Agency Information
OUR MISSION
Our Mission
The mission of the Office of Public Insurance Counsel (OPIC) is to represent the interests of consumers in insurance matters. This means promoting public understanding of insurance issues, advocating fairness and stability in insurance rates and coverage, working to make the overall insurance market more responsive to consumers, and striving to ensure consumers receive the services they have purchased.
OPIC represents consumers as a class on matters involving rates, rules, and forms affecting various personal lines such as property and casualty, title, and credit insurance, and on matters involving rules and forms for life, accident, and health insurance. OPIC advocates for insurance consumers primarily before the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI). OPIC also produces a number of brochures and reports to assist consumers in better understanding the insurance products they purchase.
OPIC’s statutory authority is found in the Texas Insurance Code Title 5, Subtitle A, Chapter 501. Authority for the collection of funds on behalf of OPIC is found in sections 501.202 - 501.205. While our statutory authority does not allow us to represent individual consumers, individual complaints may point to a larger issue triggering our involvement. Accordingly, it is important that we hear from you and understand any insurance issues you may be having.
OUR STAFF
Our Staff
OPIC is dedicated to serving the consumers of Texas in an efficient, effective, and fair manner. Each staff member must adhere to the highest ethical standards in every aspect of the operation of the office. This includes thorough analysis of information, fairness and sensitivity in working with consumers and insurers, and fairness and diligence in carrying out the mission of the office.
OPIC has 14 full time equivalent employees, consisting of the Public Counsel, attorneys, an economist, statisticians, researchers, and support staff. Appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate to a two-year term, the Public Counsel serves as Executive Director of the office with authority over administrative and legal decisions, and day-to-day operations. The current Public Counsel is Deeia Beck, appointed by Governor Rick Perry on September 1, 2008. The agency is located in Austin and has no regional offices.
OPIC fully recognizes the importance of maintaining a staff with diverse ethnic backgrounds and adheres to an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) policy requiring full compliance with non-discrimination guidelines as set out by state and federal laws and regulations. OPIC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, or disability in employment or the provision of services.