Filing Auto Insurance Claims: Houston-Specific Steps

Filing an auto insurance claim in Houston, Texas, can be a stressful process, but understanding the steps can make it more seamless. After a car accident, your first priority should be to assist anyone injured and call for emergency medical assistance if needed. It is also important to contact the police, especially if there are injuries, a vehicle cannot be moved, you suspect a driver is intoxicated, a driver has no insurance, or a driver leaves the scene. At the scene of the accident, be sure to exchange information with the other driver(s) and get the names and contact information of any witnesses. Taking photos and/or videos of the accident can also be helpful. After the accident, contact your insurance company as soon as possible and provide them with the other driver's name and insurance information. It is also important to understand your policy's coverages and deductibles, as well as any time limits for filing claims. Working with a lawyer can help protect your rights and guide you through the process.

What to do at the scene of the accident

Being prepared and knowing what to do in the event of a car accident can save lives, reduce injuries, and make the claims process simpler. Here is a list of things to do at the scene of a car accident:

Pull Over and Park Safely

If possible, pull your vehicle to the side of the road and park a safe distance from the crash site. This will help prevent further harm and allow room for emergency vehicles to reach the scene.

Turn on Hazard Lights and Set Out Warning Signs

Turn on your car's hazard lights and set out emergency signage, flares, or traffic triangles to warn other drivers and indicate that help is needed.

Call 911

Call 911 to request emergency medical assistance and notify law enforcement of the accident. Provide specific details, such as the location, the number of people involved, the severity of injuries, and any other relevant information.

Assess Injuries and Provide First Aid

Check yourself, your passengers, and, if possible, those in the other vehicle(s) for injuries. If anyone is injured, call for emergency medical assistance immediately. Do not attempt to move or treat injured people unless they are in immediate danger or you have professional training. Your priority is to keep them calm and reassured until help arrives.

Assess the Damage

Once you have ensured everyone's safety, evaluate the extent of the damage to the vehicles involved. Take pictures or videos of the damage, including close-ups of specific areas of concern.

Exchange Information

Exchange information with the other driver(s), including names, addresses, phone numbers, vehicle identification numbers, license plate numbers, insurance information, and driver's license details. Obtain contact information from any witnesses at the scene as well.

Don't Leave the Scene

It is important to remain at the scene of the accident until emergency services arrive and you have completed the necessary information exchange. If you hit an unattended vehicle, try to locate the owner. If you cannot find them, leave a note with your name, address, and phone number, along with details of the accident.

Contact your insurance company

Contacting your insurance company is the first step in filing an auto insurance claim. You can do this over the phone, online, through a mobile app, or with an agent. Regardless of the method, your insurer will likely request the following details:

• Location, date, and time of the accident
• Name, address, phone number, and insurance policy number for all involved in the accident
• Photos of the damaged vehicles
• Copies of the police and/or accident reports, if applicable

It is important to contact your insurance company as soon as possible after the accident. In Texas, insurance companies are required by law to respond within 15 days of receiving your claim in writing. They will then ask you to document your losses and accept or reject your claim within 15 business days after you submit the requested documents. If your claim is approved, they must send payment within five business days.

If you initially contact your insurer by phone, be sure to follow up in writing as soon as possible. This will ensure that your claim is properly documented and can help speed up the process.

When providing details about the accident, be sure to include the names, insurance companies, and policy numbers for the other drivers involved. If you are working with a smaller insurance company, you may need to call into their claim center and speak with an administrator or claim adjuster. Larger companies may have an online reporting tool or mobile app that allows you to submit your claim electronically.

Remember that your insurance company is there to help you through the claims process. Don't hesitate to reach out and provide them with the necessary information to get your claim started.

Review your insurance policy

After a car accident in Houston, you'll want to review your insurance policy to understand your coverage and what to expect from your claim. Knowing what your policy covers will help set proper expectations for your claim. For example, if you have rental car reimbursement coverage, you may be entitled to a rental vehicle while your car is being repaired.

