The Texas Insurance Podcast

Texas Department of Insurance
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  • UPDATED BIMONTHLY
The Texas Insurance Podcast

The Texas Insurance Podcast is a podcast about the state of insurance in our great state of Texas. We’ll be speaking with experts to pass information along to you about the things you need to know. Subscribe so you don’t miss out on this important information. https://www.tdi.texas.gov

  1. How canines help with fire investigations

    JUN 12

    How canines help with fire investigations

    Since 1993, the State Fire Marshal's Office (SFMO) has called on man's "best friend" to help in its investigations. Canine teams help determine the presence of ignitable liquids, such as gasoline, at fire scenes.  How many dogs help SFMO handlers detect substances that may have been used to start or spread fires?  Five dogs live with their respective handlers, who live in different parts of Texas to be ready to investigate the origin of a fire or explosion at short notice.  What kinds of dogs are in the accelerant detection canine unit?  Four Belgian Malinois and a German Shepherd.  What can the dogs detect?  SFMO’s dogs are trained on 14 different odors associated with causes of a house fire. The dogs also will react to over 60 different common commercially available items.  Do the dogs bark when they sniff out a suspicious chemical?  No. Sometimes they gaze at the source of the smell. Other times, depending on training, they put their nose on a spot and keep it there.  Learn more: Dog burned in fire now helps state investigate fires  Fire Investigations Division Accelerant Detection Canine Unit

    9 min
  2. What do you put in an emergency kit?

    MAY 15

    What do you put in an emergency kit?

    Home and car safety kits can help you survive an emergency. Why do I need an emergency kit? Texas often faces weather or fire disasters. Residents sometimes need to leave home in a hurry. An emergency kit helps you and your family prepare for the worst. What should be in my home emergency kit? Essentials such as food and a supply of water, a gallon a person a day for three days to start. You’re also going to want powered-up chargers for your devices, including cell phones. Add a simple first aid kit with antiseptic wipes, Band-Aids, and your family’s medicines. Put all of these ahead of time into a backpack. Are there any other items that belong in the kit? You could pack a hard hat in case you find yourself in a situation where you have debris—maybe needing to clean out tree limbs. Add work gloves, a safety vest, and plastic baggies to keep your insurance and other important documents safe and dry. Also pack hygiene items such as toothpaste, shampoo, deodorant, things like that—whatever keeps you comfortable. What items go into my car emergency kit? Your car kit can be similar to your home kit—including water, food, blankets, and chargers. Add jumper cables and maybe an air compressor to pump up your tires. Also, put a bag of sand or cat litter in your car kit to give your car better traction if you face icy road conditions. Is there a place to get more information? TexasReady.gov has tips for building your kit. Disaster checklist and ready kitBuild a kit (TDEM)

    10 min
  3. ¿Qué incluir en un kit de emergencia?

    MAY 15

    ¿Qué incluir en un kit de emergencia?

    Los kits de emergencia para la casa y el auto pueden ayudarle a sobrevivir en caso de emergencia. ¿Por qué necesito un kit de emergencia? Texas se enfrenta a menudo a catástrofes meteorológicas o incendios. Los residentes a veces tienen que salir de la casa inmediatamente. Un kit de emergencia le ayuda a usted y a su familia a prepararse para lo peor.¿Qué debe de incluir mi kit de emergencia de la casa? Esenciales como comida y un suministro de agua, un galón por persona al día durante tres días para empezar. También querrá cargadores para sus dispositivos, incluidos los teléfonos móviles. Añada un botiquín sencillo con toallitas antisépticas, tiritas y los medicamentos de su familia. Ponga todo esto con anticipación en una mochila. ¿Hay algún otro artículo que deba incluirse en el kit? Podría empacar un casco en caso de que se encuentre en una situación en la que haya escombros -quizás necesite limpiar ramas de árboles. Añada guantes de trabajo, un chaleco de seguridad y bolsas de plástico para mantener a salvo y secos su seguro y otros documentos importantes. Empaque también artículos de higiene personal como pasta de dientes, champú, desodorante, cosas así... con lo que usted se sienta cómodo. ¿Qué artículos van en el kit de emergencia de mi auto? Su kit para el auto puede ser similar al de casa: agua, comida, mantas y cargadores. Añada cables de arranque y quizás un compresor de aire para llenar sus llantas. Además, ponga un saco de arena o arenilla para gatos en su kit del auto para una mejor tracción si se enfrenta a condiciones de carretera helada. ¿Dónde puedo obtener más información? TexasReady.gov tiene consejos para preparar su kit.La temporada de huracanes: Cómo preparar su vivienda y su propiedadSeguro contra inundaciones: Por qué necesita una póliza y cuál es el costoAntes de la tormentaLista de verificación de kits para desastres de Texas Ready

