Costal Windstorm Insurance Coalition

This is addressed to the many Coastal Texans who took action in 2009 to save Texans from the amazingly devastating harms written into: HB 911, SB 14, and other bills of that ilk.  Our unified actions helped to kill those bills.  Instead, HB 4409 was hammered out in the final hours of the 81st Legislature, and signed by Governor Perry June 19, 2009.

To be sure, HB 4409 does no favors for Coastal policyholders, but it is extremely LESS UNfavorable than any other bill that could be passed.   Be sure to thank your Senator and Representative, who joined forces to successfully fend off truly onerous provisions.  [Attached are 1 page and 4 page summaries of HB 4409 as passed]

CWIC has been asked to testify August 24, 2010 to the Senate Business and Commerce Committee regarding the implementation of HB 4409.  This is to request your input preparatory to testifying.  Please attach a one page letter to a ‘reply’ to this email, stating your views on: Texas Windstorm Insurance Asssociation [TWIA] coverage, affordability, funding of losses [seriously LIMITED BY HB 4409], claims  payment processes, and any recommendations to enhance services and improve stability of TWIA.

If your attachment is received Friday morning, August 20, 2010, we will try to include it in the official record of the hearing.  A show of strength can make a difference.

Recently the new TWIA board voted to file a 5% 2011 rate increase, and additional 5% increases each year until the rate meets their actuary’s opinion of ‘enough’.  Under HB 4409, TWIA can file for an increased rate of 5% or less and start to use the higher rate; the commissioner no longer has power to reject such a filing  [in 2009 TWIA's actuary reported a need for 20 - 25% increase; the 'old' board voted to file for 10% increase; the commissioner rejected the filiing].  CWIC will be monitoring the 2010 filing, due by August 15.

Thank you for your past participation.  Prepare for 2011, spread the word: “Unite with CWIC” to reverse unjustified legislative changes; to oppose attempts to expand them.

Respectfully,
Coastal Windstorm Insurance Coalition [CWIC]
Hosted by Galveston Windstorm Action Committee, Inc.,
Lee Otis “Otie” Zapp, Jr., President

To view or download additional information click Below:

HB 4409 changes TWIA June 19, 2009

SYNOPSIS OF Sections 5 through 49, [Windstorm Insurance sections] HB 4409, 5/30/09 CONFERENCE COMMITTEE REPORT

We have added a new page, “Useful Links” for information updates such as;

Welcome to: The Office of Public Insurance Counsel

Great place to keep current about Texas Insurance Issues

COASTAL CONSUMERS PAGE

Your Admin. Al Miller

The Texas House of Representatives and Senate each adopted the Conference Committee report on HB 4409 unanimously in the closing hours of the 81st Legislature.  Governor Perry signed the bill into law in Galveston on June 19, 2009.

Lee Otis “Otie” Zapp, Jr.

Click on links below to Review Documents

Conference Committee Report

Chart

Summary

Bullets

KEY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES and SENATE MEMBERS  Contact Information:

Click here for information

As full time residents of Port Aransas (Port A), we have followed the proposed changes to windstorm coverage with shock and horror! We are full time residents of Port A and are approaching retirement age. We have watched as our retirement savings have been decimated by this recession. Real estate sales are at a standstill as a result of the recession, so we can only guess how far home values have already fallen. Now your proposals would likely further decimate our home value, our only remaining source of retirement savings. Your timing is horrible!……

to read more click here!

CSSB 14 has taken center stage in the windstorm insurance arena.

 After 4 substitutes for SB 14 had been presented, Lt. Governor Dewhurst is pressing for divergent views to be reconciled in time to pass a bill out of the Senate by May 6, 2009.  Coastal Senators have demonstrated to other Senators that many punitive provisions would harm the Texas economy.  The result is that bill revisions are possible which could make CSSB 14 acceptable to TWIA actual and potential future policy holders.

The House Insurance Committee has several windstorm bills left pending, including some of great concern, but it seems to be awaiting Senate action. 

 The Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce has initiated, and ALL CWIC interested parties are encouraged to participate, in a noon May 5, 2009 “Don’t Kill the Coast” blitz at the Texas Capitol steps.  This action, attended by hundreds from all parts of the Texas Coast is designed to communicate in unmistakable terms that this is a life or death issue for the Coastal economy.

A Galveston County bus reservation form is attached below.  Others come by plane, train, bus or drive, but COME join your fellow Texans to show in the strongest communication possible–your bodily presence– that this is vitally important to you.  This is the best way to show YOUR Senator and Representative that YOU APPRECIATE THEIR STRONG PROTECTION!  

DON’T LET A “BAD” WINDSTORM INSURANCE BILL

  KILL THE TEXAS COAST!!

Join the Galveston Chamber of Commerce on a

 TRIP TO AUSTIN

Tuesday, May 5^th, 2009

Bus will leave Target Parking lot at 7:00 a.m.

42 SEATS AVAILABLE

Chamber members will join the Mayor of Corpus Christi, the Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce and their members

(14 buses) along with the CWIC – Coastal Windstorm Insurance Coalition

In support of Legislation beneficial to the Texas Coast. 

Supporters will meet at 12:00 noon on the Capitol Steps

Please RSVP Gina Spagnola at gspagnola@galvestonchamber.com

Reservations will be handled on a first come first served basis.

CWIC Good and Bad points on “5 – 2” Temporary Funding Amendment
Click Here to View

Directors 5-2 Bill Draft 04/23/09

Click Here to view

Report on the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association
April 2009

Click Here for Microsoft Office Power Point

Click Hereto view if you dot have Power Point