Hurricane Dolly Resource Page
Contact Your Insurance Carrier | Contact TDI | Current Conditions | Contact FEMA | Additional Disaster Resources | FAQs | Consumer Bill of Rights | Helpful Publications | Prevent Insurance Fraud | Flood-Damaged Vehicle Alert | Contact the Office of the Texas Attorney General | File an Insurance Complaint | TDI News Releases | Commissioners' Bulletins | ZIP code list
Please note that consumers in Cameron, Hidalgo, and Willacy Counties who have uninsured losses due to Hurricane Dolly should contact the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for assistance. The number for FEMA is 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or you can register on online at http://www.fema.gov/assistance/index.shtm. The deadline to register is September 30, 2008.
Immediate Disaster Assistance from the American Red Cross
If you have immediate emergency needs for food, clothing, shelter, or medical care, contact one of the local offices of the American Red Cross. You can visit a local Red Cross office or call the toll-free number
1-800-RED CROSS
www.redcross.org
Contact Your Insurance Carrier
Contact Your Insurance Carrier
Contact TDI
If you need information, have a complaint, or can’t locate your agent or company, call the toll-free TDI Consumer Help Line
1-800-252-3439
The Consumer Help Line will be open from Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday 1 to 7 p.m.
Current Conditions
Weather
National Hurricane Center (National Weather Service)
Weather Satellite - Gulf of Mexico
NWS Local Weather Information
Road Closures
To view current information about road closures and other road information, call the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) or visit its website
1-800-452-9292 (Texas Travel Information Center)
www.txdot.gov/travel/road_conditions2.htm
Power Outages
To view information about power outages in South Texas, visit the AEP Texas website
Health and Safety
To view Department of State Health Services information, visit
Contact FEMA
Consumers in Cameron, Hidalgo, and Willacy Counties, who have uninsured losses due to Hurricane Dolly, should register with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) by calling: 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or online at http://www.fema.gov/assistance/index.shtm.
- FEMA assistance summary with a list of counties affected by the Hurricane Ike disaster declaration
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
Dolly Disaster Declarations
Counties included in FEMA's Dolly Disaster Declaration
NOAA's List of Hurricane Terms
Additional Disaster Resources
- Texas Department of Insurance
Disaster Preparedness Resource Pages: Hurricane Page
Wind and Hail Insurance Resource Page
Frequently Asked Disaster Assistance Questions
Hurricane/Tornado Recovery Efforts and Clean-Up Hazards
Preparing for a Hurricane FactSheet
Tree Trimming Safety Tips for Hurricane/Tornado
- National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)
The NFIP encourages policyholders who experienced flood damage to file their claim through the agent who issued their flood insurance policy. Consumers interested in purchasing flood insurance should ask their agent about such coverage. For more information about flood insurance, call NFIP or visit its website
1-888-FLOOD 29 (356-6329)
www.floodsmart.gov
- Contact Flood Insurance Companies in Texas
- Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA)
Important Notice: When reporting windstorm claims, some insureds may not be aware that coverage for wind may be provided separately provided under a TWIA policy. Companies that do not provide windstorm coverage under their property policies should advise insureds who make windstorm claims to contact their agent to determine if a TWIA policy is in effect. For more information about windstorm insurance, call TWIA or visit its website1-800-788-8247
www.twia.orgTo view the TWIA claim form (First Notice of Loss) and instructions for filing a claim, please visit
Frequently Asked Disaster Assistance Questions (FAQs)
Q: What coverage do I have for my house and personal property under my Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA) policy?
A: Generally, the TWIA Dwelling Policy provides coverage for direct physical loss caused by windstorm or hail to your dwelling, other structures such as detached garages, and personal property, including clothing. The amount of insurance for other structures is included in the limit of insurance for the insured dwelling and will not exceed 10% of that limit unless you have specifically insured other structures on the Dwelling Policy. You should contact your agent and review your policy and any applicable endorsements for specific coverages.
Q: If a provider or payor experiences a catastrophic event, when is the provider or payor required to notify TDI? How should the provider or payor notify TDI?
A: The SB 418 rules state in 28 Texas Administrative Code §21.2819 (relating to Catastrophic Event) that a physician, provider, HMO, or preferred provider carrier must notify the Department if, due to a catastrophic event, the provider or payor is unable to meet certain deadlines set out in the rules. The provider or payor must send a notification to the Department within five days of the catastrophic event. This notification should be in writing and addressed to the Life/Health and HMO Filings Intake Section - Mail Code 106-1E, Texas Department of Insurance, P.O. Box 149104. In addition, within 10 days after the provider or payor returns to normal business operations, the provider or payor must send a certification to the Life/Health/HMO Filings Intake Division - Mail Code 106-1E, Texas Department of Insurance, P.O. Box 149104. The certification must be in the form of a sworn affidavit (notarized) from a corporate officer or the corporate officer's designee and should identify the specific nature and date of the catastrophic event, and the length of time the catastrophic event caused an interruption in the claims submission or processing activities of the physician, provider, HMO, or preferred provider carrier. A valid certification of a catastrophic event tolls the applicable statutory payment deadlines in 28 TAC §§21.2804, 21.2806, 21.2807, 21.2808, 21.2809, and 21.2815 for the number of days identified in the certification.
