Insurance collision repair · South Houston
Filing an insurance claim? You choose the shop.
You can choose the repair shop for an insurance claim in Texas. Bring us your insurer's estimate or start with our free estimate. We'll document repair needs, communicate with the adjuster about approved work and any hidden damage, and keep you informed.
- Your right
- You choose the shop
- Insurers
- We work with any company
- Estimate
- Always free
Texas law: the shop is your choice
Texas drivers can choose the repair shop for their vehicle. Your insurer may offer a list of shops, but you can bring your car to INC. Coverage and payment still depend on the claim, policy and a reasonable repair cost. For questions about your rights, contact the Texas Department of Insurance at 800-252-3439.
Your policy or the other driver's
You may be dealing with your own collision coverage or another driver's liability insurer. Deductibles, fault decisions, rental benefits and payment timing differ by claim. We can explain our repair estimate and communicate with your adjuster; ask the insurer to confirm your specific coverage and payment responsibilities.
What to bring
Your claim number, the adjuster's name and phone number, and the insurer's estimate if you already have one. No claim number yet? That's fine. We can start with a free estimate, and you can file the claim after.
When hidden damage turns up
An insurance estimate is usually written before the car is taken apart. When we remove a bumper or panel and find damage that wasn't visible, we document it and send your insurer a supplement, an updated estimate, so the car is repaired completely, not just the damage that showed on day one.
Rental cars and claim deadlines
Rental availability and limits depend on the claim and the applicable policy. Ask the insurer whether rental is covered, for how long, and at what daily limit before booking. If your claim is delayed, ask your adjuster for the reason and the next expected update.
If the car is a total loss
When repairs would cost about as much as the car is worth, the insurer may declare it a total loss and pay its actual cash value. You can ask which valuation source they used and push back with comparable local listings. If a repair doesn't make sense, we'll tell you straight.
Start your claim repair with a free estimate.
Call us with your claim number, or bring the car by Monday–Friday 9–6 or Saturday 9–2.
Questions
Common questions.
Do I have to use the shop my insurance company recommends?
No. In Texas you choose where your car is repaired, and an insurer can't limit your coverage because you picked a shop that isn't on its list.
Do I pay a deductible if the wreck wasn't my fault?
A deductible usually applies when you use your own collision coverage. A liability claim against another driver works differently, but fault and payment must be accepted by that insurer. Confirm the exact amount you may owe with your adjuster.
What if the insurance estimate is lower than yours?
That's common, because the first estimate is usually written before hidden damage is visible. We send the insurer a supplement for anything we find. If you and your insurer still disagree on the amount, your policy's appraisal process and the Texas Department of Insurance are options.
Will my car get factory (OEM) parts?
Insurers generally pay for parts of "like kind and quality," which aren't always original manufacturer parts. Ask us which parts are on your estimate and we'll explain your options.
Who pays for my rental car?
It depends on which insurer handles the claim and what coverage applies. Ask the adjuster to confirm rental eligibility, daily limits and the approved rental period.
Do I need a police report?
Texas law requires you to notify police right away if anyone is hurt or a vehicle can't be driven safely. Officers file a crash report (CR-3) when someone is injured or damage looks like $1,000 or more, and you can buy a copy from TxDOT's online CRIS system.
My car cannot be driven. Can you help get it to the shop?
Call us if the vehicle is coming to INC for repair. Pickup is free for eligible repair customers when our team confirms eligibility and availability by phone. We do not offer towing for hire.