Many people have heard of the Texas Department of Insurance, however, the vast majority are unaware of both its purpose and its powers. So, what is the Texas Department of Insurance and what are its powers? The Texas Department of Insurance (“TDI”) was founded in 1876 in the office of the Commissioner of Insurance. In 1907 the commissioner's duties expanded to encompass agriculture, statistics, history, and banking. In 1923 the Texas legislature separated the banking and insurance branches, introducing a commissioner for each of these departments. As population and business increased, scandals in the 1950s led to sixteen bills passing through the legislature, giving most of its power over the insurance industry to the Texas Department of Insurance (“TDI”).

Today, the "TDI" regulates the insurance industry in order to ensure fair competition to promote a competitive market that protects its consumers. Under Texas law, TDI licenses all insurance companies, insurance-related businesses, and individuals working on behalf of insurance companies. The powers of the "TDI" include all types of insurance policies contracted by both natural and legal persons, including, in the same way, insurance companies that have operations outside the state and whose consumers have been affected in the state of Texas.

THE TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE  POWERS

The “TDI” is directed by a commissioner who acts as executive head and administrator. The TDI Commissioner is appointed by the Governor and ratified by the Senate, and is elected for a two-year term. The commissioner and the "TDI" can issue disciplinary sanctions that have the purpose of establishing responsibility both to individuals and responsible insurance companies that violate the Insurance Law. These sanctions are issued for improper presentation of documents, fines for non-payment to their clients, and revocation of adjusters' licenses. Those receiving a disciplinary sanction have the right to petition for a rehearing, however, the commissioner has the discretion to grant or deny such petitions. In the event that this decision is disputed, the corresponding resolution may be appealed in a state district court.

If you suspect that your claim is being handled in bad faith due to incomplete inspections, unreasonable delays, insufficient payments, or denial of payment of valid claims, TDI has a procedure for filing complaints. You can file your complaints electronically directly on the website at the following link: http://www.tdi.texas.gov/forms/consumer/cp012complform.pdf

Additionally, you can get legal advice. The attorneys at the Amaro Law Firm have extensive experience dealing with insurance companies. In fact, some of their attorneys went on to work as insurance company attorneys before joining the firm. These attorneys understand both sides of the dispute, and the tactics used by insurance companies. They use this knowledge to help property owners fight for a fair deal. Our consultations are free. We will not take your matter if we believe that we cannot add value. When an insurance company acts in bad faith, they are required to pay attorney fees. Therefore, our fees are paid as long as we win the case.

Importance of TDI

The Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) has the mission of protecting Texans’ interests in the public and private sectors by helping people through the application, approval or denial of insurance. TDI’s regulatory program is led by the Bureau of Insurance (BI), with assistance from various divisions within the Office of the Insurance Commissioner.

The Texas Department of Insurance is responsible for operating the state's insurance and reinsurance markets. The department administers numerous programs and regulations in an effort to establish healthy markets. It also takes an important role in providing customer service and keeping customer trust in the marketplace.

The Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) regulates insurance companies, the public and private entities that provide insurance products and services within the state of Texas. The department is responsible for investigating insurance coverage violations and in the process collecting the correct amount of fees, premiums and settlements paid.