With less than three months remaining until the start of session, IIAT has been meeting with key legislators and staff to discuss the independent insurance industry’s legislative agenda. Key legislative issues for next session include:
Hail Litigation Reform
IIAT supports meaningful reform for runaway litigation following a catastrophic event. The association supports the efforts of TLR and TCJL that will reduce frivolous claims which threaten the marketplace in affected areas of the state.
- Reserve the right to go to the courthouse
- Ensure that the courthouse is the last resort when disputing a claim
- Preserve a competitive market place
- Common sense reform
Surplus Lines Freedom
Retail agents have historically struggled with the issue of following a confusing statute as it relates to the placement of insurance with an admitted market. IIAT believes that larger sophisticated commercial insurance purchasers can make an educated decision about what option is the best for their specific circumstance.
- Provide a choice for sophisticated commercial purchasers
- Purchaser must employ or retain a qualified risk manager
- Signed disclosure and consent form from insured
- Financially sound surplus lines insurer
Coverage Change Notification – Personal Lines Policies
Chapter 2002 of the Insurance Code requires that notification of changes in coverage must be provided; however, there is no requirement of where the notification is located or when the notification must be made.
- Plain language notification must disclose new coverage in renewal policy
- Provide notice to agent and customer prior to use of new policy form
- Clarifies that properly notification does not require non-renewal notice
Access TWIA
Access to Louisiana Citizens has been restricted to “resident agents “only. This bill will allow access to TWIA for non-resident agents of any state that has not excluded Texas agent’s access to their wind facility.
- Reciprocity for non-resident licensed agents
- Louisiana Citizens changes
