Three coverages, and only one of them is yours
Most arguments about who pays come from using one word for three things. Your policy has separate coverages, and the crash decides which one opens.
Liability pays for damage you cause to somebody else. Texas requires it. It does nothing for your own car. If the other driver hit you, their liability coverage should pay for your repair.
Collision covers your own car when you hit something or something hits you. It is optional unless a lender requires it, and most do. It has a deductible.
Comprehensive, sometimes called other than collision, covers things like theft, fire, flood, vandalism, a falling limb, or an animal in the road. It has its own deductible.
If somebody rear-ended you, the coverage you want is the other driver's liability.
Who pays in the four common cases
The other driver is at fault and has insurance. Their insurance pays for your repair. You do not pay a deductible.
Fault is disputed, or their insurance is slow. You can wait, or you can open a claim on your own collision coverage, pay your deductible, and get the car fixed now. If your company later collects from the other side, you generally get your deductible back in the same share. That is called subrogation. Ask about it when you file.
You hit something. Your collision coverage pays after your deductible. There is no honest way for a shop to make that deductible disappear.
Hit and run, or the other driver has no insurance. This is what uninsured motorist coverage is for. In Texas, your insurance company has to offer it, and you have to turn it down in writing not to have it. Check your declarations page before you assume you do not have it.
What it does to your rate
Not-at-fault claims usually do not touch your rate. At-fault claims usually do. That is your insurance company's decision, and no shop can tell you what your renewal will look like.
On a small repair, that is worth thinking about. If the repair costs close to your deductible, paying yourself may make more sense than filing.
It is your shop, not theirs
Somebody will probably suggest a shop. That is allowed. Following it is not required. Texas Insurance Code 1952.301 lets you choose where your car gets fixed.
Estimates and supplements
The first estimate is written from the outside of the car. If more damage turns up once a part comes off, the extra goes to the insurance company as a supplement. That is routine.
If you and your insurance company disagree on the amount, check your policy for an appraisal clause.
Find out where you stand
Bring us the claim number, or text us photos of the damage. The estimate is free. We work with your insurance, or you can pay yourself.
Been Hit? Your Shop Is Your Call.
Texas Insurance Code 1952.301 lets you choose your shop. Text us photos for a quick look, or stop by for a free estimate.
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