The bill, H.B. No. 5017, introduces a new requirement for personal automobile insurance policies in Texas, specifically addressing the situation of unresponsive insureds. It mandates that insurers must include a provision in their policies that requires them to attempt communication with the named insured at least five times, or until the insured responds, within a 45-day period following a liability claim made by a third party. If the insurer is unable to establish contact during this timeframe, they are obligated to pay the claim to the third-party claimant in accordance with the policy and decline to renew the policy.

This new section, designated as Section 1952.061, applies to all insurers authorized to write automobile insurance in Texas, including various types of insurance companies. The provisions outlined in this bill will take effect for policies delivered, issued for delivery, or renewed on or after January 1, 2026, with the overall act becoming effective on September 1, 2025.

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