By KERA News & Wire Services
Dallas, TX – Two auto coverage companies that top a list of worse-than-average complaint records in 2009 are being investigated by the Texas Department of Insurance.
The Dallas Morning News reported Tuesday on its analysis of department figures. Complaints against Loya Insurance and Old American County Mutual included delays in processing claims, unsatisfactory offers or settlements, denial of claims and liability issues.
Loya vice president Edgar Meza says many complaints involve market value of vehicles and coverage. Meza says complaints against Loya are down this year and the company takes such complaints seriously.
Dallas-based Old American County Mutual had a complaint index more than three times worse than a typical company.
Old American did not immediately comment Tuesday.
Text tips to DPS on Texas Most Wanted
The Texas Department of Public Safety is now accepting texts from tipsters.
DPS on Tuesday announced the latest method for anonymously providing information on the Texas 10 Most Wanted fugitives. Text to 274637, or CRIMES.
Tips submitted via e-mail, through the DPS website, will also be accepted. The DPS Crime Stoppers phone line, 1-800-252-TIPS, remains available for calls to provide information.
DPS Director Steven McCraw says the update on ways to provide tips is meant, in part, to appeal to a younger demographic.
Life term over 2009 Fort Worth toddler death
Life in prison has been ordered for a man convicted over the 2009 fatal beating of his girlfriend's toddler son.
Prosecutors in Fort Worth did not seek the death penalty against 29-year-old Kimball Hailey II, who was convicted Monday afternoon of capital murder, then sentenced by a judge.
Investigators say 2-year-old Eba Chapple died in March 2009 after sustaining brain injuries while alone with Hailey. The mother, LaQuanta Williams, testified she was upset that Hailey suggested to police that she was responsible for her son's death.
Bogus bills at Tyler garage sales
Tyler police are warning about counterfeit currency being passed at a number of yard sales.
Police say several counterfeit cases have occurred over the past several weeks where the suspects are targeting garage sales to buy low-cost items, then pay with bogus $20 bills.
Officer Don Martin says two women and one man are sought. Police say one of the women is pregnant, while the man sports a spider web tattoo on his left elbow.