As a result of recent
legislation (Senate Bill 14 in the 78th Texas Legislature,
2003), the regulatory environment for auto insurance
will change. As of December 1, 2004, all auto insurers
will be subject to uniform rate standards enforced by
TDI. Rates must be reasonable, adequate, not excessive
and not unfairly discriminatory.
Companies also must justify
their rates with data based on sound principles and
show us they used a reasonable rating methodology. Previously,
some insurers known as county mutuals were exempt from
rate regulation. This change will provide more complete
rate protection for consumers as well as a regulatory
recourse for problems through TDI's consumer complaint
process.
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