TDI Increases Assistance in East Texas; Expands Help Line Hours

The Texas Department of Insurance announced it is sending additional insurance specialists to East Texas to help consumers affected by Hurricane Rita.

Six assistance centers have already been established around the state, and TDI is deploying mobile response teams to further reach consumers in need of assistance in the greater Beaumont, Port Arthur, Orange, Lufkin and East Texas areas affected by the storm. On Sept. 30, a mobile team opened an office at 3910 Eastex Freeway in Beaumont to assist consumers.

In addition, TDI said its Consumer Help Line increased its hours to assist consumers affected by hurricanes Rita and Katrina. The Help Line (1-800-252-3439) will now be open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Central time, seven days a week.

TDI experts can answer insurance questions, help consumers locate their insurance company or agent, explain the insurance claims process, and assist with problems or complaints about an insurance company, adjuster or agent.

In addition, people should register with FEMA so that they may be eligible for federal assistance; call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or register online at www.FEMA.gov/register.

The latest Hurricane Rita and Hurricane Katrina insurance information is available on TDI’s Web site at www.tdi.state.tx.us. TDI’s Consumer Help Line (1-800-252-3439) is also operating under extended hours, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Central time, seven days a week.

The Disaster Recovery Centers and Insurance Assistance Centers are located as follows:

Austin DRC
825 East Rundberg, Suite E
Hours: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Houston DRC and IAC
6059 S. Loop East
Hours: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Dallas DRC and IAC
Dallas Convention Center, Loading Dock #2
650 South Griffin Street
Hours: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

San Antonio DRC and IAC
Kelly USA – Building 1537
Hours: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Fort Worth DRC
Amon Carter Exhibit Hall
3401 Burnett Tandy Drive
Hours: 8 a.m to 7 p.m

Tyler DRC
2301 South Broadway
Hours: 8 a.m to 6 p.m.