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A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
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AN ACT
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relating to coverage for certain towing and storage expenses under |
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a motor vehicle insurance policy. |
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BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: |
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SECTION 1. Chapter 1952, Insurance Code, is amended by |
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adding Subchapter H to read as follows: |
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SUBCHAPTER H. COVERAGE FOR CERTAIN TOWING AND STORAGE CHARGES |
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Sec. 1952.351. APPLICABILITY OF SUBCHAPTER. This |
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subchapter applies to any insurer writing automobile insurance in |
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this state, including a capital stock insurance company, a |
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reciprocal or interinsurance exchange, a mutual insurance company, |
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including a county mutual insurance company, a Lloyd's plan, or |
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another legal entity engaged in the business of automobile |
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insurance in this state. The term includes: |
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(1) an affiliate as described by Section 823.003(a) if |
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that affiliate is authorized to write and is writing automobile |
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insurance in this state; and |
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(2) the Texas Automobile Insurance Plan Association |
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under Chapter 2151. |
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Sec. 1952.352. COVERAGE FOR TOWING AND STORAGE CHARGES. An |
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insurer subject to this subchapter that delivers, issues for |
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delivery, or renews an automobile liability insurance policy in |
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this state that covers liability arising out of the ownership, |
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maintenance, or use of a motor vehicle shall include coverage for |
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reasonable towing expenses and related storage charges assessed in |
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relation to a vehicle involved in a motor vehicle accident for which |
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an insured under the policy is liable. |
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SECTION 2. This Act applies only to an automobile liability |
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insurance policy that is delivered, issued for delivery, or renewed |
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on or after January 1, 2012. A policy delivered, issued for |
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delivery, or renewed before January 1, 2012, is governed by the law |
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as it existed immediately before the effective date of this Act, and |
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that law is continued in effect for that purpose. |
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SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2011. |