In accord with Texas Insurance Code §542.059 and 28 TAC §5.9303, the Texas Department of Insurance has determined the weather-related event that occurred May 23, 2015, through May 30, 2015, in the counties of Harris, Dallas, Travis, Fort Bend, Tarrant, Bexar, Hays, Rusk, Randall, Williamson, Collin, Lubbock, Montgomery, Cherokee, Ellis, Denton, Wichita, Brazoria, Nueces, Johnson, Parker, Bell, Grayson, and Bastrop is a catastrophe for the purpose of claims processing.
Claims resulting directly from the identified catastrophe in the counties listed above will be subject to the additional time periods for claims processing authorized by Texas Insurance Code §542.059.
This declaration is necessary due to the large volume of claims resulting directly from the above-defined catastrophe and based on the further understanding that insurers will continue to promptly identify, evaluate, and resolve these claims. Insurers still must promptly acknowledge receipt of a claim and make appropriate assignments for the investigation of a claim. Policyholders should continue to receive the timely service that they expect and should not be delayed in receiving the benefits that they deserve because of the additional time.
David C. Mattax
Commissioner of Insurance