Crash StepsIndependent public guide · not a law firm

Educational information only. This is not legal advice, medical advice, or an emergency service. It does not create an attorney-client relationship, and a disclaimer is not a promise that the page fits your crash. If someone may be hurt, call 911.

Translate the paperwork

What does that word mean?

A plain-language starting point for the terms in your file. A definition is not a coverage decision, legal opinion or instruction to sign a document.

Official pages reviewed November 8, 2026.

Use the linked guide for the full context and source. If a term in your actual policy or proposed agreement is unclear, ask for its definition and obtain individual advice before relying on a general summary.

Actual cash value

TDI describes a vehicle’s replacement cost minus depreciation. It is not the outstanding loan balance or the price of a brand-new replacement. A valuation disagreement needs actual supporting records.

Read the related guide →
Accrual

The starting point used in a limitation provision. Section 16.003 measures specified periods from when a cause of action accrues. This glossary cannot decide when that happens in your case.

Read the related guide →
Business day

For the Chapter 542 prompt-payment subchapter, §542.051 excludes Saturday, Sunday and a holiday recognized by the state. Counting only weekends is not a complete statutory business-day calculation.

Read the related guide →
Collision coverage

TDI describes coverage that pays to repair or replace your car after an accident, subject to the policy. Its presence does not decide every coverage question.

Read the related guide →
Comprehensive coverage

TDI describes damage from events other than collision, including examples such as theft, fire, flood and vandalism. Ask which actual policy terms apply.

Read the related guide →
CR-3

The officer crash report. TxDOT holds state crash records; the report is different from dispatch audio, video or your personal summary.

Read the related guide →
Deductible

TDI describes the part of a covered claim you pay yourself. The applicable coverage and policy matter; a single deductible figure should not be applied to every kind of claim.

Read the related guide →
Declarations page

The policy summary listing coverages, limits and deductibles. Definitions, exclusions, endorsements and conditions are also part of understanding the policy.

Read the related guide →
First-party claim

Section 542.051 defines the relevant claim by an insured, policyholder or beneficiary that must be paid directly under the policy. It is not automatically a claim against another driver’s liability insurer.

Read the related guide →
Liability coverage

TDI describes coverage for other people’s repair, property damage and injury costs when the insured is responsible, subject to the policy. It is not your own vehicle-repair coverage.

Read the related guide →
PIP

Personal injury protection. TDI describes medical and certain other costs such as lost wages. Ask about the actual policy rather than assuming a payment.

Read the related guide →
Release

A document that can end specified claims or rights. TDI discusses releases in injury settlements. The effect depends on the actual document; this site cannot tell you to sign it.

Read the related guide →
Rental reimbursement

A coverage for rental costs with policy limits and conditions. A reservation is not necessarily an insurer’s authorization of every rate, charge or day.

Read the related guide →
Supplement

Additional or changed repair information after an initial estimate. Receipt, insurer review and your repair authorization remain separate steps.

Read the related guide →
Total loss

A company may choose replacement payment rather than repair when repair cost is close to current vehicle value, as TDI describes. Loan, salvage, title and rental questions remain distinct.

Read the related guide →
UM/UIM

Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. TDI describes its role when another driver has no insurance or not enough, and certain hit-and-run situations. Conditions and the actual policy matter.

Read the related guide →

Sources for this page