No Rate Hike on the Coast
The Texas Windstorm Insurance Association is considering a rate hike on coastal policyholders. Our comments in opposition follow:
From: Ware V. Wendell <wwendell@texaswatch.org>
Date: Fri, Dec 4, 2020 at 11:20 AM
Subject: No rate hike, protect coastal homeowners
To: <PublicComment@twia.org>
To Whom It May Concern:
I lead Texas Watch, a statewide non-profit that has advocated for the rights of policyholders for over 20 years. We write today to register our opposition to any rate hike by TWIA at this time.
Our economy is suffering greatly right now due to this once-in-a-hundred year pandemic. Lines are growing at food banks. Evictions are on the rise. This tragic toll is taking place through no fault of the families who are affected. We must do everything within our power to keep people in their homes. Maintaining current insurance rates would help Coastal Bend families at a time when they desperately need it. On the other hand, raising rates would undoubtedly create a man-made economic and humanitarian disaster by pushing many out of their homes or forcing them to choose between necessities.
Please pursue the wise and humane policy choice and oppose any rate hikes. I ask you to put people first.
Respectfully submitted,
Ware V. Wendell
Executive Director
Texas Watch
512-381-1111
2121 East 6th Street, Suite 201
Austin, Texas 78702