The Office of Public Insurance Counsel has weighed in opposing a proposed pre-dispute binding arbitration provision currently under consideration by the state insurance commissioner. OPIC is the state office tasked with representing policyholders in rate and form filing decisions.
In her letter to Commissioner David Mattax, Public Counsel Deeia Beck writes of arbitration generally:
The Texas insurance commissioner is considering an industry proposal that would allow an insurance company to buy your legal rights for a few dollars a month.
This is unprecedented. Never has the insurance department approved a request to allow an insurance company to include what is called a pre-dispute binding arbitration clause in its policies. In fact, it has been part of the agency's published guidelines to reject any insurance policy that includes such language.
The Texas Department of Insurance is asking questions. But, it's what they aren't asking that's the problem.
Insurance lobby groups are pointing to the number of consumer complaints filed with the Texas Department of Insurance as "evidence" that consumers are happy with their insurance companies. But, 75% of consumers filing complaints with TDI in 2015 were never counted.
Today on Texas Tells, families and businesses across North Texas are attempting to rebuild after the severe holiday storms. But, some roofers and builders are being less than honest. Today, we’ll talk to consumer watchdog and Dallas Morning News columnist Dave Lieber about the scams some roofers and builders are pulling across North Texas.
Last August, we asked what you wanted to see in a new Texas Watch website. With your comments in mind, we launched a website that helps Texas consumers learn and take action on the issues that affect them most.
Firefighters continue to bravely battle the Hidden Pines wildfire in Bastrop County with 80% of the fire contained. The fire has already damaged or destroyed dozens of residential and commercial properties. As families and businesses begin the process of rebuilding, here are some tips for property owners when dealing with their insurance company.
Demand that your insurer hold up its end of the deal.
Lt. Governor Dan Patrick has directed the Business & Commerce Committee to study insurance claims handling practices and the impact on Texas consumers and the Texas insurance market.
Following is a statement from Alex Winslow, executive director of the policyholder advocacy organization Texas Watch:
Texas Mutual Insurance Company is garnering the attention of the press, local officials, and state legislators for all the wrong reasons.
After a year of record rainfall and flooding for the Lone Star State, Hurricane Season 2015 will reach its peak this month. Seven storms have already rocked the Atlantic, resulting in 51 casualties and almost 400 million in property damage. This month, we spoke to Executive Director Alex Winslow and Deputy Director Ware Wendell about preparing for hurricane season and how to rebuild after a disaster.
