Measure would limit cases against wind insurer

The state House on Tuesday approved a bill pushed as a way to streamline the claims dispute process and cut costs for the state’s wind insurer of last resort, but derided by opponents as a slap at consumer protections. House Bill 272, sponsored by House Insurance Chairman John Smithee, R-Amarillo, would require policyholders with the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association to send disputes over coverage to a panel appointed by the state insurance commissioner before they could go to court. Those disputing the amount of a claim payment would be required to go to appraisal, a kind of arbitration that is optional in most insurance policies.