Save headaches and money by taking steps now to get your home and car ready for winter.

TDI’s Fraud Unit has investigators, prosecutors, fraud examiners, attorneys, and support staff. Vivian Cervantez’s job is performing financial analysis and forensic accounting services. As a financial analyst, her efforts help investigate cases of insurance fraud.

What kind of work does a fraud analyst do? 

We’re examining a lot of data and looking for unusual patterns. A fraud analyst’s work can include converting bank statements into Excel spreadsheets and providing summary tables for investigators. Other times, work involves cross referencing bank statements, billing records from doctors, and claims data from insurance companies.  

What is forensic accounting? 

Forensic accounting is the marriage of accounting and investigating. Accounting involves records and the recording of transactions. Forensic accounting is taking those records and using them to find out if there is a misuse of funds or if there are any patterns of misuse. 

What’s an example of forensic accounting? 

A policyholder, like a homeowner, might pay their policy premium to an insurance agent. The agent then keeps the money instead of handing it over to the insurance company to pay for the policy. A financial analyst’s research may see the money going into the agent’s accounts but doesn’t see it paid out to the insurance company. That’s insurance fraud. 

Why is financial analysis important? 

Insurance fraud leads to higher insurance premiums for everyone. The Fraud Unit’s efforts to cut down on the amount of insurance fraud should help keep insurance more affordable by reducing the impact that fraud has on insurance premiums. 

How do you avoid becoming a victim of insurance fraud? 

In the case of giving your money to a bad agent who doesn’t give you a real policy in return, do your research. You can call our Help Line at 800-252-3439 to make sure an insurance agent is licensed. Try to pay the insurance company directly. Don't pay the agent in cash. Use debit or credit. If something feels wrong, then it probably is wrong.  

You have about two minutes to get out of a burning house from the second your smoke alarm goes off. It’s critical your alarm works.

How many smoke alarms should I have?

You should have enough smoke alarms for everyone to hear in every area of your house. You should have them on every level of your home and inside and outside every sleeping area. Test your alarms during the day and again at night to make sure everyone can hear them.

Where do smoke alarms go?

Read the instructions that come with your smoke alarm to know if it goes on the wall or ceiling. If you don’t have the instructions, search your smoke alarm model number online to find them. There will be instructions for manufactured homes and vaulted ceilings.

How often should I test my smoke alarm?

Press the button on your smoke alarm every month. If you can’t reach it, use a broom handle or call a friend for help. While you’re near the alarm, dust it off. They can collect dust and bugs that could make them malfunction.

Do you recommend the new smoke alarm technologies?

If you’re shopping for a new alarm, consider the ionization and photoelectric smoke alarms. Photoelectric alarms detect smoldering fires and ionization smoke alarms detect flaming fires. Another alarm style, the multi-criteria alarm, has a sensor to know if a fire is a non-emergency cooking fire or an emergency fire.

Where can I get a free smoke alarm?

The American Red Cross provides free smoke alarms. Many community organizations and fire departments also give free smoke alarms. Fire departments are also great resources if you have questions about where to put a smoke alarm in your house.

What else should I know about smoke alarms?

There are three main takeaways:

- Make sure your house has smoke alarms.

- Test your smoke alarm every month.

- Replace smoke alarms every 10 years.

Learn more:

Smoke alarms: Where to put them, how often to replace batteries
Smoke and carbon monoxide alarm safety
Is your smoke or carbon monoxide alarm chirping? Here’s what it’s telling you

When you file a home insurance claim, you can also get paid for any personal property that was stolen or destroyed. Your agent or company will ask if you have a home inventory. 

Why do I need a home inventory? 

A home inventory is a way to help you remember what you own. By taking pictures or writing it down, you can remember the TVs, light fixtures, silverware, clothes, furniture, and more. 

How much will my insurance pay for my personal property? 

It will pay up to your coverage limit if the total amount stolen or destroyed adds up to that amount. You might have more expensive items – like jewelry, bicycles, or artwork – that are more valuable. You can buy an endorsement to your policy that will pay more for these items. Look on the first page of your policy to learn your personal property coverage limit. 

How do I put together a home inventory? 

The easiest thing you can do is take pictures and videos of everything in your house. Don't forget your closets, drawers, garage, and sheds. You can also use TDI's home inventory (PDF) form or a home inventory app to write down items. Include the serial number, the date you bought it, and the amount you paid. Take pictures of receipts. 

How often should I update my home inventory? 

