House Bill (HB) 1774, landmark property insurance lawsuit reform passed by the Texas Legislature this year, takes effect this Friday, September 1, 2017. This legislation does not change how you file a claim or how your insurer will process your claim. Learn more via TDI here.
A select few bad actors have circulated misinformation regarding insurance claims to scare property owners, all for the sake of profit. Here are the facts:
- In the wake of a significant natural disaster, homeowners should be on alert for storm-chasers. File insurance claims directly with your insurance company or agent. Do not provide up-front payments to individuals who may be blanketing your neighborhood promising faster repairs or larger payouts.
- HB 1774 has no impact on the insurance claims process, it only affects lawsuits. The narrative that the claims process changes on Sept. 1 is false. There is no need to rush to file a claim. Put your safety first. Do not return to seriously-damaged property unless you are informed that it is safe.
- In the event that a lawsuit becomes necessary, HB 1774 limits lawyer's fees so that more awarded damage stay in the pockets of the rightful recipient, the property owner. In addition, prompt pay penalties awarded through a lawsuit will no be calculated on a floating basis tied to interest rates, with a 20% ceiling, rather than a static 18% penalty.