• Adjuster changes - A contractor may not act as a public adjuster for any property for which they are already providing or may provide contracting services. In addition, adjusters must not use a different name than the one on their adjuster license. 
• Deductibles
  • Payment requirements – Code was amended to explicitly require property insurance claimants to pay deductibles required under the terms of their policy.
  • Consumer education – The Texas Department of Insurance, in coordination with applicable state agencies and stakeholders, must develop and implement a consumer education program about property insurance deductibles which include information on prohibited conduct.
  • Proof of payment - An insurer may require proof of payment by a policyholder of any deductible applicable to their claim on a policy with replacement cost coverage before releasing withheld recoverable depreciation or a replacement cost holdback.
  • Update to the Business & Commerce Code - Code now stipulates contract language requirements related to deductible payments for claims of $1000 or more and outlines the offenses related to the payment of deductibles by a person other than a policyholder.

Should you wish to review the bills at the heart of these changes, the following links take you to a PDF of House Bill 2659, House Bill 2103, and House Bill 2102.