Mold: An Emerging Frontier
Mold claims exploded in 2001, costing companies that insure homeowners more than $1 billion—roughly five times the cost in 2000. Many carriers have restricted or stopped issuing new homeowners policies despite efforts by regulators to cap liability of mold claims. Is the worst behind us or with continued media attention and trial lawyers involved, will this issue spread to other states and lines outside personal property insurance?

Bob Hartwig, senior vice president and chief economist for the Insurance Information Institute, will address the impact of mold on the insurance industry, the science behind mold, and potential options for assuring continued insurance availability and affordability. Texas Insurance Commissioner José Montemayor will address the impact on individuals, what the Department of Insurance is doing to educate consumers about mold, and how the department is responding to the availability of insurance in the Texas insurance market.

Moderator:
Holmes M. Gwynn
Senior Actuary
Texas Department of Insurance

Panelists:
Robert Hartwig
Senior Vice President and Chief Economist
Insurance Information Institute

José Montemayor
Commissioner
Texas Department of Insurance