Q: Is it TDI's intent that if the plan only provides for a 30-day supply that the plan change that requirement to allow the insured to get a 90-day supply?
A: The intent of Commissioners' Bulletin No. B-0042-08 is not to amend the plan. The prescription medication amount provided in the plan controls. The intent is to make prescription medication available to those insureds and enrollees who are residents of the specified counties, relocated away from their usual locations, and without their prescription medications. Those insureds and enrollees should be allowed to refill their prescriptions for up to a ninety day supply even if the prescription has been recently refilled and the standard refill period is not authorized for several more days or weeks.
Q: Is it TDI's intent that if the plan requires medical necessity reviews for specialty drugs that such a requirement be waived giving insured access to specialty drugs without a medical necessity review?
A: The intent of Commissioners' Bulletin No. B-0040-08 is that carriers should waive contractual requirements which constitute pre-service barriers to the ability of certificate holders, insureds and enrollees, who have been forced to relocate from their health care service areas, to access medically necessary health care or dental services during the disaster. With respect to such certificate holders, insureds and enrollees, a carrier should not deny coverage of specialty drugs for which the carrier normally requires medical necessity reviews as a condition of coverage.
Q: Is it TDI's intent that the plan provide coverage for hospital admissions,specified health care or dental services without considering the medical necessity the hospital admissions, specified health care or dental services?
A: The intent of Commissioners' Bulletin No. B-0040-08 is that carriers should waive contractual requirements which constitute pre-service barriers to the ability of certificate holders, insureds and enrollees, who have been forced to relocate from their health care service areas, to access medically necessary health care or dental services during the disaster. With respect to such certificate holders, insureds and enrollees, carriers should not deny coverage for hospital admissions, specified health care or dental services on the basis that the certificate holder, insured or enrollee failed to obtain a medical necessity review prior to provision of the health care or dental service.
Q: Is it TDI's intent that the plan provide coverage for cosmetic procedures and services without considering medical necessity?
A: The objective of Commissioners' Bulletin No. B-0040-08 is to make sure that the certificate holders, insureds and enrollees are not penalized for seeking medical assistance if it is difficult for them to comply precisely with the terms of the health plan through the duration of the Governor's disaster proclamation. The bulletin does not extend to or include elective surgeries or procedures that are not medically necessary.
Q: Has the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) provided guidance regarding a specific time frame for the suspension of premium payment for those counties that were declared disaster counties?
A: Please see Commissioners' Bulletin No. B-0037-08 regarding this issue: http://www.tdi.state.tx.us/bulletins/2008/cc35.html. TDI has not specified a time frame for suspension of premium payments. TDI expects carriers to work with policyholders on extensions of premium payments. Carriers are in the best position to judge the appropriate length of time. In making a decision, carriers should consider extent of damages, availability of utility services, postal services, relocations, road closures, and any other conditions that may hinder policyholders' ability to make timely premium payments. TDI expects insurers and agents to continue to demonstrate their best professional behavior in serving Texas consumers.
Q: Would prompt payment penalties and interest be assessed on claims paid late due to actions taken according to Commissioner's Bulletin No. B-0037-08?
A: Commissioners' Bulletin No. B-0037-08 addresses the "suspension" of premium payments and does not suggest a waiver or forgiveness for payment of premium. The premium payment is to be made. A claim should be handled promptly and appropriately. If a carrier has sustained conditions that prohibit the prompt payment of claims, the carrier should provide the necessary information as required by §21.2819 of 28 Tex Administrative Code.
Q. Are premium finance companies subject to Commissioners' Bulletin No. B-0037-08? What procedure can be implemented to provide payment relief for insureds and avoid unnecessary losses by a premium finance company?
A: Premium finance companies are subject to Commissioners' Bulletin No. B-0037-08, and the Texas Department of Insurance encourages those companies to defer sending a notice of cancellation for an insured who is a victim of Hurricane Dolly. Premium finance companies are also encouraged to work with the insurers for whom they finance premiums to develop appropriate policies and procedures, including any return of premium should the policy ultimately be canceled. In the interim, premium finance companies are encouraged to work with any policyholder/debtor who is a victim of Hurricane Dolly to establish a modified payment plan or other solution should the victim become delinquent in payments as a result of the Hurricane Dolly.
NEW Q: Are the Commissioners' bulletins issued in response to the Hurricane Dolly disaster still in effect - specifically Commissioners' Bulletin Nos. B-0037-08, B-0038-08, B-0039-08, B-0040-08, B-0042-08, B-0043-08, B-0044-08, issued July 24, 2008, and B-0045-08 and B-0047-08, issued July 25, 2008?
