With hurricane season fast approaching and the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA) the largest insurer of coastal property in Texas, now is the time to address one of the most common questions I receive from clients and public adjusters. This blog has previously addressed how the TWIA statute works in Texas and the dual paths of a claim that an insured must take. If TWIA accepts the claim, an insureds only remedy is appraisal, and if TWIA denies the claim, then the insured can file suit. Conceptually this sounds easy but in reality, can be difficult if TWIA accepts damage but doesn’t pay everything owed.
Continue Reading What Do I Do If My Claim is “Accepted in Full”
Texas Governor Suspends TWIA Rate Increase
The Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA) Board of Directors voted to increase rates for 2019 by 10% at the July 31st Board Meeting.1 TWIA then reported the proposed rate increase to the Texas Department of Insurance and the Commissioner of Insurance must approve the rate. The rate increase would go into effect for all policies issued or renewed in 2019.
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Rene Sigman is a Rebel with a Cause—Stopping Laws and Regulations That Harm Policyholders
Last week at the Texas Association of Public Insurance Adjuster (TAPIA) Fall Conference, Rene Sigman made the most dramatic speech ever at a public adjuster conference—and did it twice in one day. She stood up to a Texas politician railing about his constituents being harmed by bad laws and bad faith insurance companies. She called him out for voting against policyholders.
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More Problems With TWIA – Quantity Does Not Equal Quality
Hurricane Harvey victims along the Gulf Coast continue to fight for proper claims treatment from Texas Windstorm Insurance Association—better known as TWIA. On August 27, 2018, KPRC Channel 2 News Houston profiled the ongoing problems property owners are facing with their TWIA claims.
KPRC Channel 2 News Houston interviewed me as part of its ongoing
Hurricane Harvey Deadlines That May Affect You: Have You Reported Your Claim?
Those affected by Hurricane Harvey may recall the massive and widespread flooding, tornado bursts, and extreme wind speeds reaching 130 mph or higher. To many, it is an overwhelming and still very present memory. Were you affected by Harvey? Hurricane Harvey hit Texas on August 25, 2017, as a Category 4 hurricane and caused widespread destruction throughout the greater Houston area and surrounding counties. Harvey’s one-year anniversary is around the corner and for some, that means the deadline to file your claim with your insurance provider is almost here.
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Are TWIA Appraisals Ever Fair or Impartial?
TWIA (short for Texas Windstorm Insurance Association), frequently referred to as the Texas windstorm insurance carrier of last resort, just can’t seem to get this insurance claims handling thing right. A conclusion quite alarming considering that insurance claims handling is one of the primary functions of its business. At this point many are left wondering if TWIA will ever get it right.
Continue Reading Are TWIA Appraisals Ever Fair or Impartial?
Commissioner of Insurance Extends Deadline for Policyholders to Demand Appraisal for Damages Caused by Hurricane Harvey
On April 18, 2018, the Texas Commissioner of Insurance issued Order No. 2018-5463, extending the deadline for a Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA) policyholder to demand appraisal on their Hurricane Harvey claim. Harvey made landfall in Texas and affected several parts of the Greater Houston area as well as several coastal areas from August 25 to August 30, 2017.
Continue Reading Commissioner of Insurance Extends Deadline for Policyholders to Demand Appraisal for Damages Caused by Hurricane Harvey
(T)exas (W)indstorm (I)nsurance (A)ssociation (TWIA) Important information and Deadlines for Hurricane Harvey Claims
According to TWIA’s website, as of November 15, 2017, TWIA has received 72,902 claims related to Hurricane Harvey. So, what happens next? Many of TWIA’s policies, procedures and deadlines are different from that of a typical homeowner’s policy. Thus, it is imperative you read your policy to ensure no deadlines are missed. Below are important deadlines and basic information to remember as you are filing your claim.
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TWIA Is Acting with Wrongful Impunity Against Texans
Rene Sigman is co-chairing an important Hurricane Harvey seminar today discussing all the Hurricane Harvey issues. Yours truly is on a panel discussing how Hurricane Harvey differs from other hurricane litigation, but there is one similarity even worse. . .TWIA is again on the warpath against its own customers.
Continue Reading TWIA Is Acting with Wrongful Impunity Against Texans
Texas Department of Insurance Commissioner’s Response to State Rep. Smithee’s Concerns Regarding TWIA
A few weeks ago, I wrote about State Representative John Smithee’s letter to Texas Department of Insurance (“TDI”) Commissioner Eleanor Kitzman, in which he expressed his concerns over the solvency of the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (“TWIA”). Rep. Smithee, along with insurance professional David Crump, assessed data showing that TWIA would be unable to pay its policyholders’ claims in the event of a severe catastrophe.