    10 min
  4. Can you make your home resilient?

    APR 10

    Can you make your home resilient?

    Making your home stronger can protect your property and your family if a severe storm hits.  What does “home hardening” mean?  Home hardening makes your home stronger to withstand severe weather. This can help avoid costly insurance claims. Less costly claims can also mean lower insurance costs.  What is the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety’s role in home hardening?  The Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS) is a nonprofit research center that analyzes how buildings perform in severe weather. The lab in Richburg, South Carolina can create full-sized houses and structures and put those through heaving winds, rainstorms, hailstorms, and wildfires. With 105 fans at 350 horsepower each, IBHS can create 130 mile per hour winds. That’s equivalent to a Category 3 hurricane.  What does IBHS look for with its created storms?  IBHS can test an entire house as a system and look for weak links that can lead to cascading failures. It then develops protective strategies.   Does IBHS have a designation system for home hardening?  Yes, it’s called Fortified. New construction and remodeling projects can get ratings from Roof to Silver to Gold depending on the type of materials used and how they’re used. For example, a house built to the Silver level will have metal braces on the roof to keep it from blowing off.  Does IBHS help with wildfires?  IBHS has a program called Wildfire Prepared that looks at mitigation strategies and creating defensible space. They suggest you keep a 0-to-5-foot zone around your house that is free of branches and other combustible materials.  How can you show that you have a Fortified home?  After the work is done, you get a certificate that is third-party verified. You can give this to your insurance agent. Some insurance companies offer discounts for home hardening. The extra cost of home hardening might save you money on home repairs and insurance.  Are you prepared for a tornado? Here’s how to protect your home.  Are you ready for a disaster?  Hurricane season: How to prepare your home and property

    21 min
  5. TDI has consumer information in Spanish

    MAR 13

    TDI has consumer information in Spanish

    TDI recently launched its Spanish index page with links to 300 consumer pages. Lorna Camacho from TDI’s Communications team translated the insurance content for Spanish speakers. We asked about TDI’s efforts to share consumer tips in Spanish. How long did it take TDI to translate the consumer content to Spanish?  It took about two years. Lorna focused first on the most popular pages, like severe weather and information about filing claims. She also translated subtitles for videos. TDI now prioritizes translating new pages and videos as they’re made.  What other Spanish content has TDI produced?  TDI created “One Minute of Insurance.” In Spanish, it’s “Un Minuto de Seguro.” They are short videos with one minute of information about a single topic.   How do I get Spanish information on the TDI website?  You can get to the Spanish resource page by clicking on “Español” on the home page at tdi.texas.gov.  There are many resources on the page. Some examples include translated consumer insurance guides, ranging from auto insurance to long-term care. You can also search the website with Spanish keywords.   What other resources does TDI have in Spanish?  TDI also has a Help Line (800-252-3439) with Spanish speaking representatives to help people with insurance questions, reporting fraud, and filing complaints against insurance companies and agents. We also post information in Spanish on social media. Find us in Spanish on X and Facebook.   TDI expands access to insurance information in SpanishGet consumer tipsRead blog postsWatch one-minute videos

