Your rights when you buy insurance for a home or apartment

When you insure your home or rented apartment, you get a river of information in writing—including the Consumer Bill of Rights.

Too much to read? Let’s make it easier.

In Texas, you have the right to:

• Call TDI to learn about your rights or to check a company’s license status, its financial condition, and the types of consumer complaints filed against it.
• Call your insurance company with questions or complaints. The phone number is on your policy.
• Keep your personal financial information private from companies not affiliated with your insurance company or banking institution.  Examples are income, Social Security number, and credit or premium payment history.
• Cancel your policy any time and be refunded remaining premium.
• Be treated fairly and honestly when you make a claim. If you believe an insurance company has treated you unfairly, call TDI.
• Reject any settlement amount offered by an insurance company. You can negotiate with the insurance company or pursue legal remedies such as mediation, arbitration, or filing a lawsuit.
• Have your home repaired by the contractor of your choice.

Have a question about insurance? Call the Texas Department of Insurance at 800-252-3439 or visit www.tdi.texas.gov.