Eye on Texas Blog

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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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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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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