Your policy's car insurance deductible amount indicates how much you pay out of pocket for a covered claim. Your coverage limits represent the maximum dollar amount your insurer could pay out in a certain category. Gap insurance can cover the difference, up to your policy's limits, if you owe more on the vehicle than it's worth.

Additionally, review your policy to confirm whether you have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. This type of coverage is automatically included in all Texas insurance policies unless you decline it. It will cover your bills if the at-fault driver has no insurance or insufficient insurance to cover your medical and repair expenses.

Liability insurance, which is required in Texas, covers injuries and property damage for other people involved in the accident. It does not cover your injuries or property damage if you are at fault. If you are at fault, your insurance company will only pay for other injured parties, such as your passenger or a driver or passenger in another vehicle.

You can also purchase additional coverage to receive payment for your injuries and property losses. For example, with collision coverage, your auto insurer pays for your property damage, regardless of fault. Medical Payment (Med Pay) policies cover your medical bills, regardless of who is at fault. Personal Injury Protection (PIP) policies cover your medical bills and lost wages, regardless of fault, and are automatically included in all Texas insurance policies, although you can decline coverage.

Work with an insurance adjuster

Working with an insurance adjuster is an important step in the process of filing an auto insurance claim in Houston. Here's a guide to help you navigate this process effectively:

Initial Contact and Consultation:

Contact a reputable public adjusting firm, such as ClaimsMate or Abba Claims Consultants, to schedule a free initial consultation. These firms have local Houston-based adjusters with expertise in handling auto insurance claims. During the consultation, explain the details of your claim, including the extent of the damage, the coverage of your insurance policy, and any interactions you've had with your insurance company.

Choosing the Right Adjuster:

When selecting a public adjuster, consider their experience and expertise in handling similar auto insurance claims. Check references and reviews from previous clients to gauge their performance and professionalism. Ensure you understand the fees and terms of their services, which should be discussed upfront and typically range up to 10% of the final settlement amount.

Damage Assessment and Analysis:

The public adjuster will conduct a thorough assessment of your vehicle to evaluate the damage. They will document the nature of the damage, take detailed photos or videos, and itemize any necessary repairs. This step is crucial for accurately estimating the cost of repairs and determining the compensation you should receive.

Review of Insurance Policy:

The adjuster will carefully review your insurance policy to identify the coverage you have and the maximum amount you can claim. They will explain the complex terms and conditions of your policy, ensuring you understand your rights and entitlements under the policy.

Negotiation with Insurance Company:

During this stage, the public adjuster will negotiate with your insurance company on your behalf. They will use their knowledge of insurance policies and claims submissions to advocate for a fair and prompt settlement. Remember, the adjuster works for you, not the insurance company, so they will push for the maximum possible compensation.

Settlement and Claim Closure:

Once negotiations are complete, the public adjuster will help you finalize the settlement and close the claim. They will assist you in completing the necessary paperwork and ensuring you receive the compensation outlined in the settlement.

It's important to note that public adjusters typically work on claims where a substantial amount of money is in dispute, usually exceeding $10,000 in value. They are licensed insurance specialists who understand insurance contracts and have your best interests in mind. Their goal is to relieve you of the stress and burden of navigating the complex insurance claim process alone.

Repair or replace your car

Once your insurance claim has been approved, you will receive a payment from your insurer minus your deductible. If your car has been damaged beyond repair, or "totaled", your insurer will cut you a check for the value of the vehicle, minus your deductible.

Whether you repair or replace your car is ultimately up to you. If you are still making payments on a loan or lease agreement, you do not own your vehicle, and so you are obligated to repair it. Your lender will want you to take care of the repairs to their asset promptly. If you own your vehicle outright, you have more flexibility in deciding whether to repair or replace it.

If you decide to repair your car, you are free to choose which shop handles the repairs. If you decide to replace your car, you will need to purchase a new one. You can use the payment from your insurer as a down payment on a new vehicle.

It is important to note that if you have comprehensive or collision coverage, your insurance provider may require you to complete the repairs as recommended. Many insurance providers will drop physical coverage from vehicles that have not been repaired. Be sure to check with your insurer to determine what is expected of you.

Frequently asked questions