If you’ve been involved in a motor vehicle accident in Texas, you might need to get a TX DOT crash report. These reports are essential when dealing with insurance companies and legal matters. But how much does a TX accident report cost? And will insurance cover it? In this blog, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the cost of a TX crash report and whether your insurance can help cover it.
What Is a TX Crash Report?
A TX crash report—officially called the peace officer’s crash report—is filed by Texas peace officers or law enforcement agencies at the scene of an accident. This document records key details, including:
- The vehicle involved
- Personal information about each person involved
- Any property damage or personal injury resulting from the accident
- Witness accounts and road conditions
- Identification numbers, including crash IDs and ID numbers
If your accident involves police officers, you can expect an officer’s crash report to be available shortly after the incident.
How Much Does a TX Accident Report Cost?
If you need a Texas crash report, you’ll have two options:
- Regular copy: $6
- Certified copy: $8
A certified copy is usually needed for legal matters because it’s an official document that can serve as evidence in court. Both copies are available through the Texas Department of Transportation (TX DOT).
There’s also a processing fee if you use a credit card to order the crash report online. However, if you request a Letter of “No Records”—a document confirming that no report exists for your accident—it’s free.
Where to Request Your TX Crash Report
There are two ways to obtain your TX crash report:
- Online: The easiest way is through the Texas Department of Transportation Crash Records Information System Purchase Portal. You can search by crash IDs, ID number, or the name of a person involved.
- By mail: Fill out the required forms and send them, along with the appropriate fee, to the Texas Department of Transportation.
Using the TX DOT’s portal is usually faster, but some people prefer mail for its paper trail.
Why Might You Need a Certified Copy?
While a regular copy might suffice for your personal records, some situations require a certified copy of the TX accident report. You’ll likely need one if:
- You plan to file a lawsuit related to personal injury or property damage
- Your insurance company asks for an official document to support your claim
- You need to provide evidence in a court proceeding
Certified copies ensure your report is legally recognized, making them worth the extra $2.
Will Insurance Cover the Cost of a TX Crash Report?
Most insurance companies do not directly cover the cost of TX accident reports. However, here are a few scenarios where you might get reimbursed:
- Filing a claim: If you file a claim for personal injury or property damage, some insurance companies might reimburse you for expenses related to obtaining the crash report TX.
- Legal representation: If you hire a lawyer to help with a car accident claim, they might include the cost of your report in their service fees.
- Accident investigation: In some cases, an insurance adjuster might obtain the TX accident report on your behalf.
Be sure to ask your insurance company if they offer any reimbursement for the cost of a TX crash report.
What Happens If You Don’t Get a Crash Report?
Skipping the step of obtaining your Texas crash report could complicate your claim. Without it, you may face challenges when:
- Filing insurance claims: Insurance companies rely heavily on peace officer’s crash reports to verify the details of the car accidents.
- Disputing fault: If you or the other party dispute responsibility, the police officer’s report will help clarify the facts.
- Proving damages: Whether it’s property damage or personal injury, the report provides documentation of what happened.
Even if the law enforcement agency did not file a report at the scene, you can still request a Letter of “No Records” from the TX DOT to show that there’s no official record of the incident.
How to Make Sure Your Report Is Complete
When ordering your crash report online or by mail, double-check for:
- The crash ID and ID numbers
- Details of the vehicle involved
- All information about each person involved
- Any mention of property damage or personal injury
- The name of the law enforcement agency that filed the report
These details are crucial when filing a claim or preparing for a legal case. If you notice errors or missing information, contact the law enforcement agency that issued the report to correct it.
The Bottom Line: Is It Worth Getting a TX Accident Report?
Obtaining a TX accident report can be essential if you’ve been involved in an accident. Whether it’s for dealing with insurance companies, proving property damage, or resolving a legal dispute, having this report on hand can save you time and trouble.
While most insurance companies won’t cover the cost upfront, some may offer reimbursements through claims. At only $6 or $8, it’s an affordable document that offers peace of mind—especially if you need a certified copy to back up your case.
Ordering your report through the TX DOT Crash Records Information System Purchase Portal ensures you get it fast. If you’ve been in a car accident in Texas, don’t skip this step—it could make all the difference when it comes to protecting your interests.