TDI FINES TOTAL $112,000 IN MAY

The Texas Department of Insurance has issued a list of enforcement actions taken by Comm-issioner Jose Montemayor that became final during May. The actions include nine license revocations, one license denial and fines totaling $112,950. Copies of Montemayor’s orders may be obtained by calling the TDI at (512)463-6425. Only final orders are listed. An order imposing disciplinary measures becomes final 20 days after the agent or insurance company has received notice of the order unless a motion for rehearing is filed within that period. A motion for rehearing stays the finality of an order until the Commissioner of Insurance acts upon the motion or upon the operation of law. Commissioner’s orders are subject to appeal to state district court. Summaries of the major orders regarding p/c lines include: Benchmark Title Services, L. L. C., Frisco, Consent Order; Alleged Receiving Referral Fees from Lawyers; Escrow Account Violations, $20,000 and Cease-and-Desist Order; Hosch, James Donald, dba Senior Services, Lubbock, Advertising Violations Misleading Trade-Style Name, $5,000 fine; McKnight, Laurie A., dba “The Bail Bond Center,” Longview, Charging Excessive Rates for Surety Bonds; Payment of Comm-issions to Unlicensed Persons Local Recording Agent’s License Revoked and $3,000; Osborne, William Anthony, Plano, Material Misrepresentation on License Application, $5,000; Federal Insurance Co., Warren, NJ, Failure to File Commercial Auto Experience Rating Data, $7,500; Gulf Insurance Co. and Select Insurance Co., New York, NY, Auto Experience Rating Data, $1,450; and Reliance National Indemnity Co., Madison, Wis., Consent Order; Alleged Use of Unapproved Policies and Endorsements $20,000.