Texas Seeks Comments on Financial Responsibility Program User Guide

The Texas Department of Insurance has issued a request for comments on the Financial Responsibility Program User Guide being developed as part of the implementation of the state’s auto insurance verification program.

Senate Bill 1670, 79th Legislature, Regular Session, requires the Texas Department of Insurance, in consultation with the Texas Department of Public Safety, Texas Department of Transportation and Texas Department of Information Resources, (the implementing agencies) to implement Subchapter N, Chapter 601, Transportation Code, and create a program for verification of financial responsibility that will reduce the number of uninsured motorist in this state.

Further, SB 1670 requires the agencies responsible for implementing Subchapter N, Chapter 601, Transportation Code, to establish and publish a user guide clearly specifying requirements and procedures for providing information under the verification program under that subchapter.

A link to the draft user guide can be accessed via TDI’s Web site at http://www.tdi.state.tx.us/.

The Department of Insurance is soliciting comments until 5:00 p.m. on Dec. 4, 2006. Comments should be addressed to Melissa Mallett, Financial Responsibility Verification Program Coordinator, Property and Casualty Program, Mail Code 105-5C, Texas Department of Insurance, P.O. Box 149104, Austin, Texas 78714-9104.

Insurers are advised to wait until the final manual is published before beginning to program their systems.