The list contains nearly all ZIP Codes in 22 counties, including Galveston, Nueces and Tarrant. The MAP will use a computer bulletin board to match insurable properties that have been rejected by at least two insurers with other insurance companies that might want to cover them. Insurer participation is voluntary, but the Commissioner can require insurers to participate if the voluntary effort is unsuccessful. The alternative provides only basic coverages. Consumers may expand their policies by buying endorsements that add other coverages.
Insurers receive tax and other incentives to issue the basic policies.
The Texas Department of Insurance will publish proposed rating rules for the PPP in the near future. The purpose is to test the effectiveness of the MAP alone in addressing availability problems. As part of the process of designating underserved areas, Texas Department of Insurance staff used a variety of information to identify characteristics of different areas that indicate difficulty or great potential for difficulty in obtaining home insurance. Homeowners policies provide a more comprehensive set of coverages than dwelling policies.