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Key Actions
Following our
principles, TCAIS has developed six key actions we're currently
taking to help ensure access to affordable insurance in Texas.
Continue
to provide data and underwriting guidelines to state regulators.
TCAIS members are committed to providing any and all rate information
and underwriting guidelines to the Texas Department of Insurance
(TDI) upon request and with the assurance of confidentiality. Individual
companies want to work with TDI to address concerns. TCAIS member
companies are confident that providing such data will verify that
rates are justified and will help TDI identify the cost-drivers
within the insurance market. Equipped with accurate information
about the real factors forcing insurance premium increases, TCAIS
and state leaders can work together to determine the best solutions
to concerns about availability and affordability in Texas.
Continue
to seek approval for affordable policy options for Texans.
TCAIS member companies are committed to working individually with
the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) to obtain approval of new
homeowners' policies, so that Texans will have additional policy
options, such as the more affordable "national" policies
consumers in other states have enjoyed for years. The Texas Legislature
authorized the use of such forms in 1997, and this year, TDI began
approving national policies for some companies. So some Texas homeowners
can begin benefiting from the new policy options as early as September.
Continue
to help crack down on insurance fraud and claims abuse.
TCAIS members are committed to working with law enforcement to
crack down on con artists soliciting business as evidenced by arrests
in Austin, Corpus Christi and Houston. Cracking down on abuse,
fraud and frivolous lawsuits will help reduce one of the costs
driving premiums higher
and, over the long term, will help reduce rates for consumers.
Work
to develop risk-assessment tools with proper protections.
TCAIS members are committed to working with legislators and regulators
to help foster a better understanding of insurance companies' use
of risk-assessment tools, such as credit information and claims
history. Members will explain how such tools help match customer
risk with the premium charged. Furthermore, TCAIS will work with
decision-makers on the disclosures or protections necessary to make
sure risk-assessment tools are used responsibly.
Click
here for credit information and factors affecting your home and
auto premiums.
Provide
consumers with information about how to find the best policies and
prices to meet their individual needs.
TCAIS member companies are committed to providing information that
will directly benefit Texas policyholders. For example, homeowners
might not know how to effectively shop for insurance or how to contribute
to their own lower rates. Member companies will communicate consumer
information through this Web site, as well as through other public
channels.
Click
here to read our "How to Shop for Insurance Guide."
Click here to download
additional information, including a worksheet on "Smart Shopping"
for home insurance. (PDF)
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