Eye on Texas Blog

Flooded urban area with overlaid text about insurance. Transcribed Text - INSURANCE: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

#Insurance

The Houston Chronicle recently reported about the troubling trend of insurers raising homeowners insurance premiums and reducing coverage. The article is worth your time. We provide background information below to help you understand how we got here and how we can protect Texas families.

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One minute could save your life

250,000 lives are stolen each year by medical errors. A small number of dangerous doctors commit the majority of the harm to patients. Take one minute to ensure your doctor isn't one of them.

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Tell D.C. to Protect your Rights!

Protect your rights!

You have two opportunities right now to tell lawmakers in Washington, D.C. to stand up and protect your rights.

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Houses

IN THE NEWS: Homeowners insurance rates jumped 11% in Texas last year and premiums are soaring. Here's why.

Texas Watch Executive Director Ware Wendell was quoted in San Antonio Express-News staff writer Madison Iszler's recent article on rising homeowner insurance rates and premiums.

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Autonomous vehicles

Texas Watch joins safety organizations in telling Congress no #forcedarbitration with self-driving cars

Congress is taking back up the SELF DRIVE Act, concerning autonomous vehicles (AVs), better known as self-driving cars.

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Wooden framework of a house under construction against a clear blue sky.

IN THE NEWS: Once again, builders, contractors and remodelers fight to get more power

Texas Watch Executive Director Ware Wendell was quoted in The Watchdog investigative columnist Dave Lieber's article in the Dallas Morning News. The article discussed HB 2022 and HB 2024, which relate to home construction complaints. Ware Wendell said, “In Texas, the builders already have the playing field tilted in their favor. Our concern is these bills are going to tilt it even more in the builders’ favor.”

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A collage of various people with text supporting Texas legislative bills SB 554, HB 1437, and HB 1321.

Consumers share stories about the need for #FairAppraisal and #SafeRepairs

Some insurance companies are trying to take the right to an appraisal for repair claims out of policies in Texas. If this happens, consumers will have no real options when it comes to resolving disputes with their insurance company. Fair auto appraisal, with protections built in to prevent delay tactics, can help you resolve disputes with your insurance company quickly, so you can get back on the road with the confidence your repair was done safely.

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A rooftop with bare branches in the foreground and a banner with the text "actual cash value vs. replacement cost."

IN THE NEWS: 5 tips when filing a homeowners insurance claim for storm damage

Texas Watch Executive Director Ware Wendell was featured recently in investigative reporter Brian New's story, 5 tips when filing a homeowners claim for storm damage. After recent storm damage across Texas, it is important to have the best information when filing a homeowner's insurance claim. 

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Ware V. Wendell in front of the Texas Capitol

IN THE NEWS: ‘Dangerous to be old:’ How can Texas prevent abuse in long-term care facilities?

Austin investigative reporter Avery Travis recently published an article in KXAN called, "‘Dangerous to be old:’ How can Texas prevent abuse in long-term care facilities?

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Stop Swoop and Settle Insurance Schemes

Action Alert: Stop Swoop and Settle Insurance Schemes!

Insurance companies prey on vulnerable Texans. After a wreck, they often swoop in and try to get you to settle on the cheap before you know the full extent of your damages and medical costs.

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Two cars in a head-on collision with bold text '#NoMoreGames.'

Written Comments Submitted by Texas Watch to the Texas House Committee on Insurance

Today, we submitted comments in support of the fair appraisal of automobile insurance property damage claims. Hard-working families need their vehicles repaired promptly and safely. Appraisal can be a way to determine the value of a property loss claim after a collision, but the process must be fair and not used for delay by insurers. 

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A hospital room with a bed, IV stand, wheelchair, and closed blinds.

Leading Patient Advocates Find Safety Information Lacking

Leading patient safety advocates with the Informed Patient Institute and the Patient Safety Action Network recently conducted a comprehensive review of 64 state medical and osteopathic boards, evaluating how well they informed the public online.

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Blurred image of a semi-truck and a car driving on a highway at speed.

Texas Needs Safe Roads, Not Dangerous Trucking Legislation

We have a safety crisis on Texas roads. Texas has led the nation in the number of large truck crashes for years. Commercial trucks cause many more fatalities in Texas than other large states like California and Florida. Since 2009, the number of truck-related fatalities in Texas has increased an astonishing 105% at a time when our population has risen 18%. House Bill 19 undercuts safety by limiting evidence of corporate negligence in court.

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Two cars in a head-on collision with bold text '#NoMoreGames.'

#NoMoreGames​: Appraisal Fairness Now

Appraisal is intended to help you resolve disputes with your insurance company about the amount of the claim. But some insurance companies can play games with the process, adding cost and delay for you.

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Martin Mata with his son and wife

Trucking Danger​: Martin Mata

Martin Mata was on his way to work when danger struck and he was trapped under a poorly-maintained 18-wheeler. The truck dragged him for 709 feet. He spent two months in a coma. If HB 19 & SB 17 passes, Texans like Mr. Mata won't receive justice. Oppose HB 19 & SB 17

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Texas State Capitol dome with Texas flag and text 'TEXAS WATCH AT THE CAPITOL.'

Supplemental Comments on HB 19: Safety Recommendations

On Tuesday, March 9th, our team helped over 20 families tell their stories of commercial vehicle negligence, resulting in death or injury. After the hearing on HB 19, Chairman Leach asked for additional comment on HB 19.

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Leslie and Sophie Rosenberg

Trucking Danger​: Leslie & Sophie Rosenberg

The Rosenberg family was changed forever when a truck failed to yield at a stop sign. Leslie Rosenberg was taking her daughter, Sophie, back to college. Both of their lives ended in an instant when the truck blocked their path. Legislation pushed by trucking lobbyists at the Texas Capitol will give less incentive for trucking companies to follow the rules of the road. It is so important that your state lawmakers hear from you now, telling them to OPPOSE HB 19.

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Fountain pen and model car on an auto insurance document.

Texas Department of Insurance’s Misinformation and Inaction Stall Efforts to Ensure Proper COVID Auto Insurance Refunds for Texans

In another setback to ensuring that Texans get appropriate auto insurance refunds due to fewer claims and less driving, the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) released misleading information to public officials. The information asserts an unsupported claim that drivers have seen $1.4 billion in insurance overcharges returned back into their wallets, one that is contradicted by market data.

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Person holding an insurance document with a pen in an office setting.

Groups Call on Governor Abbott to Put Consumers First

Today, three leading consumer groups sent a letter to Governor Abbott, asking him to appoint a new insurance commissioner who will put consumers first. This decision is even more critical during the pandemic when so many households are hurting financially.

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Front view of a gray Volkswagen car with reflections on the hood.

How to Find Car Insurance That Will Actually Take Care of You

Kelly Taft, our Development and Operations Director, discusses how she used the OPIC tool to help navigate choosing a new car insurance.

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American flag with silhouettes of soldiers and the text "To All Who Have Served, Thank You."

Veterans Day 2015: Events Across Texas

On Veterans Day, we honor the brave men and women who have dedicated their lives to preserving our constitutional rights. Their sacrifices help protect our Right to a Trial by Jury. In addition to standing by the Seventh Amendment, we should never forget to stand by our troops.

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All the Justice money can buy

All the “Justice” Money Can Buy

Texas Mutual Insurance Company was created amidst a crisis. 25 years later, the company is creating a crisis all its own.

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