Texas Department Issues C&D Order

The Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) has issued an emergency cease and desist order against Gary Garza of Corpus Christi, Texas to prevent him from submitting windstorm inspection reports under false pretenses. Garza, who is reportedly not a licensed engineer and has not been appointed by the Commissioner of Insurance as a qualified inspector, allegedly acquired the signature and seal of a qualified inspector and submitted fabricated inspection forms to TDI. According to the TDI order, Garza’s conduct is illegal, hazardous, and creates a danger to public safety. A windstorm insurance inspection for wind and hail coverage through the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA), must be conducted by either a TDI inspector or an engineer who has been appointed by the TDI Commissioner. While not required for all construction, a windstorm insurance inspection is typically required for new structures, additions, alterations, re-roofs and repairs. Windstorm inspections are conducted at various stages of the building, renovation or repair process, prior to the completion of construction. A complete list of appointed engineers is available on the TDI Web site at: http://www.tdi.state.tx.us/wind/engaprv.html