VTR-331-INS Form: Insurance Statement of Fact

VTR-331-INS Form – If you’re an insurance company in Texas handling a total-loss vehicle claim and struggling to obtain a properly assigned title from the owner, the VTR-331-INS form (officially titled Insurance Company Statement of Fact) is the key document you need. This TxDMV form allows licensed insurers to transfer ownership and apply for a new Texas title — whether a regular title, salvage vehicle title, or nonrepairable vehicle title — without the original owner’s signature.

The most current version is VTR-331-INS Rev 01/25 (January 2025), with supporting guidance in the TxDMV Salvage/Nonrepairable Motor Vehicle Manual (January 2026). Below is everything you need to know, based exclusively on official Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) sources.

What Is the VTR-331-INS Form?

The VTR-331-INS is a certified statement used only by insurance companies licensed to do business in Texas. It serves as acceptable evidence of ownership when the insurer:

• Pays a claim on a motor vehicle and acquires ownership or possession,
• Has waited at least 30 days since the claim payment date, and
• Cannot obtain a properly assigned certificate of title from the recorded owner(s).

The form certifies that the insurer has sent at least two written notices to the owner(s) and any lienholder(s) requesting surrender or proper assignment of the title. Proof of these notices must be retained by the company but is not submitted with the title application.

Important legal note: Falsifying information on this form is a third-degree felony under Texas law.

Official download: VTR-331-INS PDF (direct from TxDMV.gov).

Who Must Use the VTR-331-INS Form?

• Texas-licensed insurance companies only (individuals, dealers, or salvage pools cannot use it).
• Applies to vehicles acquired through a paid insurance claim (typically total-loss claims leading to salvage or nonrepairable status).
• Commonly used when the vehicle was titled in Texas or out-of-state.

It is not a general proof-of-insurance document for vehicle registration (that uses the standard Texas Liability Insurance Card). It is also distinct from other TxDMV statements of fact, such as VTR-130-SOF or VTR-267.

When Is the VTR-331-INS Required?

Use this form when applying for title in the insurance company’s name and no properly assigned ownership document is available. It is accepted for:

• Regular Texas titles (via county tax assessor-collector),
• Salvage Vehicle Titles,
• Nonrepairable Vehicle Titles.

This process has been streamlined since June 22, 2020, for use in the TxDMV webSALVAGE system, and the form was updated in January 2025 to reflect legislative changes (including the elimination of non-commercial vehicle safety inspections under HB 3297).

Step-by-Step: How to Fill Out the VTR-331-INS Form?

The one-page form is straightforward. Complete it as follows:

Vehicle Information section:

• Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
• Year
• Make
• Body Style
• Model
• Previous Title/Document Number
• Previous Title State
• License Plate State and Number (if any)

Insurance Company Information section:

• Company Name
• Claim Payment Date (must be at least 30 days before the application date)
• Address, City, State, ZIP

Authorized Agent section (the person signing on behalf of the company):

• First Name, Middle Name, Last Name, Suffix (if any)
• Email (optional)
• Phone Number (optional)
• Printed Name (must match signature)
• Date

Certification and Signature: The authorized agent must sign and certify:

• They are authorized by the insurance company.
• A loss claim was paid and accepted for this vehicle.
• At least two separate written notices were sent to the recorded owner(s) and lienholder(s).
• Any required payments were made to lienholders per Property Code, Chapter 61.
• All statements are true and correct.

Any unassigned or improperly assigned title in the company’s possession must be submitted (stamped “SURRENDERED” if using webSALVAGE).

Required Supporting Documents

To complete the title application, submit the VTR-331-INS along with:

1. Application for Texas Title and/or Registration (Form 130-U) — for regular titles (submit to county tax assessor-collector), OR Application for Salvage or Nonrepairable Vehicle Title (Form VTR-441) — for salvage/nonrepairable titles (mail to TxDMV).
2. Any available certificate of title (unassigned or improperly assigned).
3. VIN verification if needed (via Form 130-U certification or VTR-68-A Law Enforcement Inspection).
4. For out-of-state titled vehicles applying for salvage/nonrepairable: Complete the “Last Titled Outside of Texas” section on Form VTR-441.

Submission locations:

• Regular title: Local county tax assessor-collector office.
• Salvage or nonrepairable title: Mail to Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, Vehicle Titles and Registration Division.

Key Requirements and Best Practices

• 30-day waiting period: Claim must have been paid at least 30 days before the application.
• Two written notices: Send to the last known address of owner(s) and lienholder(s). Retain proof (do not submit).
• Lienholder compliance: Make any required payments under Property Code Chapter 61.
• webSALVAGE users: Upload a scanned copy of the surrendered title (front and back, stamped “SURRENDERED”) along with the VTR-331-INS.
• Previous versions of the form remain acceptable in most cases, but TxDMV recommends using the latest Rev 01/25 version.

Recent Updates (2025–2026)

• January 2025 revision (Rev 01/25) to align with HB 3297 changes.
• January 2026 Salvage/Nonrepairable Motor Vehicle Manual provides detailed guidance in Chapter 4.3.
• The form continues to be accepted in both paper and electronic (webSALVAGE) processes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can individuals use the VTR-331-INS?
No — it is restricted to licensed insurance companies.

Is proof of the paid claim required?
No — this requirement was removed effective March 2019.

What if I have the original title?
Submit it with the application (even if unassigned).

Where can I find the latest form?
Always download from the official source: TxDMV Forms Page or the direct PDF link above.

Is this the same as proof of insurance for registration?
No. For registering a vehicle, use your standard Texas insurance card or policy documents.

Conclusion

The VTR-331-INS Insurance Company Statement of Fact is a critical tool that streamlines title transfer for Texas insurance companies after paying total-loss claims. By following the official instructions — waiting 30 days, sending two notices, and submitting the completed form with the proper application — insurers can efficiently obtain clear title in their name.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles website (txdmv.gov) and the current Salvage/Nonrepairable Motor Vehicle Manual. Download the form directly from TxDMV to ensure compliance and avoid processing delays.

Need the form right now?
Download VTR-331-INS PDF here

Sources: Official TxDMV VTR-331-INS form (Rev 01/25), Salvage/Nonrepairable Motor Vehicle Manual (January 2026), and TxDMV Registration & Title Bulletins.