The worst moment isn't the impact. It's standing on the shoulder while the other driver explains they don't have insurance. Texas has one of the higher uninsured driver rates in the country, so this happens more than people expect.
At the scene, do this anyway
Call the police and get a report, even for a minor hit. Photograph both vehicles, the plates, the road, and the other driver's license. Get their name, phone and address. All of it matters more than usual here, because there's no insurance company on the other side to establish the facts for you.
Two coverages can step in
Uninsured motorist property damage covers repairs when the at-fault driver has no policy. In Texas it's offered with every auto policy and you have to decline it in writing, so check — you may already carry it without realizing.
Collision coverage pays for your repairs regardless of who was at fault, subject to your deductible. If you have it, you're not stuck waiting on someone else's insurer.
Which applies, and what your deductible looks like, depends on your policy. Your agent can answer that in one phone call, and it's worth making before you make any decisions about the repair.
Don't accept cash on the spot
Drivers without insurance often offer to pay directly to avoid a report. It rarely works out. Damage almost always runs deeper than it looks from the outside, and once you've taken the cash and skipped the report, you have no route back. Get an estimate first, then decide.
We'll tell you what it actually costs
Come by for a free estimate and you'll know the real number before you talk to anyone — your insurer, your agent, or the other driver. We work with all insurance companies and handle the claim paperwork ourselves.
We're at 13181 Harmon Rd, Fort Worth, open Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm and Saturday 8am to 1pm. Call (682) 250-3045 or request a free estimate.