Detailed Answer
Under Texas law, you can identify which insurer covered the at-fault driver by using official crash records, proof of financial responsibility, informal discovery tools and state resources. Follow these steps to find the insurer name and policy details:
- Obtain a Certified Crash Report
The investigating officer must record each driver’s insurance information at the scene. Order a certified copy (CR-3) of the crash report from the Texas Department of Public Safety. It will list the at-fault driver’s insurer and policy number. (See Tex. Transp. Code § 550.065.) - Review the Driver’s Proof of Financial Responsibility
By law, a driver must carry and display an insurance card or other financial responsibility proof upon request (Tex. Transp. Code § 601.053). If you have a photo or copy of the driver’s insurance card from the scene, it will show the insurer’s name and policy number. - Contact the At-Fault Driver or Their Attorney
Under Texas Rules of Civil Procedure, you may demand basic insurance information early in a lawsuit. Interrogatories or a Request for Disclosure can compel the opposing party to state the insurer’s name and policy limits. - Notify Your Own Insurer
If you have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, notify your carrier promptly. They often investigate the at-fault driver’s coverage by accessing state databases or contacting the other insurer directly. - Verify with the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI)
Once you have a company name, confirm it is properly licensed in Texas by using the TDI Insurance Company Search. While TDI will not provide policyholder specifics, it verifies the company’s active status.
Helpful Hints
- Order the CR-3 crash report within 30 days to avoid administrative delays.
- Keep a copy of any insurance card photos taken at the scene.
- Serve discovery requests early in litigation to meet Texas’s tight deadlines.
- Document all communications—notes, emails or letters—with insurers or their adjusters.
- Consider hiring a private investigator if the at-fault driver refuses to cooperate.
Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a licensed Texas attorney to discuss your specific situation.