The Texas Senate recently gave House Bill 1774 final approval and the bill is on the way to Governor Abbot’s desk. The legislation curtails the ability of policyholders to sue insurance companies over property claims following extreme weather events.
Abbott supports the bill from atop the hill, claiming that it is essential for tort reform and to decrease the number of hailstorm lawsuits being filed by policyholders against insurance companies. If signed by Abbott, the bill will go into effect on 1 September, 2017.
Our understanding is that the bill will allow insurance companies an additional thirty days to delay or deny claims. It will also put constraints on policyholders concerning lawsuits against insurance companies; the cases will likely be forced to a federal level and suspected to take double the time of a state court.
The following are suggestions to help ensure a smooth claims process:
Make sure your home/business is adequately covered with a reputable insurance
company. We know the good, the bad, and the ugly in the industry and offer honest and
professional references.
Contact Morgan Elite Specialist Services. We are a third party team of licensed and experienced public adjusters who will tell it to you straight. We give comprehensive proof of any findings and have extensive knowledge of insurance policies and the claims process. If you do not have a claim, no harm, no foul. If you do have a claim, however, we can represent you from start to finish with no worries!
While too soon to say, House Bill 1774 could do more harm than good. Our team of dedicated public adjusters take pride in serving the community and are here for you. Give us a call and let us help!
To read the bill in its entirety, please visit:
ftp://ftp.legis.state.tx.us/bills/85R/billtext/html/house_bills/HB01700_HB01799/HB01774S.htm
