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Sandra Flores will begin serving a six year prison term this week for insurance fraud after a Texas Department of Insurance investigation found she had stolen $1 million from real estate transactions. She was sentenced earlier this week by a Harris County judge.

Free pre- and post-purchase education, mortgage credit courses result in more informed buyers positioned for success. First time home buying is among the biggest and most complex decisions most of us will make in our lives. Besides the financial commitment, buying a home also comes with a whole new world of unfamiliar terms and responsibilities.

Consumers who suffered property damage as a result of the recent severe weather should contact their insurance companies as soon as possible to begin the claims process. Homeowners insurance generally covers losses from wind and hail. If you’re having trouble reaching your company, TDI can help. Call the TDI Consumer Help Line at 1-800-252-3439. Insurance specialists are available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to answer your insurance questions and to help you with company contact information

Home sharing has become popular as homeowners in areas near seasonal festivals and events discover a ready source of additional income in short-term rentals. Before renting out your home, it is important to find out if your homeowners insurance policy will cover such arrangements.

On Saturday, June 27, 2015, Congressman Al Green (TX-9), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Financial Services Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee, and Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, II (MO-5), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Financial Services Housing and Insurance Subcommittee, held a Congressional Housing and Banking Public Forum.

U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) disaster loans are the primary source of federal long-term disaster recovery funds for disaster damages not fully covered by insurance or other compensation.

As the tropical system in the Gulf of Mexico continues to head towards the Texas and Louisiana coast, the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America (PCI) encourages residents in the area to listen to emergency officials. Weather forecasters are calling for the system to bring lots of rain to areas that are still recovering from last month’s flooding event.

A Mobile Registration Intake Center (MRIC) has opened in Taylor, Texas, to serve homeowners, renters and business owners who sustained damage as a result of the ongoing severe storms and flooding

A Mobile Registration Intake Center (MRIC) has opened in Athens, Texas, to serve homeowners, renters and business owners who sustained damage as a result of the ongoing severe storms and flooding.

If you’re having trouble reaching your company, call the Texas Department of Insurance at 1-800-252-3439. Insurance specialists are available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to answer your insurance questions and to help you with company contact information.

Hurricane season begins June 1. You’ve mapped out an evacuation route, but have you reviewed your insurance coverage to make sure your family would be protected after a storm?

Now is a good time to review your property’s flood risk, your current insurance coverage, and consider whether a separate flood policy should be part of your home protection plan.

The settlement, which amends a prior agreement, will enhance benefits to Farmers policyholders who fall within the settlement class.

Texas Department of Insurance Commissioner David Mattax announced today the resolution of a more than decade long dispute with the state’s largest homeowners insurer, State Farm Lloyds.

Commissioner of Insurance Julia Rathgeber has appointed Tiffany Reiner, CPCU, CIC, CRM, of Richardson to serve on the Board of Directors of the Texas Property and Casualty Insurance Guaranty Association for a term to expire December 31, 2015. The board oversees the Association’s guarantee of performance of contractual obligations arising from property and casualty insurance policies issued to or benefiting Texas residents

AUSTIN - April 19, 2013 - (RealEstateRama) --– The April 17 fire and explosion at a fertilizer plant in West, Texas resulted in fatalities, serious bodily injuries, and widespread property damage. The Texas Department of Insurance (TDI), working in conjunction with other agencies, will be providing assistance through the State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO), its Consumer Protection resources, and the Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC) to assist those affected by the incident.

Washington, DC - January 17, 2012 - (RealEstateRama) -- Rep. Louie Gohmert (TX-01) released the following statement today concerning President Obama’s sweeping gun proposals which include banning the sale of certain guns and preventing the ability of a homeowner under attack to protect his family from felons who do not heed restrictions on guns or magazines:

July 23, 2012 - (RealEstateRama) -- On Friday, July 13, the Texas Department of Insurance began receiving hundreds of emails from consumers all across Texas addressed to Commissioner Kitzman. The messages were identical and contained comments and suggestions concerning the state of the property insurance marketplace in Texas. Commissioner Kitzman reviewed these suggestions with her staff on July 17, and is in the process of gathering the necessary data and information to respond to each consumer in a substantive and comprehensive manner.

Houston, TX - July 20, 2010 - (RealEstateRama) -- Merlin Law Group, P. A. has leased 3,787 square feet of office space at Three Riverway, which is located in Houston's Galleria/Uptown area. The law firm represents Texan property owners in disputes with their insurance providers over claims against their property insurance policies. Merlin Law Group originally leased 1,959 square feet in the same building, but with the growth of its business, especially with Hurricane Ike and Dolly claims, the law firm needed to acquire more space to accommodate its growing staff. In addition, the management consulting and professional recruiting firm of Hunt, Patton & Brazeal, has signed a renewal of 3,805 square feet at the same building.