News/Publications Archives Residential ArchiveOPIC Unveils Their Coastal Consumer Page

OPIC Unveils Their Coastal Consumer Page

11/03/2009

The Office of Public Insurance Counsel has created a Coastal Consumers Page as a resource for insurance consumers along the Texas coast. This page is designed to provide these consumers the tools and information needed to help them make informed decisions regarding their coverage.

On this page you will find OPIC consumer brochures, policyholder notices, links to rules and other regulatory actions affecting coastal consumers and important news impacting the Texas coast.

To access the Coastal Consumer page, please click HERE

Senator Hinojosa Files Legislation to Create Tax Free Holiday for Emergency Items

Austin - Senator Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa filed legislation last week to establish a tax free weekend for emergency supplies and hurricane-proofing materials. The purpose of the program is to encourage Texans to reinforce their property and prepare for the upcoming storm season. A copy of the full press release is available here.

SOAH Sets Hearing on State Farm Lloyds' Rate Increase

AUSTIN – On March 4, 2013 an Administrative Law Judge with the State Office of Administrative Hearings will conduct a public hearing to review the 20% rate increase State Farm Lloyds implemented late last year. The hearing is being held at the insistence of Public Insurance Counsel Deeia Beck. Mrs. Beck is the Executive Director of the Office of Public Insurance Counsel, a state agency that advocates for Texas insurance consumers. To see the full press release click here.

OPIC Challenges Recent State Farm Increase

AUSTIN—Public Counsel, Deeia Beck, filed an application for a hearing on State Farm Lloyds' recent 20% rate increase for homeowners insurance with Insurance Commissioner Eleanor Kitzman today. A copy of OPIC's Application for Hearing is available here.

Not Shopping for Insurance Can Lead to Overcharges

AUSTIN—A study conducted by The Office of Public Insurance Counsel (OPIC) supports the idea that shopping your insurance policy can yield savings. The agency’s Executive Director, Deeia Beck said, “according to our data, the longer a policyholder stays with the same company, the more likely it is that they are overcharged.”

OPIC's Improved Property and Casualty Policy Comparison Tool Now Available

AUSTIN—The Office of Public Insurance Counsel (OPIC) announces the release of its improved property and casualty policy comparison tool. Available on the OPIC website (www.opic.state.tx.us), this tool allows consumers to compare the terms of auto, home, condo and renter’s policies.

Legislature Prohibits Discretionary Clauses

AUSTIN—On January 1, 2012, a new law banning the use of discretionary clauses in certain insurance policies went into effect. House Bill 3017, 82nd Legislature Regular Session (2011), prohibits the inclusion of discretionary clauses in Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) evidence of coverage forms and life, health, and disability insurance policies. Discretionary clauses are contract provisions that provide insurers the sole discretion in deciding if, when, and what benefits are due under the insurance policy.

OPIC Argues Case Seeking Refunds for State Farm Lloyds Policyholders Before Third Court of Appeals

AUSTIN—On December 14, 2011, Public Counsel Deeia Beck presented argument before the Third Court of Appeals in Austin in support of the refunds awarded to policyholders by former Insurance Commissioner Mike Geeslin in the State Farm Lloyds litigation. The Justices took the matter under advisement and will issue a decision after they have made their determination.