TX| The Texas Department of Insurance Bulletin #B-0006-26 issues nonbinding disaster guidance following Governor Abbott’s July 2026 severe storms and flooding declarations, urging insurers and HMOs to provide flexible, consumer‑friendly treatment while complying with existing Texas law. It expects carriers to educate consumers on FEMA and other disaster assistance, properly title flood‑damaged vehicles, suspend vacancy provisions for temporarily displaced policyholders, and offer reasonable grace periods on premium payments without forgiving premium. TDI reiterates that insurers may use nonresident and emergency adjusters, that public adjusters must be licensed and follow advertising and solicitation restrictions, and that all parties must avoid misrepresentation, unfair claim settlement practices, and illegal deductible waivers. The bulletin highlights appraisal rights in personal auto and residential property policies issued or renewed after January 1, 2026, reinforces prohibited nonrenewal practices and new notice requirements under recent legislation, and requires prior TDI approval before restricting new personal auto or residential property writings due to catastrophic events. It also expects insurers and HMOs to facilitate access to medical services by authorizing up to a 90‑day supply of prescriptions, waiving referrals, reissuing ID cards for affected individuals.
Texas Insurance Bulletin: Relief Expectations for Claims, Premium Grace Periods, and Nonrenewals After Severe Storms
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