Sec. 542.060. LIABILITY FOR VIOLATION OF SUBCHAPTER. (a) Except as provided by Subsection (c), if an insurer that is liable for a claim under an insurance policy is not in compliance with this subchapter, the insurer is liable to pay the holder of the policy or the beneficiary making the claim under the policy, in addition to the amount of the claim, interest on the amount of the claim at the rate of 18 percent a year as damages, together with reasonable and necessary attorney's fees. Nothing in this subsection prevents the award of prejudgment interest on the amount of the claim, as provided by law.
(b) If a suit is filed, the attorney's fees shall be taxed as part of the costs in the case.
(c) In an action to which Chapter 542A applies, if an insurer that is liable for a claim under an insurance policy is not in compliance with this subchapter, the insurer is liable to pay the holder of the policy, in addition to the amount of the claim, simple interest on the amount of the claim as damages each year at the rate determined on the date of judgment by adding five percent to the interest rate determined under Section 304.003, Finance Code, together with reasonable and necessary attorney's fees. Nothing in this subsection prevents the award of prejudgment interest on the amount of the claim, as provided by law. Interest awarded under this subsection as damages accrues beginning on the date the claim was required to be paid.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1274, Sec. 2, eff. April 1, 2005.
Amended by:
Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 151 (H.B. 1774), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2017.
Structure Texas Statutes
Title 5 - Protection of Consumer Interests
Subtitle C - Deceptive, Unfair, and Prohibited Practices
Chapter 542 - Processing and Settlement of Claims
Subchapter B. Prompt Payment of Claims
Section 542.052. Applicability of Subchapter
Section 542.054. Liberal Construction
Section 542.055. Receipt of Notice of Claim
Section 542.056. Notice of Acceptance or Rejection of Claim
Section 542.057. Payment of Claim
Section 542.058. Delay in Payment of Claim
Section 542.059. Extension of Deadlines