A: The Official period of the Commissioner's Bulletins regarding Aransas, Bexar, Brooks, Calhoun, Cameron, Hidalgo, Jim Wells, Kenedy, Kleberg, Nueces, Refugio, San Patricio, Starr, Victoria, and Willacy counties, expired with the expiration of the Governor's disaster declaration.
Because many policyholders victimized by the Hurricane Dolly disaster may continue to experience personal hardships and be temporarily relocated, the Texas Department of Insurance requests carriers to consider the individual situations and circumstances of policyholders when determining the length of premium suspension and the provision of necessary medical care, health and dental services, prescription medications, medical equipment and supplies.
Consumer Bills of Rights
Helpful Publications
The following publications will help you prepare for a disaster and become more knowledgeable about insurance issues:
General
- Disaster Insurance Tip Card (PDF)
- Storm Warnings / Alerta contras las tormentas
- Helping You With Your Insurance Complaint / Ayudándolo con su Queja de Seguros
- Insurance Fraud
- Business Interruption Coverage (Word) (PDF)
Windstorm
- Repairs After a Storm
- No Inspection Required
- Repairing My Exterior Siding After a Storm
- Repairing My Garage Door After a Storm
- Repairing My Roof After a Storm
- Repairing My Windows and Doors After a Storm
Homeowners
- Homeowners Insurance Price Comparisons / Comparación del Precio del Seguro del los Dueños de Casa
- Homeowners Insurance / Seguros para Propietarios de Vivienda Un guía para los consumidores en Texas
- Home Inventory Checklist (PDF) / Lista de inventario de casa (PDF)
- Handling Water-Damage and Mold Claims
- Health Alert: Carbon Monoxide Warning! (PDF)
Auto
Prevent Insurance Fraud
Consumer Alert: Beware of Disaster-Related Fraud (PDF)
Insurance Fraud Toll-Free Hotline - 1-888-327-8818
Online Fraud Reporting: Secure Transmission, Fast, Comprehensive, Easy Data Entry
Flood-Damaged Vehicle Alert
Consumer Alert: Car Buyers Urged to Beware of Flood-damaged Vehicles (PDF)
Contact the Office of the Texas Attorney General
Call the toll-free complaint line or file a complaint to report fraudulent business practices or price gouging.
1-800-252-8011
www.oag.state.tx.us/
File an Insurance Complaint
Read about TDI's consumer complaints process in the Helping You With Your Insurance Complaint publication. You may also e-mail, mail, or fax your complaint along with copies of your supporting documents to
Texas Department of Insurance
Consumer Protection Program (MC 111-1A)
P.O. Box 149091
Austin, TX 78714-9091
Fax: 512-475-1771
E-mail: ConsumerProtection@tdi.state.tx.us
Insurance Complaint Forms
- English Online Form
- Easy Print Form RTF Format | PDF Format
Commissioners' Bulletins
- ZIP code list
- Public Insurance Adjusters | PDF (August 8, 2008)
- Hurricane Dolly and Tropical Storm Edouard Losses | PDF (August 8, 2008)
- Hurricane Dolly - State of Emergency - An Extraordinary Event Commissioner Bulletin Nos. B-0037-08, B-0038-08, B-0039-08, B-0040-08, B-0041-08, B-0042-08, B-0043-08, and B-0044-08 Apply to Starr County (July 25, 2008)
- Hurricane Dolly - An Extraordinary Event Workers’ Compensation Issues Concerning Hurricane Victims or Evacuees (July 25, 2008)
- Hurricane Dolly - State of Emergency - An Extraordinary Event Insurance Code, Chapter 559, Credit Scoring and Credit Information (July 24, 2008)
- Hurricane Dolly - State of Emergency - An Extraordinary Event Rating or Underwriting Actions for Property and Casualty Coverages of Disaster Victims or Evacuees (July 24, 2008)
- Prescription Medication Coverages for Disaster Victims or Evacuees (July 24, 2008)
- Hurricane Dolly - An Extraordinary Event Change in Classification of Commercial Auto Vehicles from Local to Intermediate or Long Haul, Cancellation or Non-renewal of Policies, or Refusal to Provide Coverage due solely to participation in the relief effort (July 24, 2008)
- Hurricane Dolly - State of Emergency - An Extraordinary Event - Out-of-Network Services Claim Filing Deadlines & Catastrophic Events Preauthorized Health Care, Referrals, Notification of Hospital Admissions, Medical Necessity Reviews (July 24, 2008)
- Hurricane Dolly - An Extraordinary Event Claims Adjusting for Hurricane Victims or Evacuees (July 24, 2008)
- Medical Equipment and Services for Disaster Victims or Evacuees (July 24, 2008)
- An Extraordinary Event Suspension of Premium Payments for Disaster Victims or Evacuees (July 24, 2008)
For more information contact:
Last updated: 12/22/2011
