A step-by-step guide from the scene to completed repairs — written by Houston's collision repair experts since 1979.
Get Free Estimate →Quick Answer
After a car accident in Houston: (1) Move to safety and call 911, (2) Document everything at the scene, (3) Call your insurer to open a claim, (4) Choose your own body shop — you are not required to use one your insurer recommends, (5) Hand your claim number to Santa Ana Body Shop and we handle everything else.
If your vehicle is driveable, move to the shoulder, a parking lot, or a safe distance from traffic. Turn on your hazard lights immediately.
Call 911 even if the accident seems minor. A police report creates an official record that protects you if the other driver's account changes later or if injuries appear in the days after the accident.
Use your phone to document everything before vehicles are moved or towed. Take wide-angle and close-up photos of all vehicle damage, license plates, and the surrounding scene.
Do not admit fault — even if you think you contributed to the accident. Let the insurance companies and authorities determine fault based on evidence.
File your claim as soon as you're safe. Texas insurers must acknowledge your claim within 15 days of receiving notice — the sooner you file, the sooner the process starts.
You'll receive a claim number — write it down. This is the key piece of information you'll need to bring to your body shop.
Your insurance company will likely suggest a "preferred" or "direct repair" shop. You are not required to go there. Texas law gives you the right to choose your own repair facility.
Insurer-preferred shops often prioritize speed and lower cost for the insurer — which can mean aftermarket parts instead of OEM, or less thorough structural inspections. A shop you trust works for you, not your insurance company.
Once you bring us your claim number, we take over completely. We contact your adjuster, fight for OEM parts, arrange your rental car, handle every back-and-forth with the insurance company, and keep you updated throughout the repair.
Our average repair turnaround is 8 days — about 6 days faster than the national average. Every repair comes with a lifetime warranty.
Get Started — Free Estimate →Move to safety, call 911, document everything at the scene (photos of all damage, license plates, insurance cards), and call your insurer to open a claim. Do not admit fault. Then choose your body shop — you are not required to use one your insurer recommends.
No. Texas law gives you the right to choose your own body shop. Your insurer may pressure you toward a preferred shop, but you are not legally obligated to use it. Insurer-preferred shops sometimes cut costs in ways that affect your repair quality. Choose a shop that works for you.
Texas insurance companies must acknowledge a claim within 15 days of notice and accept or deny within 15 business days of receiving all required information. File as soon as possible — delays complicate claims and sometimes affect coverage.
You still have options. You can pay out of pocket, set up 0% financing through our shop, or — if the other driver was at fault — file through their insurance. We offer free estimates and will give you an honest recommendation on the most cost-effective path forward.
At Santa Ana Body Shop, our average repair time is 8 days — about 6 days faster than the national average. We provide a timeline estimate upfront and send real-time status updates so you're never left wondering what's happening with your car.
Hand us your claim number — we handle your insurance, your rental, and your repair. Free estimates always.