Sheriff asks court to submit wrecked Ford Explorer to TAC insurance for assessment; motion approved

HUTCHINSON COUNTY, Texas — The Hutchinson County Commissioners Court on Sept. 9 authorized the sheriff to submit an insurance claim to the county’s insurer, TAC, for assessment of damage to a 2024 Ford Explorer involved in an on-duty collision.

The sheriff reported the vehicle was damaged in a crash involving a deputy and a bystander and presented three local repair estimates ranging from about $30,860 to $31,005; one local vendor declined to quote because of frame damage. "Pretty much totaled," a sheriff’s representative said while describing a crack in the frame and expressing concern about pouring major dollars into a vehicle that might not be roadworthy after repair.

The court approved a motion to submit the claim to TAC for assessment and direction. Commissioners discussed prior county experience with a 2013 Explorer that received extensive repairs and later was sold at auction, noting the county recovered only a portion of the prior outlay.

The sheriff said TAC will inspect and determine whether the vehicle is a total loss. If TAC authorizes repair, county staff will return with vendor selection and cost details; if TAC deems the vehicle a total loss, the court will receive information about replacement options and any budget implications.

The court also heard that a replacement vehicle was located in Lubbock and is being outfitted, and that the sheriff would continue to seek vehicle options while TAC processes the claim.