TWIA has begun to take the first steps in encouraging insurance companies to be more involved in writing on the Texas coast; this is known as depopulation. The Texas Legislature authorized TWIA to develop a depopulation program in 2015. Since the program is underway, we thought it a good time to answer some of the more frequently asked depopulation questions.

How does depopulation affect TWIA policyholders?

Depopulation will not affect all TWIA policyholders. For some TWIA policyholders, options for windstorm insurance may increase; for others, there may be no change. In general, here is how depopulation offers will be made:

·  If a depopulation insurer decides to make an offer, the insurer will make contact with the policyholder’s current agent;

·  Agents review all offers and can advise policyholders

· Policyholders make the final decision

Is there anything agents and policyholders need to do right now?

It is early on in the process, and it is not necessary for agents or policyholders to initiate any action at this time.

 · TWIA will provide agents the access to view depopulation insurance company offers as of September 1. Agents will receive a communication from TWIA prior to September 1 with their login, password, and instructions on how to view offers.

 · Agents will also be contacted separately by depopulation insurance companies if there are offers on policies in their book of business.

 ·  Acceptance of any offers is voluntary, and no changes will take place unless the agent proactively approves the depopulation insurance company’s offer. Policyholders with approved offers will have the opportunity to opt out of the process any time prior to May 31, 2017. If the policyholder takes no action, their TWIA policy will be automatically transferred to the depopulation insurance company.

Agents can find more information on the depopulation programs by visiting TWIA.org.