Because most Texans have several types of insurance — health, auto, home, etc. — we keep an eye out for insurance scams and deceptive insurance practices.

Our Role in the Insurance Industry

When requested by the Texas Department of Insurance, the Office of the Attorney General represents the department and its Commissioner in court. The Texas Department of Insurance is the official state agency charged with regulating the insurance industry in Texas. 

In addition, the Consumer Protection Division reviews insurance practices and complaints in Texas for possible violations of the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices – Consumer Protection Act or Chapter 541 of the Texas Insurance Code.  In the appropriate case, our Division has the right to sue in the name of the State of Texas. 

Have an Insurance Complaint?

The Texas Department of Insurance can help you with insurance problems, complaints, and questions.

We'd also encourage you to file your complaint with us, the Office of the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division. But please note that we are prohibited by law from being your attorney or advising you about your specific situation. 

Role of the Office of Public Insurance Counsel

The Office of Public Insurance Counsel is the official state office that represents the interests of Texas consumers in regulatory matters involving:

  • rates, forms, and rules affecting personal insurance coverages such as auto, residential property, title, and credit insurance, or
  • forms and rules for life, accident, and health insurance.  

When their Office receives complaints and information suggesting a widespread problem in one of these areas for Texas consumers, they may take action. The Office of Public Insurance Counsel represents the interests of Texas consumers as a group or class. By law, they cannot represent individual consumers.  

Common Insurance Scams

Deceptive or Worthless Health Care Discount Cards

Some health care discount programs are legitimate. You can learn more about these by visiting Texas Department of Insurance Discount Health Care Programs Resource page online—including how to register for a discount program and to spot a scam attempt. 

Unauthorized Insurance Companies and Fraudulent Policies

Some companies that appear to be acting as insurers are not authorized to write insurance in Texas. They could be writing fraudulent policies. Be very suspicious of coverage that seems too good to be true or rates far below what other insurance companies are quoting. 

If you are considering buying insurance written by a company you do not recognize — or if you are suspicious about the company or the coverage it offers — you may want to verify that the company is licensed by the Texas Department of Insurance to write that coverage in Texas. With very few exceptions, insurance companies writing policies in Texas must be licensed by the Department.

If the company is not listed as licensed to write the type of coverage being offered, ask the Texas Department of Insurance if the company needs to be licensed in Texas to write the policy. You can also use their webpage for Reporting Insurance Fraud.

Unlicensed Insurance Agents and Agent Fraud

Insurance agents and agencies must be licensed by the Texas Department of Insurance. But some scammers pose as insurance agents in order to swindle money out of Texas consumers. Never pay insurance premiums in cash.  

If the person or business is not listed as being a licensed insurance agent or agency, report this information to Texas Department of Insurance.