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As your constituent, I am writing to ask you to SUPPORT HB 946 by Rep. Cassandra Garcia Hernandez. This important safety legislation will stop predatory "swoop and settle" schemes used by insurance companies to trick Texans. Here's how it happens: You have just been involved in a car wreck. Your car is destroyed. You are hurting and disoriented. After you exchange insurance information with the other driver, take photos of the damage, and gather witness information, what comes next? Often the other driver's insurance company calls wanting a recorded statement from you. The Gilbert v. Fitz case held that an oral settlement agreement recorded over the phone by an insurer is legally enforceable. This can have devastating consequences for you and your family. When predatory insurance companies immediately lock you into a cheap settlement of your claim before you know the full extent of your injuries or rights, it has a big cost. Medical providers often require reimbursement for their services from your settlement, and if you settle for an amount that is too low, it could cost you thousands of dollars. If you need additional medical treatment, the burden can fall on local taxpayers to pick up the tab for uncompensated “charity care.” We must put an end to this predatory insurance scheme. HB 946 simply makes the oral release of auto insurance claims unenforceable. That is a good thing. Insurance companies should have to put everything in writing so you have the time you need to make an informed decision about whether a settlement is sufficient to provide for your care. Please support HB 946 and protect your constituents.