Another Clear Lake activist and I met with the TDI yesterday concerning the rising cost of home insurance in our area. I greatly appreciate the 5 individuals who gave us some time to discuss what we are going through. My goal was to make sure they understood, and the lack of attention to, our situation with our out of control premiums. I believe that was accomplished.

Unfortunately I came away with an understanding that the TDI is not capable of providing the help we need. They can’t lobby our elected officials. They can’t advocate for changes in the law. They can’t petition other organizations to make changes to building standards or roofing materials. It is pretty frustrating, but I understand.

What we discussed

• Our Town hall meeting last year
• Lack of attention to the situation by our elected officials
• Increases in our premiums
• Price gouging by roofers after an event. TDI has no control over roofers. (No one seems to)
• The Commissioner’s meeting with the business community in Clear Lake
• Lack of better roofing materials
• Lack of action by the insurance industry to limit the damage from windstorms
• Insurance companies leaving the Bay Area
• The severe limitations by the Texas Fair Plan
• High deductibles
• HOAs not allowing metal roofs which are resistant to hail damage

I really didn’t expect to hear solutions. I just wanted to make sure they understood our situation. I’m not sure where to go from here.

Maybe you will have better luck getting our elected officials to address the situation. You can contact their offices at the following numbers. When calling ask for their Chief of Staff. If you receive a response please keep me informed. I wonder if another community meeting would be helpful.

Call Senator Middleton at 512-463-0111. Ask for Matt Patterson. Also email Matt at Matt.patterson@senate.texas.gov.

Call Representative Paul at (512) 463-0734 ask for Greg Bentch. Email greg at Greg.Bentch@house.texas.gov 

Again thank you for your interest in this issue!