TWIA Process Changes Latest Updates

Attention agents: In January, we provided you with several updates regarding the TWIA process changes passed during the 88th Texas legislative session, which may impact working with TWIA.   

Below, you will find the latest updates. We are committed to informing you about the developments of these legislative changes. 

Law ChangeStatusLatest Updates
The automatic renewal process is no longer required for commercial policies (SB 2233).  

This means agents must manually take action to place commercial renewals into the renewal workflow.
In progressThis change is expected to occur in mid-May and apply to commercial renewals effective mid-July and after. Additional details will be shared in May. 
The Texas FAIR Plan Association (TFPA) must provide property owners’ association insurance to eligible risks in areas designated by the Insurance Commissioner (HB 998).

This may impact agents who also offer TFPA coverage. 
In progressTDI is developing a process for designating underserved areas and is assessing input and information received on possible changes to TFPA.
 
This change was also communicated to TFPA agents in this Agent Bulletin
TWIA is authorized to establish standards and performance requirements for agents who offer or sell TWIA policies (SB 2232).In progressA draft is being finalized internally for review and comment by the Agent Advisory Group (AAG), and implementation is expected by late 2024.  
Policy nonrenewal notice requirements will change from 30 to 60 days (HB 1900). 

This change applies to all property and casualty insurers in Texas.
In progressThis change was communicated in this Agent Bulletin.  

The expected implementation date is late 2024.
The Insurance Commissioner, with TWIA’s advice, is required to set deadlines for the appraisal process (HB 3310).   CompletedThis applies to TWIA appraisals demanded on or after January 1, 2024. TDI has adopted the final rules for this law.
When a policyholder cancels a policy, the unearned premium is refunded only if the policy was cancelled for reasons specified by law (HB 3208). CompletedThis change was implemented in October 2023 and communicated in this Agent Bulletin.   

Stay tuned for more resources and training support later this year. If you have any questions, please contact Policy Services at agentservices@twia.org or call (800) 788-8247. Our regular business hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.