• Badge number of responding officer

Do not rely on memory. Thorough documentation protects your claim and speeds up the process.

Step 4: Exchange Information With the Other Driver

Collect and provide the following with all other drivers involved:

• Full name and contact information
• Driver's license number
• Vehicle registration and license plate
• Insurance company name and policy number

Be cooperative but careful about what you say. Do not admit fault at the scene — even if you think you caused the accident. Fault determination is a legal and insurance process, and statements made at the scene can be used against you.

Step 5: Contact Your Insurance Agent

Call your insurance agent as soon as possible — ideally from the scene or shortly after. At TWFG Elkhalil Insurance, we handle claims coordination for our clients, which means you call us first and we help navigate the process with the carrier so you don't have to deal with it alone.

If you go directly to your insurer's claims line, have the following ready:

• Your policy number
• Date, time, and location of the accident
• Police report number
• Photos and other documentation from the scene
• Contact information for everyone involved

Step 6: Understand What Coverage Applies to Your Claim

The type of coverage that applies depends on the circumstances:

• Other driver was at fault + has insurance: File against their liability coverage. Your collision coverage is a backup if they dispute fault.
• You were at fault: Your collision coverage pays for your vehicle repairs. Their insurer may pursue you for their damages up to your liability limits.
• Other driver was uninsured: File against your uninsured motorist coverage — this is why UM/UIM is so important in Texas.
• Weather, theft, or non-collision damage: File under your comprehensive coverage.

Confused about what coverage you have? Read our guide on collision vs. comprehensive coverage in Texas.

Step 7: Get Your Vehicle Inspected

Your insurer will arrange for an adjuster to inspect your vehicle's damage. You can typically:

• Take your car to an insurer-preferred repair shop (often faster)
• Get independent repair estimates and submit them to the insurer
• Have a mobile adjuster come to your vehicle's location

You have the right to use any licensed repair shop in Texas — you're not required to use the insurer's preferred network. However, using a preferred shop often speeds up the process.

Step 8: Review Your Settlement Offer

Once the adjuster reviews the damage, your insurer will issue a settlement offer — either a repair cost estimate or, if the car is totaled, an actual cash value payment.

If your car is totaled: The insurer pays the actual cash value (ACV) — the market value of your car before the accident, minus your deductible. If you still owe more on your car loan than the ACV, gap insurance covers the difference. Without gap insurance, you're responsible for that balance.

If you disagree with the settlement: You have the right to dispute the offer. Gather independent repair estimates or comparable vehicle listings to support a higher value. Your agent can also help advocate on your behalf.

Step 9: Handle Your Deductible

Your deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket before insurance covers the rest. If your collision deductible is $500 and repairs cost $4,000, you pay $500 and your insurer pays $3,500.

Deductibles apply to your own coverage (collision, comprehensive). If you're filing against the other driver's liability insurance, there's typically no deductible for you.

Step 10: Follow Up on Your Claim

Under Texas law, insurers must acknowledge your claim within 15 days, and must accept or deny it within 15 business days of receiving all required documentation. If your insurer is being unresponsive, your agent can escalate — or you can file a complaint with the Texas Department of Insurance.

Common Car Insurance Claim Mistakes in Texas

• Admitting fault at the scene — never do this
• Waiting too long to report the claim — do it as soon as possible
• Not taking enough photos — document everything
• Accepting the first settlement offer without reviewing it
• Getting repairs done before the insurer inspects the vehicle
• Not calling your agent first — they're on your side and can guide the process

Working With an Independent Broker Makes Claims Easier

One of the most valuable benefits of working with an independent agency like TWFG Elkhalil Insurance is claims support. When something happens, you call us — not a 1-800 number. We coordinate with the carrier, advocate for a fair settlement, and keep the process moving so you can focus on getting back on the road.

Contact our Houston team if you have questions about a current or recent claim, or get a Texas auto insurance quote to make sure you have the right coverage before something happens.

Related reading: Car Insurance in Texas | Texas Insurance FAQs | Texas Insurance Pricing | Personal Insurance Overview