3 Mistakes to Avoid When Filing Auto Insurance Claims (2026 Update)
Filing a claim in 2026: what changed
Texas auto insurance rates rose 8-12% in 2024-2025 according to the Texas Department of Insurance. That means every claim counts more than it used to. Filing a $700 claim for a minor fender-bender when your deductible is $500 actually costs you money in the long run. The average Texas premium increase after a single at-fault claim is 23% over 3 years.
Mistake #1: Filing claims you should pay out of pocket
If the damage is less than your deductible + the premium increase, pay cash. Common examples: a cracked windshield (Texas allows glass-only repairs with no rate impact under most policies), minor parking lot dings, and side mirror replacements. The 2026 rule: if the repair costs less than 2x your deductible, skip the claim.
Mistake #2: Not calling police at the scene
Texas law (Transportation Code 550.026) requires police reports for any accident causing injury, death, or property damage over $1,000. Without a police report, your insurer can deny the claim entirely. Call 911 immediately – even for “minor” fender-benders. Get the police report number and write it down before leaving the scene.
Mistake #3: Late notification to your insurer
Most Texas auto policies require notification within 24-72 hours. Notify by phone AND in writing (email or your insurer app). Document the date, time, and the agent you spoke with. Late notification is the #1 reason Texas claims are denied.
What to do right after an accident in Texas
1) Check for injuries, call 911 if needed. 2) Move vehicles out of traffic if possible. 3) Exchange info with the other driver. 4) Take photos of damage, license plates, the scene. 5) Get the police report number. 6) Call your insurer within 24 hours. 7) Do not admit fault at the scene – let the adjusters decide.
All Star Insurance Agency has been serving Killeen and Central Texas since 2007. Free comparison quotes from 5+ carriers in 10 minutes.
Call (254) 690-94003 Mistakes to Avoid When Filing Auto Insurance Claims (2026 Update)
Filing a claim in 2026: what changed
Texas auto insurance rates rose 8-12% in 2024-2025 according to the Texas Department of Insurance. That means every claim counts more than it used to. Filing a $700 claim for a minor fender-bender when your deductible is $500 actually costs you money in the long run. The average Texas premium increase after a single at-fault claim is 23% over 3 years.
Mistake #1: Filing claims you should pay out of pocket
If the damage is less than your deductible + the premium increase, pay cash. Common examples: a cracked windshield (Texas allows glass-only repairs with no rate impact under most policies), minor parking lot dings, and side mirror replacements. The 2026 rule: if the repair costs less than 2x your deductible, skip the claim.
Mistake #2: Not calling police at the scene
Texas law (Transportation Code 550.026) requires police reports for any accident causing injury, death, or property damage over $1,000. Without a police report, your insurer can deny the claim entirely. Call 911 immediately – even for “minor” fender-benders. Get the police report number and write it down before leaving the scene.
Mistake #3: Late notification to your insurer
Most Texas auto policies require notification within 24-72 hours. Notify by phone AND in writing (email or your insurer app). Document the date, time, and the agent you spoke with. Late notification is the #1 reason Texas claims are denied.
What to do right after an accident in Texas
1) Check for injuries, call 911 if needed. 2) Move vehicles out of traffic if possible. 3) Exchange info with the other driver. 4) Take photos of damage, license plates, the scene. 5) Get the police report number. 6) Call your insurer within 24 hours. 7) Do not admit fault at the scene – let the adjusters decide.
All Star Insurance Agency has been serving Killeen and Central Texas since 2007. Free comparison quotes from 5+ carriers in 10 minutes.
Call (254) 690-9400