After you put an inventory together, update it every year. You buy and sell things throughout the year that you'll need to add or take off. If you bought something expensive or valuable, ask your agent about buying an endorsement.

Sgt. Steve Richardson led the TDI Fraud Unit’s investigation into William Neil “Doc” Gallagher, a radio host in the Dallas area. Gallagher, known as the “Money Doctor,” targeted seniors to surrender their annuities and give him the money to “invest.”

Summers in Texas usually means cooking on a campfire or barbecue. Learn more about keeping your family safe while cooking outdoors.

With the start of hurricane season around the corner on June 1, now is the time to review your insurance and prepare your house and your family for hurricanes.

When is the peak of hurricane season?

Texas typically gets its biggest hurricanes in August and September, with August being the peak month. Hurricanes have also formed as early as May. 

When should I start worrying about a storm turning into a hurricane? 

Pay attention to the weather during hurricane season. Some hurricanes develop farther out and give us more time to prepare. But others – like Hurricane Humberto in 2007 – can develop and make landfall in as little as 24 hours.  

What can I do now to prepare for hurricane season? 

You can start building your storm kit. Gather enough water, nonperishable food, medicine, batteries, pet food, and other supplies to ride out a storm. If you think you’ll evacuate, look at evacuation routes and which roads you’ll take to get to safety.  

Why do I need a storm kit? 

As a storm approaches, people rush to the store for supplies. If you’ve bought yours ahead of time, you don’t have to be in the scramble. Once a storm hits, you’ll have what you need to either evacuate or be home for a few days. 

Also prepare a kit for your car. Think about what you’d take with you if you’re on the road for a couple of days. 

What can I do to prepare my house for a hurricane? 

In the days and hours before a hurricane, get your house ready by: 

Should I review my insurance before a hurricane? 

Yes, review your insurance to know your coverages, deductibles, and if you have coverage to live elsewhere if you can’t stay in your home during repairs. Also know if you have flood insurance. Most home policies don’t cover floods. Ask your company or agent if you’d like to get flood insurance 

Just a couple of inches of unwanted water in your house can cause extensive and expensive damage. Most home and renters insurance policies cover water damage—if the water comes from inside the house. 

What’s the difference between water damage and flood damage? 

Flood damage is caused by water from a rainstorm or a body of water that suddenly rises over a dry area and into your house.  

Water damage in your house comes from pipes, water heaters, washing machines, refrigerators, and other devices that hold water. 

What does “sudden and accidental” mean? 

Most home policies say they cover “sudden and accidental” water damage. That means a water leak or overflow that happens suddenly, and accidentally. It’s not a leak that’s been dripping for a long time. If you notice a leak that’s caused damage, file a claim right away with your insurance company. 

Are water leaks from fish tanks covered by home policies? 

Not usually. Home policies cover plumbing and appliances, but not fish tanks or water tanks you use for drinking water. If you want to insure a fish tank, talk to your insurance agent or company. 

Are mold and mildew covered by home policies? 

Mold is covered if it’s on something that your home policy would replace. If mold is on walls, for example, your policy will pay to have that torn out and replaced.  

Home policies don’t cover mold remediation, which is when a company comes into your house and finds and removes mold. If you want coverage for possible future mold remediation, talk to your insurance agent or company. 

Should I make repairs if I have water damage in my house? 

Make enough repairs to keep the damage from getting worse. If a window breaks or there’s a hole in your roof and water is getting in, cover the window or roof with boards or tarps. Keep your receipts too because your insurance company should reimburse you. 

What other tips do you have if I get water damage? 

As we turn the corner into spring, it’s time to think about rain showers and flooding. Most homeowners insurance policies don’t cover damage from flooding.

Understand the process of filing an auto or home claim to help make the experience less stressful.

When should I file a home or auto claim? 

As soon as you can. You’ll want to talk to the company while the accident or incident is fresh in your mind. If you’re not sure you want to file a claim, you can still call your company and discuss your options. Ask how much your deductible is to help you decide if you should file a claim. 

What is a deductible? 

A deductible is the money you must pay if you file a claim. You’ll pay for car or home repairs up to your deductible, then the company pays anything over that up to your policy limits. 

What should I do when I call the insurance company to file a claim? 

Write down the time you called the company, who you talked to, and your adjuster’s name. Make a list of the documents or information the company asks you to gather. 

What should I do right after a car accident? 

What should I do after my house is damaged? 

When will I get paid for my claim? 

00:00 How to file an insurance claim