Texas Watch
@texaswatch.bsky.social
Insurance companies need to open their books. More oversight is required to stop them from price gouging us. #txlege #insurance
Homeowners Deserve Transparency on Rising Insurance Costs · Consumer Federation of America
Homeowners across America are seeing higher homeowners insurance premiums every year. The first step to solve this problem is an honest look at accurate data. But for years, insurance companies hardly...
consumerfed.org
October 17, 2025 at 6:39 PM
Insurance companies need to open their books. More oversight is required to stop them from price gouging us. #txlege #insurance
"'[D]o what you can to harden your home against that risk... Be proactive, as a consumer, to shop the market,' said Wendell." #txlege #insurance #consumer @nbcdfw.com
www.nbcdfw.com/news/nbc-5-r...
www.nbcdfw.com/news/nbc-5-r...
Is hail risk affecting your home insurance?
Insurance companies are nonrenewing some policies in Texas due to hail risks. Learn how to protect your home.
www.nbcdfw.com
September 30, 2025 at 6:33 PM
"'[D]o what you can to harden your home against that risk... Be proactive, as a consumer, to shop the market,' said Wendell." #txlege #insurance #consumer @nbcdfw.com
www.nbcdfw.com/news/nbc-5-r...
www.nbcdfw.com/news/nbc-5-r...
“'We’re really losing the human touch when it comes to the purchasing and servicing and adjusting of insurance policies,' said Ware Wendell, executive director of Texas Watch, a consumer advocacy group. 'And I think that’s a bad thing for policyholders.'" #txlege @mcglinchyreports.bsky.social
In Texas, insurers are watching your home from above. It could cost you coverage.
Insurers in Texas are partnering with aerial imaging and AI companies to assess homes from the sky. Computer models parse these photos to flag moldy roofs, askew tree branches and missing shingles.
www.kut.org
May 13, 2025 at 3:55 PM
“'We’re really losing the human touch when it comes to the purchasing and servicing and adjusting of insurance policies,' said Ware Wendell, executive director of Texas Watch, a consumer advocacy group. 'And I think that’s a bad thing for policyholders.'" #txlege @mcglinchyreports.bsky.social
"Ware Wendell, executive director of the consumer rights group Texas Watch, posited that an insurer could theoretically file a 9% increase one month and seek the same increase the next month." @texastribune.org @joshuafechter.bsky.social #txlege #insurance
Texas lawmakers want to lower homeowners' insurance costs, but have few options
Texans pay some of the highest insurance premiums in the country, putting lawmakers under pressure to tackle rising costs.
www.texastribune.org
May 9, 2025 at 6:47 PM
"Ware Wendell, executive director of the consumer rights group Texas Watch, posited that an insurer could theoretically file a 9% increase one month and seek the same increase the next month." @texastribune.org @joshuafechter.bsky.social #txlege #insurance
"In total, 17 people and 17 vehicles were involved in the crash. Three adults, one child and a baby all died at the scene." #txlege #truckingdanger @kvue.bsky.social @tonyplohetski.bsky.social
www.kvue.com/article/news...
www.kvue.com/article/news...
Bond reduced to $7,000 for truck driver in I-35 crash that killed 5 in North Austin
A Travis County judge reduced Solomun Weldekeal-Araya's bond from $1.2 million to $7,000.
www.kvue.com
April 30, 2025 at 9:57 PM
"In total, 17 people and 17 vehicles were involved in the crash. Three adults, one child and a baby all died at the scene." #txlege #truckingdanger @kvue.bsky.social @tonyplohetski.bsky.social
www.kvue.com/article/news...
www.kvue.com/article/news...
"'I think it's really dangerous to take it out of the hands of a jury that's very capable of hearing what happened, what occurred, and decide - 'this is what this plaintiff deserves,' Perez said." #txlege #SB39 #truckingdanger
Critics argue Texas bill could reduce trucking accountability and road safety
AUSTIN, Texas — The Texas Senate has passed a controversial bill that could significantly impact lawsuits stemming from crashes involving large trucks. Senate B
foxsanantonio.com
April 30, 2025 at 6:16 PM
"'I think it's really dangerous to take it out of the hands of a jury that's very capable of hearing what happened, what occurred, and decide - 'this is what this plaintiff deserves,' Perez said." #txlege #SB39 #truckingdanger
"Let’s be clear: SB 30 doesn’t help Texans. It helps big insurance companies protect their bottom line. It gives them more power and takes power away from juries who listen to the facts and decide what’s fair." #txlege
Bill to cap supposed 'nuclear' verdicts would hurt everyday Texans instead | Opinion
SB 30 would gut key types of damages that juries can award for pain and suffering, disfigurement, mental anguish, or the loss of a child or spouse.
