TAIPA FAQ’s

Index:
[Go to: End of page]

1. What are the eligibility requirements through TAIPA?
2. Must proof be provided by the insured that he has been rejected by 2 companies?
3. What revisions of the application form are acceptable?
4. What limits are available through TAIPA?
5. When does coverage become effective?
6. What payment options are available?
7. What forms of payment are acceptable?
8. I have not received an assignment card. Is there any way for me to check and see if my application has been assigned?
9. I sent my agency check for the down payment. Now the applicant has stopped payment on his check. What can I do?
10. Must I be a certified producer in order to submit applications to the Association?
11. Should policy change requests be mailed to the Association office?
12. If the applicant requests changes or cancellation prior to the assignment being made to a company, should the producer hold the change or cancellation until the application has been assigned?
13. Must a request for reduction of coverage or cancellation be signed by the insured?
14. I have an assignment card showing that the company has had this assignment for 3 weeks. When can we expect the policy?
15. May I obtain a six-month policy through TAIPA?
16. Is an applicant with an international driver license eligible for a TAIPA policy?
17. How may I obtain a Texas SR-22?
18. If a Texas SR-22 is required, does the Association require separate checks for the filing fee and gross premium?
19. May an out-of-state SR-22 be requested on a TAIPA application?
20. How is a Named Non-Owner policy rated?
21. What is the additional charge for accidents?
22. Is an additional charge applied for all tickets?
23. PIP and UM/UIM were incorrectly rejected on the application. Can these coverages be added to become effective on the effective day of the policy?
24. Is the limited Mexico endorsement available?
25. My insured is required by the Department of Transportation to provide a $500,000 Combined Single Limit (CSL) policy. Can this be obtained?
26. My insured has received a mandatory “take-out” offer from his prior company. I am unable to provide a comparable offer. Am I able to resubmit him to the Association for assignment?
27. My insured is required to give 15 days notice of cancellation to the City of Houston. Is a company required to do this?
28. If the producer fails to complete Item 9 of the Private Passenger Application showing that the insured has existing coverage on the vehicle, or if he fails to enter the future effective date when utilizing EASi, may the producer request an amendment of the effective date, following assignment?
29. If my insured wishes to insure a second vehicle, which is not newly acquired, should I submit a new application?
30. My insured has a vehicle insured through the Association, written on a Personal Auto Policy. He has now purchased a second personal vehicle. When will coverage become effective on this second vehicle?
31. My insured has a vehicle on a Business Auto Policy presently insured through the Association on a Personal Auto Policy. He now has purchased an additional vehicle. Can this be added to the existing policy?
32. My insured currently has a Non-Owner policy. He has now
    bought a car. What do I need to do?
33. My insured has a private passenger vehicle presently insured through the
    Association on a Personal Auto Policy. He has now purchased a two-ton truck. Can
    this be added to the existing policy?
34. I have a student who temporarily moved here from another state to go to school. My companies will not insure vehicles with out of state license plates. May I apply to the Association for coverage?
35. I sent a cancellation request to the company, requesting that the policy be canceled last month. Will they honor this request?
36. My insured has a Business Auto Policy with a premium due date of 8-15-YY, for his renewal with policy date 9-15-YY. If the company receives the renewal premium prior to 9-15-YY but after 8-15-YY is the company required to renew?
37. Are all companies licensed for automobile insurance subject to assignments through the Association?
38. My company received a commercial application from the Association. However, the producer did not give a complete description of use; therefore, we cannot rate the policy. Can we return the application to the producer ?
39. We have received an application for coverage on an ambulance. Our company does not write coverage on these type vehicles. May we return this assignment for reassignment to another company?
40. My company has received an assignment for a utility vehicle rated class 011990. However, this vehicle qualifies for the 3A classification. Since we are buy-out for personal autos may we return
    the application to the Association office for reassignment?
41. When will the producer receive commission?
42. If there is a rate change, when is the last day I can submit an application and get the old rates?

Questions & Answers

What are the eligibility requirements through TAIPA?

1. Possess a valid driver license or request an SR-22 to obtain a valid license. If the applicant is applying for a driver’s license, please indicate in Item 3 on the application and immediately notify the company when the license is obtained. A military driver’s license is not acceptable.
2. Be a resident of Texas or have a vehicle registered in Texas; and
3. Certify that they have been rejected for insurance by two companies within the last 60 days. Refer to the item Applicant Certification/Signature item on the last page of the TAIPA application.

