The Texas Department of Insurance shared a bulletin on flooding disaster guidance in light of the deadly flood
s in the Texas Hill Country. The bulletin lays out expectations for how insurers, agents, contractors, adjusters and
HMOs should work with policyholders affected by the floods.
The bulletin doesn’t create specific requirements, TDI said. The department said it expects cooperation by ev
ery insurer to ensure the fair treatment of customers. Insurers are ex
pected to follow Governor Greg Abbott’s disaster declarations for guidance on how long to extend relief.
TDI expects insurers to communicate to policyholders about potential FEMA assistance. Policyholders should be reminded that losses with the Nati
onal Flood Insurance Program typically must be reported within 60 days. Insurers are expected to inform customers about
other potential disaster assistance programs such as the U.S. Small Business Administration’s declared disaster loans.
Insurers are expected to work with policyholders who need more time to pay premiums to continue coverage. Insurers may minimize penalties or charges for late
payments or temporarily suspend payment or repayment plans. TDI said it will work with insurers to minimize the effects of any suspension of premiu
payments, specifically regarding financial review requirements. The depart
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ment noted this grace period does not mean the forgiveness of premium.
Insurers may use nonresident and emergency adjusters to handle disaster-related claim, TDI said.
TDI reminds insurers that instituting restrictions on writing new personal automobile and residential propert
y business in response to a catastrophic natural event –– except for farm mutuals—must file a proposed restriction plan with TDI and get prior approval.
More information, including claims practices, can be found here.
Photo: First responders from College Station Fire Department search along the banks of the Guadalupe River, as rescue efforts continue following extreme flooding, Sunday, July 6, 2025, in Ingram, Texas. (AP Photo/Rodolfo Gonzalez)