www.statesman.com
April 28, 2025 at 3:02 PM
"Let’s be clear: SB 30 doesn’t help Texans. It helps big insurance companies protect their bottom line. It gives them more power and takes power away from juries who listen to the facts and decide what’s fair." #txlege
Sign our petition here: texaswatch.org/protect-pati...
Protect patient access! Protect your constitutional legal rights! Take one minute to tell lawmakers to VOTE NO on SB 30 & HB 4806.
#txlege #patientaccess #NoCorporateImmunity #SB30
Protect patient access! Protect your constitutional legal rights! Take one minute to tell lawmakers to VOTE NO on SB 30 & HB 4806.
#txlege #patientaccess #NoCorporateImmunity #SB30
April 25, 2025 at 9:00 PM
Sign our petition here: texaswatch.org/protect-pati...
Protect patient access! Protect your constitutional legal rights! Take one minute to tell lawmakers to VOTE NO on SB 30 & HB 4806.
#txlege #patientaccess #NoCorporateImmunity #SB30
Protect patient access! Protect your constitutional legal rights! Take one minute to tell lawmakers to VOTE NO on SB 30 & HB 4806.
#txlege #patientaccess #NoCorporateImmunity #SB30
"If passed, the new law will dramatically increase insurance company profits to the detriment of everyday Texans." #txlege #NoToSB30 #insurance #safety #patientaccess
Texas Senate Bill 30: An Existential Threat to Justice Based on a Fictional “Nuclear Verdict” Crisis According to Two Prominent Attorneys
Attorneys Cody Dishon and Will Moye shared their insights in a recent op-ed
www.reuters.com
April 23, 2025 at 2:49 PM
"If passed, the new law will dramatically increase insurance company profits to the detriment of everyday Texans." #txlege #NoToSB30 #insurance #safety #patientaccess
Sign our petition here: www.texaswatch.org/protect-pati...
SB 30 and HB 4806 limit patient access to care in a state where too many Texans are uninsured and face few options. #txlege #patientaccess #healthcare #safety #justice #texas
SB 30 and HB 4806 limit patient access to care in a state where too many Texans are uninsured and face few options. #txlege #patientaccess #healthcare #safety #justice #texas
March 25, 2025 at 2:56 PM
Sign our petition here: www.texaswatch.org/protect-pati...
SB 30 and HB 4806 limit patient access to care in a state where too many Texans are uninsured and face few options. #txlege #patientaccess #healthcare #safety #justice #texas
SB 30 and HB 4806 limit patient access to care in a state where too many Texans are uninsured and face few options. #txlege #patientaccess #healthcare #safety #justice #texas
Oppose SB 779 here: texaswatch.org/protect-loca...
Public nuisance laws protect property and life in our state, holding wrongdoers like big polluters and opioid pill pushers accountable. Corporate lobbyists are pushing for dangerous legal restrictions, which will only lead to more harm. #txlege
Public nuisance laws protect property and life in our state, holding wrongdoers like big polluters and opioid pill pushers accountable. Corporate lobbyists are pushing for dangerous legal restrictions, which will only lead to more harm. #txlege
March 19, 2025 at 7:40 PM
Oppose SB 779 here: texaswatch.org/protect-loca...