An applicant in the military is eligible while stationed in Texas or if they are a Texas resident stationed in another state.
A student who is a resident of Texas and attending school in another state is eligible. An out-of-state student attending a Texas school is eligible provided the vehicle is licensed (or is being licensed) in Texas. Back to index

Must proof be provided by the insured that he has been rejected by 2 companies

No. The applicant’s signed statement on the application is sufficient. Back to index

What revisions of the application form are acceptable?

Private passenger, Public and Commercial applications must be submitted on the 01/2011 revision of the application. For your convenience, sample copies of the private passenger and commercial applications may be downloaded from TAIPA’s website under “Quick Links”. Back to index

What limits are available through TAIPA?

$30,000/60,000 Bodily Injury, $25,000 Property Damage.
$2,500 Personal Injury Protection (Medical Payments are not available).
$30,000/60,000/25,000 Uninsured/Underinsured Motorists Back to index

When does coverage become effective?

Applications bound through the Electronic Application Submission interface (EASi) are effective for losses at the date and time of the submission (unless a future effective date was requested) and the policy is effective at 12:01 AM the following day. The application must be mailed within one working day of the EASi submission. Applications not bound through EASi are effective the day following receipt by TAIPA.
A future effective date may be requested in the item “Insurance Record” on the application. Back to index

What payment options are available?

Both Private Passenger and Public/Commercial assignments are eligible for:
Full Annual Premium – no deposit.
Advance Premium Payment – 25% down payment (subject to $40 minimum per vehicle), balance is due within 30 days of the date of the billing notice from the company.
Premium Finance Company – Signed Power of Attorney must accompany the application.
8 Payment Installment Option – 20% down payment (subject to $40 minimum per vehicle), balance is paid in 8 installments to the company. Back to index

What forms of payment are acceptable?

Applicant’s check, producer’s check, money order, cashier’s check, certified check or premium finance company check payable to TAIPA. We cannot accept a check from the applicant’s parent or employer.
When a producer’s check is submitted with the application and the applicant’s check to the producer is dishonored, we cannot require the company to cancel the coverage. Non-payment to the producer is not a provision for cancellation in the policy.
TAIPA will not accept agency or premium finance company checks if we have received NSF checks from them on more than one occassion in a 12 month period. Back to index

I have not received an assignment card. Is there any way for me to check and see if my application has been assigned?

You may call the Association during normal business hours at (512) 444-4441(512) 444-4441, toll free (866) 321-9154 (866) 321-9154, or email customer.service@taipa.org. Please have as much information as you can available when you call or email. Back to index

I sent my agency check for the down payment. Now the applicant has stopped payment on his check. What can I do?

You can contact the company and see if they will cancel. However, since they received the premium they have no basis for cancellation under the provisions of the policy. In the future we suggest that when you accept an applicant’s check, you have them make it payable to TAIPA. The company then may rescind if the down payment is NSF or has a stop pay placed against it. If the applicant makes the check payable to the agency, you must endorse to TAIPA. Back to index

Must I be a certified producer in order to submit applications to the Association?

If you are not a certified producer you may still submit applications; however, you will not receive commissions on those applications. Contact the Association office for more information and for the necessary certification forms. There are no fees involved.
More questions about the Producer Certification Program (PCP) are addressed on the Producer Certification Program Frequently Asked Questions page. Back to index

Should policy change requests be mailed to the Association office?

If the original application has not been assigned, mail your request to the Association office in order to obtain the earlier effective date for change or cancellation. Once the application has been assigned, the Association office will mail the request to the company along with the original envelope. If the original application has been assigned and a policy already issued mail the policy change request directly
to the company and not TAIPA. Back to index

If the applicant requests changes or cancellation prior to the assignment being made to a company, should the producer hold the change or cancellation until the application has been assigned?

No. If there is no automatic coverage provision in the policy covering the change, or if the request is for cancellation, the producer should mail the request to the Association office. A note should be attached to the request advising that the change is to an application recently submitted. Once the assignment is complete the Association will forward to the assigned company with the original envelope. Back to index

Must a request for reduction of coverage or cancellation be signed by the insured?

Yes. The only exception is if the premium is premium financed and there is a power of attorney on file. The premium finance company may then request cancellation. Back to index

I have an assignment card showing that the company has had this assignment for 3 weeks. When can we expect the policy?

The company has 30 days from date of receipt in their office to issue the policy. (Allow 5 days for mailing). The assignment card becomes null and void after 60 days. If you have not received the policy within the above timeframe, and if the application provided all necessary information to issue the policy, contact the Association office in writing for assistance. Back to index

May I obtain a six-month policy through TAIPA?

No, only annual policies are available. Back to index

Is an applicant with an international driver’s license eligible for a TAIPA policy?

Yes, an international driver’s license is valid. The applicant must also be a resident of Texas and been denied insurance by two companies within the past 60 days. Back to index

How may I obtain a Texas SR-22?

