Taylor outraged over testimony

JACKSON — Rep. Gene Taylor (D-Miss.) is pointing to testimony given June 9 before the Mississippi Supreme Court as proof that his multi-peril insurance legislation should become law.

According to Taylor’s Office, in oral arguments before the Mississippi Supreme Court insurance company USAA admitted that it shifted its own costs to the federal government’s National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). In the first wind-versus-water case to reach Mississippi’s high court, the lower court asked the high court to interpret the “anti-concurrent causation” clause. The lower state court requested the high court interpret the burden of proof before the case is heard on the facts.

At issue is whether the insurance company bears the burden of proof to determine the extent of property damage caused by wind or whether the company can void a homeowner’s wind coverage because water came on the property at some point. USAA asked the court not to require the company to pay any wind damage based on the fact that the property also incurred some water damage.

“Asking the court to sanctify the company’s decision not to live up to its fiduciary responsibility to the federal taxpayers and homeowners is outrageous,” Taylor said. “I vigorously renew my call for the U.S. Senate to follow the lead of the U.S. House of Representatives and pass my Multiple Peril Insurance Act. This act eliminates all opportunities for insurance companies to continue to betray coastal American homeowners and taxpayers.”