The Texas Department of Insurance has implemented House Bill 3310, which includes provisions for various deadlines required of the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA) during their claims appraisal process. The Bill amends Section 2210.574 of the Texas Insurance Code, titled "Disputes Concerning Amount of Accepted Coverage," which then amends Rule §5.4211 of the TWIA Subchapter, titled "Appraisal Process." The amended Rule is in effect as of Jan 1, 2024. 

The Appraisal Process applies when the TWIA has accepted coverage for a claim and the claimant disputes the amount the Association has agreed to pay for the claim. Either party may request appraisal. The association must include an explanation of their appraisal process, and the claimant has the right to demand an independent appraisal. Each party must hire an appraiser who is independent and qualified. 

The amended rule adds a deadline for appraisal budget disclosure and naming an umpire, which states that within 15 days of the appraisers being named, the appraisers must disclose their projected fees to the parties and agree on an umpire. The umpire must be independent and qualified. If the appraisers are unable to agree to an umpire, the department may be asked to select one.