A Texas SR-22 may be issued by TAIPA on behalf of the assigned company. The Texas SR-22 should be requested in the item marked “Filings” on the application. The Texas SR-22 is processed as follows:

1. When the applicant’s driver license is suspended by the Texas Department of Public Safety (TDPS) and a separate check payable to TDPS for the reinstatement fee accompanies the application, TAIPA will modem the Texas SR-22 to the TDPS the following work day; or
2. When the applicant’s driver license is not suspended, include a note on the application “no fees required-send to TDPS”. TAIPA will modem the Texas SR-22 to the TDPS the following work day; or
3. The Texas SR-22 will be mailed to the producer when neither of the above are followed; or
4. If the application and premium remittance (no cash, please) are hand-delivered
   to the TAIPA office, the Texas SR-22 will be immediately issued. Back to index

If a Texas SR-22 is required, does the Association require separate checks for the filing fee and gross premium?

Yes, if you wish the Association to file the SR-22 directly with the Texas Department of Public Safety. Back to index

May an out-of-state SR-22 be requested on a TAIPA application?

Yes, the application will be assigned to an company writing in that state. The company is required to issue the out-of-state SR-22 within two working days after receipt of the application. The company may either file the SR-22 directly with that state, mail it to the producer, or mail it to the insured. Back to index

How is a Named Non-Owner policy rated?

Refer to Rule 45 in the TAIPA Rules and Rating Manual for non owner classifications and complete Item 5, “Non-Owner Policy” on the non EASi private passenger application or item 9 of the EASi private passenger application. Answer all the questions completely. The classifications N2 through N8 are modified by a percentage applied to the class 3 rate. If the insured is excluded from the household policy or the owner of household vehicles has no insurance on the auto(s), rate the policy as if the non-owner operator owns the automobile. Back to index

What is the additional charge for accidents?

A 20% additional charge applies to each accident as owner or operator. If the accident meets one of the five exceptions in the item “Accidents” on the application, list the exception and no charge applies. The maximum charge is 100%. The charges are applied to Bodily Injury, Property Damage and Personal Injury Protection, and apply to the highest rated vehicle.
Additional questions about additional charges are covered in the Frequently Asked Questions about Rule 9.  Back to index

Is an additional charge applied for all tickets?

An additional charge is applied for all tickets, provided the ticket is not one of the four exceptions listed in Rule 9. The maximum charge is 100%. The charge(s) is applied to Bodily Injury, Property Damage and Personal Injury Protection and always applies to the highest rated vehicle.
Additional questions about charges are covered in the Rule 9 Frequently Asked Questions. Back to index

PIP and UM/UIM were incorrectly rejected on the application. Can these coverages be added to become effective on the effective day of the policy?

The coverages may be added and are effective at 12:01 AM on the date following the date of the written request, provided the request is mailed within one working day of completion of the request. If the request is not dated, or not mailed within one working day, coverage becomes effective at 12:01 AM on the day following the date the written request is received by the company. Back to index

Is the limited Mexico endorsement available?

It is no longer available as of 03/01/2006. Click here to view the changes effective March 1st 2006.  Back to index

My insured is required by the Department of Transportation to provide a $500,000 Combined Single Limit (CSL) policy. Can this be obtained?

No, only minimum financial responsibility limits are available. Assignments needing E-2 Filings are no longer eligible through the Association effective 12-1-2004. For more information, you may contact the Department of Transportation at 1-800-299-17001-800-299-1700. Back to index

My insured has received a mandatory “take-out” offer from his prior company. I am unable to provide a comparable offer. Am I able to resubmit him to the Association for assignment?

No. One of the eligibility requirements for the Association is that the insured has been refused by two companies. The “take-out” offer is considered an offer from a company. Back to index

My insured is required to give 15 days notice of cancellation to the City of Houston. Is a company required to do this?

Yes. Since it is required by the city ordinance, the company will file the necessary forms with the City of Houston. Endorsement TE 0202A must be attached to the policy.
Taxi Cabs and School Buses are the type vehicles usually requiring such filings. Back to index

If the producer fails to complete Item 9 of the Private Passenger Application showing that the insured has existing coverage on the vehicle, or if he fails to enter the future effective date when utilizing EASi, may the producer request an amendment of the effective date, following assignment?

On a Personal Auto Policy the effective date may not be amended because of the “Automatic Termination” provision in the policy. Notify the prior company of the replacement coverage and request that they cancel on the effective date of the new assignment. Back to index

If my insured wishes to insure a second vehicle, which is not newly acquired, should I submit a new application?

