OPIC worked hard for consumers this past year, reviewing over 1,200 rules, rates, and policy forms. We are a small, 10-person agency, but we did big things in 2022. We saved Texas consumers over $15 million this past year alone, so for every $1 OPIC received from the State’s General Revenue Fund, OPIC saved Texans $15.
saved for consumers
rate, rule, and form filings
Here are some of our biggest achievements of 2022:
Prevented reductions in coverage on residential property and auto policies by working with the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) and insurance companies throughout the year. More than 120 changes were made to protect Texas consumers based on OPIC’s policy form reviews and objections.
Spoke to the House Insurance Committee during the legislative interim regarding the consumer’s right to invoke appraisal in disputes regarding the cost to repair or the amount of a total loss. Because of changes in the market in the last several years, OPIC is increasingly concerned with the eliminations and restrictions in policy form filings from top insurance companies.
Objected to language in auto policies that could have resulted in unwarranted out-of-pocket expenses and potential claim denials for policyholders. Examples of changes made because of our objections are: 1) companies better defining business use to prevent coverage denials while traveling from your home to work; 2) preserving an alternative dispute option for vehicle repairs; and 3) increasing the maximum amounts your company will pay to tow and store your vehicle after an accident.
We regularly objected to numerous residential property and auto rate filings where we believe consumers are not being charged appropriate rates. In 2022, one of our objections resulted in refunds averaging $400 per policyholder.
Updated the Health Insurance Basics section of our website with more detailed information. Check out new pages about the different ways to get health insurance, including through your job, individual health insurance, membership in a group, or government programs. We also created a useful comparison chart of the four main types of health plans – HMOs, EPOs, PPOs, and POS – to help consumers decide which plan is best for them.
Updated our Auto Bill of Rights to reflect recent legislative changes.
Following the wildfires and tornadoes that damaged large areas in Texas in March, we created the Help After a Disaster Toolkit. This toolkit is designed to help legislators, city/county officials, and other stakeholders provide helpful information to Texans after severe weather or disasters.
Continued to collaborate with TDI on a redesign project for the HelpInsure.com website. The new website is mobile-friendly and easier to navigate for consumers shopping for auto and homeowners insurance.