Texas House Bill HB3465

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Relating to an annual earnings and profit report by certain insurance companies and the issuance of a rebate to certain policyholders.

Impact

The proposed legislation impacts state law by amending the Texas Insurance Code to require specific reporting and rebate standards for insurers. By obligating insurers to disclose their profits and provide rebates based on profit increases, the bill aims to promote fairer practices in the insurance industry. It is anticipated to enhance consumer trust as policyholders would benefit directly from increases in insurer profits, mitigating potential concerns about affordability and fairness in the insurance marketplace.

Summary

House Bill 3465 introduces new requirements for certain insurance companies regarding annual earnings and profit reporting, specifically related to personal automobile insurance and residential property insurance. The bill mandates that insurers file annual reports detailing their earnings and profits derived from these policies and makes provisions for issuing rebates to policyholders if profits exceed the prior year’s earnings by more than 10%. This can provide a financial benefit to consumers and increase transparency in the insurance sector.

Contention

Potential points of contention around HB3465 may arise from insurers' perspectives regarding the financial implications of mandating profit disclosures and refunding policyholders. Critics may argue that this could lead to operational challenges for insurance companies, especially if they have to adjust to new regulatory requirements and manage the financial impact of rebate distributions. Proponents of the bill might contend that the move ensures accountability and fairness in the insurance industry, while opponents could caution against potential unintended consequences that could arise from enforcing profit-based rebates.