The Texas Department of Insurance regulates the state’s insurance industry, oversees the administration of the Texas workers’ compensation system, performs the duties of the State Fire Marshal’s Office, and provides administrative support to the Office of Injured Employee Counsel – a separate agency.
Texas Insurance Code requires TDI to:
- Regulate the business of insurance in Texas.
- Protect and ensure the fair treatment of consumers.
- Ensure fair competition in the insurance industry to foster a competitive market.
- Administer the Texas’ workers’ compensation system as provided by the Texas Labor Code.
- Ensure that the insurance code and other laws regarding insurance and insurance companies are executed.
The insurance commissioner is the agency’s chief executive and administrative officer. The commissioner administers and enforces state insurance laws and applicable laws that grant jurisdiction to TDI or the commissioner.
The Division of Workers’ Compensation, under the direction of the division’s appointed commissioner, oversees the administration and operation of the Texas workers’ compensation system. The division monitors compliance of all parties, taking enforcement action when necessary, to ensure that the Texas Workers’ Compensation Act, Texas Labor Code, and other regulations regarding workers’ compensation are implemented and enforced. According to Texas Labor Code, the goals of the division are to ensure that:
- Each employee be treated with dignity and respect when injured on the job.
- Each injured employee have access to a fair and accessible dispute resolution process.
- Each injured employee have access to prompt, high-quality medical care.
- Each injured employee receive services to facilitate their return to work as soon as it is considered safe and appropriate by their health care provider.
DWC does not pay benefits on workers’ compensation claims. Insurance carriers (including licensed insurance companies, governmental entities, certified self-insured employers and group self-insured employers) pay benefits.
The governor, with advice and consent of the Texas Senate, appoints both commissioners for two-year terms.
Mission
We protect Texans by fairly and diligently regulating the insurance industry, promoting a stable and competitive market, advancing fire safety, and providing clear information to consumers.
Vision
A Texas where consumers are protected, communities are resilient, and the insurance market is strong for generations to come.
Core values
Our values guide how the people of the Department of Insurance serve Texans.
These are our TEXAS values.
Transparency
We communicate openly and build trust.
- Communicate clearly, honestly, and in plain language.
- Share information openly, explain our decisions, and welcome feedback.
- Make information easy to access and understand.
Efficiency
We work effectively and deliver results.
- Measure performance and continuously improve processes.
- Use resources wisely and embrace technology.
- Produce timely, high-quality results.
Excellence
We set high standards and keep improving.
- Invest in our people and foster a culture of continuous learning.
- Leverage data and best practices to make sound decisions.
- Encourage innovation.
Accountability
We take ownership and act with integrity.
- Deliver on commitments and take responsibility.
- Make ethical, fair, consistent, and impartial decisions.
- Be clear about performance expectations and outcomes.
Service
We put Texans first in everything we do.
- Treat people with respect, empathy, and courtesy.
- Provide consistent, prompt, dependable service.
- Listen, engage, and respond with purpose.
Agency history
The recorded history of insurance law in Texas and the predecessors of the Texas Department of Insurance date back to 1876 – the year Mark Twain published "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer" and Colorado became the 38th state. The constitution of Texas adopted that year authorized the Legislature to create the office of Insurance Commissioner when it deemed it necessary. Two years earlier, the state had made its first effort to regulate the insurance business in Texas. The state's economy and population were growing, and wildcat insurance schemes were common. The 14th Legislature in 1874 passed a law regulating the life and health insurance business in the areas of company formation, activities and coverage.