Texas Insurance Fraud Task Force Launched by TDI

What happened

A Texas insurance fraud task force is now at work. On Oct. 21, the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI, the state insurance regulator) announced the Texas Insurance Fraud Task Force. Its first meeting was this week.

The task force has 63 members. They come from law enforcement, the insurance industry, consumer groups and other partners. Governor Greg Abbott asked TDI in August to take action against insurance fraud, TDI said.

The group has four main jobs:

• Work together on fraud investigations across the whole state.
• Share what they learn about new fraud trends and schemes.
• Write guides that help people avoid fraud, mostly after natural disasters.
• Reach more people with training, webinars and community events.

Some numbers from TDI: Texas is the second-largest insurance market in the country. Last year, TDI's Fraud Unit got more than 20,000 reports of suspected fraud.

"Fraud isn't abstract — it's personal," said Insurance Commissioner Amanda Crawford. She said every report has a family, a business or a community behind it.

What it means for owner-operators

This is good news for honest drivers and small businesses. Fraud is a crime against the whole insurance system, and the people who play fair are the ones who pay for it.

More people working together means schemes can get caught faster. Police, insurers and consumer groups will now share what they see. That helps across Texas, from the border to the big cities.

For truckers, fraud can come close. After a storm, people may offer fast repairs that are not real. On the road, someone may try to blame you for something you did not cause. Knowing how to spot it, and where to report it, protects you and your business.

What to do next

• Report anything suspicious. Use TDI's fraud reporting page online or call TDI's Help Line at 800-252-3439.
• Keep proof. Take photos, write down names and plates, and save every receipt.
• Use a dash cam. Video can tell your side. Our dash cam guide for truck insurance claims explains how.
• Know the first steps after a crash. Our first-hour accident guide shows what to do.
• After a storm, check any repair company before you pay.

Questions about your policy? Call TCZ Insurance Agency at 956-526-6727.