No. Submit a policy change request to the company. Coverage will become effective at 12:01 AM on the day following the written request, provided the request is mailed to the company within one working day following the date of completion. If the request is not dated, coverage will become effective at 12:01
AM on the date following the date received by the company. If you submit a new application and there are additional charges under Rule 9, both policies will be charged. If the new application is submitted on a Business Auto Policy, the insured may also void the automatic coverage provision of the policy.  Back to index

My insured has a vehicle insured through the Association, written on a Personal Auto Policy. He has now purchased a second personal vehicle. When will coverage become effective on this second vehicle?

Since the existing policy is a Personal Auto Policy and the vehicle is newly acquired, per the definition of ‘Your Covered Auto” in policy conditions there will be automatic coverage, provided that the company is notified within 30 days of acquisition. Back to index

My insured has a vehicle on a Business Auto Policy presently insured through the
Association. He now has purchased an additional vehicle. Can this be added to
the existing policy?

If you acquire an auto during the policy period, there will be automatic coverage on the Business Auto Policy only if the assigned company provides coverage on all autos that the insured owns, or if it replaces a previously owned auto for that coverage and you advise the company within 30 days after you acquire it that you want this coverage.

If an insured has other vehicles insured through another company the automatic coverage part of the policy is not applicable, unless it is a newly acquired auto replacing an auto that is on that policy for that coverage. Coverage for newly acquired autos in these cases will be in accordance with the TAIPA Plan of Operation. Back to index

My insured currently has a Non-Owner policy. He has now bought a car. What do I need to do?

There will be automatic coverage on the vehicle for thirty (30) days provided you acquire the vehicle during the policy period and notify the company within 30 days after you become the owner. Permanent coverage must be afforded under a separate policy. Back to index

My insured has a private passenger vehicle presently insured through the Association on a Personal Auto Policy. He has now purchased a two-ton truck. Can this be added to the existing policy?

Contact either the Association or the company to see if the company has a commercial quota. If so they will issue on a short term Business Automobile policy. If they do not have a commercial quota, apply to the Association on a new application. Back to index

I have a student who temporarily moved here from another state to go to school. My companies will not insure vehicles with out of state license plates. May I apply to the Association for coverage?

Yes, provided that the insured is applying for Texas license plates within 15 days. Back to index

I sent a cancellation request to the company, requesting that the policy be canceled last month. Will they honor this request?

No. The company is not required to backdate a cancellation, unless it is written on a Personal Automobile Policy, on the same covered vehicle: then the “Automatic Termination” provision would apply. Back to index

My insured has a Business Auto Policy with a premium due date of 8-15-YY, for his renewal with policy date 9-15-YY. If the company receives the renewal premium prior to 9-15-YY but after 8-15-YY is the company required to renew?

Not if there is a certified filing required by city ordinance and Endorsement TE 0202A is attached to the Business Auto Policy. If there is not a certified filing required by ordinance the company must renew, provided the premium is received on or before the effective date of the renewal. Back to index

Are all companies licensed for automobile insurance subject to assignments through the Association?

All companies, unless it is a county mutual qualifying for exemption, are required to be members of the Association. The amount of a member’s assignments is subject to their voluntary market writings. Sections 41 and 42 of the Plan of Operations provides more detailed information. Back to index

My company received a commercial application from the Association. However, the producer did not give a complete description of use; therefore, we cannot rate the policy. Can we return the application to the producer?

If, within the first sixty days of the policy, the pertinent underwriting information has been requested twice (in writing) from the insured, and this information is not received, the assignment may be canceled by giving required notice. Back to index

We have received an application for coverage on an ambulance. Our company does not write coverage on these type vehicles. May we return this for reassignment to another company?

Only if your company does not have a commercial quota. If you do have a commercial quota you must issue the policy. (Refer to Section 42 of the TAIPA Plan of Operation for the type of vehicles a company does not have to accept for assignment) Back to index

My company has received an assignment for a utility vehicle rated class 011990. However, this vehicle qualifies for the 3A classification. Since we are buy-out for personal autos may we return the application to the Association office for reassignment?

Yes, provided that you return the assignment on a timely basis. Back to index

When will the producer receive commission?

The company must reimburse commission within 40 days of receipt of the gross premium. If the 8 payment plan is used, within 40 days of receipt of the gross down payment. Back to index

If there is a rate change, when is the last day I can submit an application and get the old rates?

Mailed applications, not bound through EASi, must be received at least 2 days prior to the effective date of the new rates, as coverage is effective at 12:01 AM on the date following date of receipt in the Association office. If using the EASi system, the application must be submitted at least 2 days prior
to the effective date of the new rates, since the policy is effective at 12:01 AM on the date following the date of the EASi transmission. Back to index