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Texas Department of Insurance
Topics:   A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z All

Commissioner’s Bulletin # B-0005-21

February 19, 2021


To:   All TDI regulated insurers

Re:   Severe winter weather – property and casualty policy provisions and premium payments


Governor Greg Abbott issued a disaster declaration in response to a severe winter weather event. The disaster may mean people are temporarily displaced from their homes and their jobs. The governor authorized the use of all available state and local government resources necessary to cope with the disaster. (Government Code Section 418.017).

TDI expects insurers to work with their policyholders as they recover from the disaster. This bulletin does not create specific requirements. Cooperation by every insurer will help ensure the fair treatment of consumers and provide for fair competition. Insurers should look to the governor’s ongoing declarations related to the severe winter weather event for guidance on how long to extend relief.

Vacancy provisions

TDI expects insurers to work with policyholders temporarily displaced by the disaster. Insurers should suspend policy vacancy provisions as long as reasonably necessary. This does not apply to a vacancy provision for policyholders who have moved permanently from their homes or businesses.

Grace period for premium payments

TDI expects insurers to work with policyholders affected by the disaster who need more time to pay premiums to continue coverage. This may include minimizing penalties or charges for late payments or temporarily suspending payment or repayment plans.

TDI will work with insurers to minimize the effects of any suspension of premium payments, specifically for financial review requirements.

This grace period is not intended to mean forgiveness of premium.

For questions about this bulletin, contact the Property and Casualty Lines Office at 512-676-6710 or PropertyCasualty@tdi.texas.gov.



For more information, contact: PropertyCasualty@tdi.texas.gov

Last updated: 2/19/2021