Public nuisance laws protect property and life in our state, holding wrongdoers like big polluters and opioid pill pushers accountable. Corporate lobbyists are pushing for dangerous legal restrictions, which will only lead to more harm. #txlege
Public nuisance laws protect property and life in our state, holding wrongdoers like big polluters and opioid pill pushers accountable. Corporate lobbyists are pushing for dangerous legal restrictions, which will only lead to more harm. #txlege
"KXAN took the findings of our team’s year-long investigation into hospital safety straight to lawmakers, testifying before a Senate panel about a bill sparked by our reporting that supporters say could save lives." #txlege @mattgrantkxan.bsky.social @kxan.com
Senate panel hears testimony on hospital bollard bill sparked by KXAN
KXAN took the findings of our team’s year-long investigation into hospital safety straight to lawmakers, testifying before a Senate panel about a bill sparked by our reporting that supporters…
www.kxan.com
March 19, 2025 at 4:43 PM
"KXAN took the findings of our team’s year-long investigation into hospital safety straight to lawmakers, testifying before a Senate panel about a bill sparked by our reporting that supporters say could save lives." #txlege @mattgrantkxan.bsky.social @kxan.com
"The driver of a truck involved in the crash has been detained amid an ongoing investigation into the cause of the crash, an Austin police official with knowledge of the investigation said." #txlege #truckingdanger #saferoads
UPDATE: Truck driver detained amid investigation into deadly 17-vehicle car crash in Austin
A major crash involving 17 vehicles on I-35 near Austin left 5 people dead and several others injured. Among the deceased were two children.
www.statesman.com
March 14, 2025 at 4:49 PM
"The driver of a truck involved in the crash has been detained amid an ongoing investigation into the cause of the crash, an Austin police official with knowledge of the investigation said." #txlege #truckingdanger #saferoads
Texans need #SafeRoads. #txlege
At least 5 dead, 11 hurt in 17-vehicle crash on I-35 in north Austin
Austin Police said at least five people died and 11 were hurt in a crash involving at least 17 vehicles, including semi-trucks, on Interstate 35 in north Austin late Thursday night.
www.kxan.com
March 14, 2025 at 2:10 PM
Texans need #SafeRoads. #txlege
Fight for fair appraisal and safe repairs here: texaswatch.org/campaigns/sa...
#txlege #insurance #fairappraisal #saferepairs
#txlege #insurance #fairappraisal #saferepairs
March 12, 2025 at 8:50 PM
Fight for fair appraisal and safe repairs here: texaswatch.org/campaigns/sa...
#txlege #insurance #fairappraisal #saferepairs
#txlege #insurance #fairappraisal #saferepairs
"If passed, it would require the installation of crash-tested security barriers, called bollards, at most hospital entrances statewide." @mattgrantkxan.bsky.social @kxan.com #txlege #safety #patientsafety
Hospital safety bill gets bipartisan support a year after deadly St. David’s crash
More than a year after a drunk driver slammed into St. David’s North Austin Medical Center, killing herself and seriously injuring five others, there’s now growing, bipartisan support f…
www.kxan.com
March 6, 2025 at 8:47 PM
"If passed, it would require the installation of crash-tested security barriers, called bollards, at most hospital entrances statewide." @mattgrantkxan.bsky.social @kxan.com #txlege #safety #patientsafety
"An estimated 450 million health insurance claims are now denied each year and the number is growing, according to healthcare company Premier, Inc. Some consumer watchdogs worry it’s because decisions are being made by computers — not people." #txlege
www.wfaa.com/article/news...
www.wfaa.com/article/news...
Insurance company denied payment for life-saving air ambulance, claiming unconscious patient failed to get preapproval
No heartbeat. No breathing. No pulse. But Amanda Boley’s insurance company said she still should have obtained preapproval.
www.wfaa.com
February 28, 2025 at 8:36 PM
"An estimated 450 million health insurance claims are now denied each year and the number is growing, according to healthcare company Premier, Inc. Some consumer watchdogs worry it’s because decisions are being made by computers — not people." #txlege
www.wfaa.com/article/news...
www.wfaa.com/article/news...
Stop insurance schemes here: www.texaswatch.org/campaigns/st...
For over 25 years, we have advocated for the rights of consumers, workers, patients, and policyholders in our great state. We help you make your voices heard inside of the Texas Capitol. #txlege #insurance
For over 25 years, we have advocated for the rights of consumers, workers, patients, and policyholders in our great state. We help you make your voices heard inside of the Texas Capitol. #txlege #insurance
February 27, 2025 at 8:23 PM
Stop insurance schemes here: www.texaswatch.org/campaigns/st...
For over 25 years, we have advocated for the rights of consumers, workers, patients, and policyholders in our great state. We help you make your voices heard inside of the Texas Capitol. #txlege #insurance
For over 25 years, we have advocated for the rights of consumers, workers, patients, and policyholders in our great state. We help you make your voices heard inside of the Texas Capitol. #txlege #insurance
In the News: "Wendell said one solution to minimize overcharges would be to stop them before they start using 'prior approval' versus a 'file and use' system.
