Sec. 1153.204.  CLAIM UNDER POLICY.  (a)  A claim for recovery under a policy to which this chapter applies shall be reported promptly to the insurer or the insurer's designated claim representative.
(b)  An insurer shall maintain adequate claim files.
(c)  A claim shall be settled as soon as possible and in accordance with the insurance contract.
(d)  A claim shall be paid by a draft drawn on the insurer or by check of the insurer to the order of the claimant to whom payment of the claim is due under the policy or on direction of the claimant to the person specified.
(e)  A plan or arrangement may not be used to authorize an individual, firm, or corporation, other than the insurer or the insurer's designated claim representative, to settle or adjust a claim.  The creditor may not be designated as claim representative for the insurer in settling or adjusting a claim.  Notwithstanding this subsection, a group policyholder, under an arrangement with the group insurer, may draw drafts or checks in payment of claims due to the group policyholder subject to audit and review by the insurer.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1419, Sec. 2, eff. June 1, 2003.