TITLE: Relating to claim-handling deadlines in the event of certain weather-related catastrophes or natural disasters.

SUMMARY: Relating to claim-handling deadlines in the event of certain weather-related catastrophes or natural disasters.

FULL TEXT:
AN ACT relating to claim-handling deadlines in the event of certain weather-related catastrophes or natural disasters. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Section 542.059, Insurance Code, is amended by amending Subsection (b) and adding Subsections (c) and (d) to read as follows: (b) In the event of a weather-related catastrophe or major natural disaster in which the commissioner estimates the amount of losses will total at least $5 million and the number of claims will total at least 3,000 in the aggregate for all insurers [ as defined by the commissioner],the claim-handling deadlines imposed under this subchapter are extended for an additional 15 days. (c) The department shall issue a bulletin to notify insurers of an extension under Subsection (b) not later than the fifth day after the date the weather-related catastrophe or major natural disaster occurs. The department may request information from an insurer about the insurer's estimated amount of losses or total number of claims. Information that an insurer voluntarily provides to the department under this section is confidential and not subject to disclosure under Chapter 552, Government Code. (d) In the event that the governor issues a disaster declaration under Section 418.014, Government Code, a claim-handling deadline under this subchapter is extended for 15 days for a county specified in the declaration. The department shall issue a bulletin to notify insurers of an extension under this subsection. SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2011.