    5 min
  6. TDI embeds prosecutors in DA offices to investigate insurance fraud

    FEB 13

    TDI embeds prosecutors in DA offices to investigate insurance fraud

    Five lawyers in TDI’s Fraud Unit work in district attorney’s (DA) offices in Tarrant, Bexar, Dallas, Harris, and Travis counties to prosecute insurance fraud. The program’s chief prosecutor, Kyson Johnson, helped start the program 20 years ago. What value does TDI bring to DA’s offices? TDI’s embedded lawyers know about complex insurance issues and can rely on TDI staff to help answer detailed questions. Other assistant district attorneys often lack such expertise and resources. How does an insurance fraud case get to a TDI lawyer? The Fraud Unit employs about 20 investigators statewide who get leads from consumers, law enforcement and insurance companies. They firm up the leads, gather evidence, and conduct interviews to build a case they can give to the Fraud Unit’s lawyers in the DA offices. The lawyers present the cases to grand juries and – if there’s enough evidence – prosecute the case. How does the Fraud Unit prosecution office help DAs? County DA offices may not have enough resources to devote to prosecuting insurance fraud. They focus on rapes, robberies, murders, as well as financial crimes. TDI provides resources to help prosecute insurance fraud. Are the Fraud Unit investigators TDI employees? Yes, TDI interviews, hires, and pays the embedded prosecutors who work in the DA offices. TDI has a memorandum of understanding with each DA. The prosecutors report to their respective DA and work within their teams. Why is it important to prosecute insurance fraud? Insurance fraud affects everybody. When insurance companies pay fraudulent claims, it drives up the premiums they charge to cover losses. Reducing fraud can help lower premiums. About the TDI Fraud Unit Report Texas insurance fraud Fraud Unit chief prosecutor promoted in Army Reserve

    18 min
  7. What are PPC fire protection ratings and how do they impact insurance?

    JAN 16

    What are PPC fire protection ratings and how do they impact insurance?

    The Insurance Services Office (ISO) grades cities and counties on their fire protection capability. Insurance companies use this Public Protection Classification (PPC) rating when they decide where they’ll sell home policies and how much to charge.  What does the ISO look at to set a fire department’s PPC rating?  They also look at the water department and supply, emergency communications, community risk reduction, and training.  Why should homeowners want to know their community’s PPC rating?  If you’re moving or building a home, you’ll want to be within five road miles of a fire station. You also want to be within 1,000 feet of a working water supply. If you’re not within these limits, companies might be less willing or unwilling to sell you a home insurance policy.  How does a homeowner find their community’s PPC rating?  You can ask your home insurance company or agent. You can also ask your city or county management.   How can I change my community’s PPC rating?  Talk to the managers of your city or county. Let them know that you’re concerned about the PPC rating. Get your friends and neighbors involved. Maybe you can effect change.

    8 min
  8. Are your home and car winter ready?

    12/12/2024

    Are your home and car winter ready?

    Save headaches and money by taking steps now to get your home and car ready for winter. How do I start to winterize my home? Start at the top with your roof. Check for damaged or missing shingles. You don’t want water or ice to get under your shingles and leak into your house. Roof damage can be expensive. Also check your gutters. Remove debris and leaves that can clog and cause water damage. Should you trim trees before winter? Trim trees to get limbs away from your house. The weight of ice and snow could damage your roof or parked car. How can I avoid water damage in winter? Before a winter storm hits, drain and cover exposed pipes like those in your garage and outside. If your water stops flowing, turn off the main water valve. It’s outside, usually near the street. What other tips do you have to winterize your home? - Drain your HVAC lines. - Clean the lint from your clothes dryer vent. - Hire a professional to clean your chimney. - Test your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. How do I prepare my car for winter? Check your car’s battery, fluids, tire pressure, and windshield wipers. Extreme cold is hard on tires and can cause the pressure to drop. Windshield wipers, belts, and hoses can wear out faster and crack. What should be in an emergency kit for my house and car? Gather blankets, nonperishable food, bottled water, flashlights, and spare batteries. For your car, you might want a first-aid kit and emergency flares. If you have a portable charger, don’t forget to keep it charged up. Winter storms: Tips for preparing your house and pipes How to prevent pipes from freezing How to make your house winter-ready Winter driving safety tips

    8 min
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About

The Texas Insurance Podcast is a podcast about the state of insurance in our great state of Texas. We’ll be speaking with experts to pass information along to you about the things you need to know. Subscribe so you don’t miss out on this important information. https://www.tdi.texas.gov

Information

  • Creator
    Texas Department of Insurance
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2025
  • Episodes
    52
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Texas Department of Insurance
  • Show Website
    The Texas Insurance Podcast

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