The Texas Insurance Code provides for the declaration of a catastrophe area based upon the occurrence of a weather related event. I have determined that the impact caused by Hurricane Rita was such a weather related event. I have issued a weather related bulletin providing insurers the additional time for claims handling services as required by the Insurance Code. Insurers, their representatives, and agents should take this opportunity to efficiently, effectively, prudently, and TIMELY provide the services to their policyholders that are expected and that are deserved as a result of this tragedy of unprecedented magnitude. The policyholders and the citizens of this state should not be delayed in receiving the benefits that they truly deserve as a result of this declaration. The declaration is provided with the expectation that such additional time is necessary due to the vastness of the claims resulting from the weather event.
It is my expectation that insurers and their agents will continue to make Texas a proud leader in the insurance industry and demonstrate to the nation the best professional conduct and behavior in serving Texas consumers.
September 30, 2005
COMMISSIONER'S BULLETIN NO. B-0063-05
Due to Hurricane Rita
TO: ALL COMPANIES, CORPORATIONS, EXCHANGES, MUTUALS, RECIPROCALS, ASSOCIATIONS, LLOYDS, OR OTHER INSURERS WRITING PROPERTY AND CASUALTY INSURANCE IN THE STATE OF TEXAS AND TO OTHER AGENTS AND REPRESENTATIVES AND THE PUBLIC GENERALLY
In accordance with the Insurance Code, Section 542.059, and 28 TAC 5.9303, the Texas Department of Insurance has determined the weather-related events occurring on September 20, 2005 through September 25, 2005, in the counties of Angelina, Aransas, Austin, Bee, Brazoria, Brooks, Calhoun, Chambers, Colorado, DeWitt, Duval, Fort Bend, Galveston, Goliad, Grimes, Hardin, Harris, Jackson, Jasper, Jefferson, Jim Hogg, Jim Wells, Kenedy, Kleberg, Lavaca, Liberty, Live Oak, Matagorda, Montgomery, Nacogdoches, Newton, Nueces, Orange, Polk, Refugio, Sabine, San Augustine, San Jacinto, San Patricio, Shelby, Trinity, Tyler, Victoria, Walker, Waller, Washington, Webb, Wharton and Zapata are a catastrophe for the purpose of claims processing.
Claims resulting directly from the above-defined catastrophe shall be subject to the additional time periods allowed by Section 542.059, Texas Insurance Code for the processing of claims.
Sincerely,
Marilyn Hamilton, Associate Commissioner
Property & Casualty Program MC 104-PC
Hurricane Rita Affected Counties