Wendell said more frequent and severe weather events aren't helping the insurance crisis." #txlege #insurance
Wendell said more frequent and severe weather events aren't helping the insurance crisis." #txlege #insurance
13 Investigates: Houston area homeowners risk ditching insurance amid 'unsustainable' rates
"This increase in insurance can't continue. It's unsustainable," one Texas homeowner said in response to skyrocketing home insurance rates.
abc13.com
February 25, 2025 at 4:42 PM
In the News: "Wendell said one solution to minimize overcharges would be to stop them before they start using 'prior approval' versus a 'file and use' system.
Wendell said more frequent and severe weather events aren't helping the insurance crisis." #txlege #insurance
Wendell said more frequent and severe weather events aren't helping the insurance crisis." #txlege #insurance
Take a few seconds to tell your lawmakers to end the vulture culture in these insurance companies and support HB 946! #txlege #insurance #safety #autorepairs
Sign here: www.texaswatch.org/campaigns/st...
Sign here: www.texaswatch.org/campaigns/st...
Stop Insurance Schemes: Anna Thomas
YouTube video by Texas Watch
youtu.be
February 21, 2025 at 5:34 PM
Take a few seconds to tell your lawmakers to end the vulture culture in these insurance companies and support HB 946! #txlege #insurance #safety #autorepairs
Sign here: www.texaswatch.org/campaigns/st...
Sign here: www.texaswatch.org/campaigns/st...
Texans voted for lower prices this past November, and politicians need to keep their promises. Fair appraisal in every auto insurance policy will save you money and ensure safer repairs on our vehicles. #txlege #insurance
Keep our lawmakers accountable here: www.texaswatch.org/campaigns/sa...
Keep our lawmakers accountable here: www.texaswatch.org/campaigns/sa...
February 7, 2025 at 5:13 PM
Texans voted for lower prices this past November, and politicians need to keep their promises. Fair appraisal in every auto insurance policy will save you money and ensure safer repairs on our vehicles. #txlege #insurance
Keep our lawmakers accountable here: www.texaswatch.org/campaigns/sa...
Keep our lawmakers accountable here: www.texaswatch.org/campaigns/sa...
February 5, 2025 at 5:46 PM
“'When insurance companies refuse to honor their policy, we pay the price,' he added." #txlege #insurance @expressnews.com
USAA insurance companies' denial rate on homeowners claims under scrutiny
The San Antonio insurer countered that its rate of denying insurance claims is far less than what an independent insurance company rating agency has reported.
www.expressnews.com
February 3, 2025 at 8:42 PM
“'When insurance companies refuse to honor their policy, we pay the price,' he added." #txlege #insurance @expressnews.com
Stop insurance companies from tricking you into giving up your rights over the phone. #txlege #insurance #texas
Take a few seconds to tell your lawmakers to require insurers to put everything in writing.
Sign here: www.texaswatch.org/campaigns/st...
Take a few seconds to tell your lawmakers to require insurers to put everything in writing.
Sign here: www.texaswatch.org/campaigns/st...
January 29, 2025 at 10:07 PM
Stop insurance companies from tricking you into giving up your rights over the phone. #txlege #insurance #texas
Take a few seconds to tell your lawmakers to require insurers to put everything in writing.
Sign here: www.texaswatch.org/campaigns/st...
Take a few seconds to tell your lawmakers to require insurers to put everything in writing.
Sign here: www.texaswatch.org/campaigns/st...
“'If you can't even collect the data to assess the problem, you're certainly not going to be in a position to come up with any answers,' said Birny Birnbaum." @houstonchronicle.com @megankimble.bsky.social #txlege #insurance
Where are homeowners getting dropped by insurers? Texas doesn’t know.
Texas doesn't track where homeowners are being dropped by their insurance providers, which advocates say is critical to getting a handle on rising rates.
www.houstonchronicle.com
January 27, 2025 at 8:28 PM
“'If you can't even collect the data to assess the problem, you're certainly not going to be in a position to come up with any answers,' said Birny Birnbaum." @houstonchronicle.com @megankimble.bsky.social #txlege #insurance