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2004 SESSION

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HB 609 Homeowners insurance; notices outlining flood coverage.

Introduced by: Thomas D. Gear | all patrons    ...    notes | add to my profiles | history

SUMMARY AS PASSED:

Fire insurance; flood coverage; notices. Requires insurers issuing a new or renewal contract or policy of fire insurance that excludes coverage for damage due to flood or any other overflow of a body of water to provide written notice to the policyholder that contents coverage may be available with the flood policy for an additional premium. An insurer is required to notify a policyholder when flood coverage is excluded from a policy or contract and that flood insurance is available from the insurer, insurance agent or the National Flood Insurance Program. The requirement applies to policies issued or renewed on or after October 1, 2004. The bill incorporates HB 1371.

SUMMARY AS PASSED HOUSE:

Fire insurance; flood coverage; notices. Requires insurers issuing a new or renewal contract or policy of fire insurance that excludes coverage for damage due to flood, surface water, waves, tidal water, or any other overflow of a body of water, to provide written notice to the policyholder that contents coverage may be available with the flood policy for an additional premium. Current law requires an insurer to notify a policyholder when flood coverage is excluded from a policy or contract and that flood insurance is available from the insurance agent or the National Flood Insurance Program. The bill incorporates HB 1371.

SUMMARY AS INTRODUCED:

Fire insurance; flood coverage; notices. Requires insurers issuing a new or renewal contract or policy of fire insurance that excludes coverage for damage due to flood, surface water, waves, tidal water, or any other overflow of a body of water, to (i) provide written notice to the policyholder that contents coverage may be available with the flood policy for an additional premium; (ii) explain the importance of discussing flood coverage with the insurance agent or the National Flood Insurance Program; and (iii) encourage the policyholder to read the flood policy carefully to understand its coverages, limitations, and exclusions. Such notification shall be deemed to satisfy these requirements when the policyholder has acknowledged, in writing, receipt of the notice. Current law only requires an insurer to notify a policyholder when flood coverage is excluded from a policy or contract and that flood insurance is available from the insurance agent or the National Flood Insurance Program.