The bill, H.B. No. 5017, introduces a new requirement for personal automobile insurance policies in Texas regarding unresponsive insureds. It mandates that insurers must include a provision that requires them to attempt communication with the named insured at least five times or until a response is received within a 45-day period following a liability claim made by a third party. If the insurer is unable to establish contact with the insured 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 and will take effect for policies delivered, issued for delivery, or renewed on or after January 1, 2026. The bill is set to become effective on September 1, 2025.

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