TX Surplus Lines study plan

Map the structure of Texas Insurance Code Chapter 981 subchapter by subchapter and state what each governs in one sentence.

Define the Chapter 981 key terms (surplus lines, eligible insurer, surplus lines broker, authorized insurer) and match each to a real-world example.

Explain in writing why surplus lines carriers are 'eligible' rather than 'authorized' and what that difference means for the insured.

Identify which license holders in Texas may lawfully place surplus lines business and which may not.

List the standards an insurer must meet to be treated as eligible in Texas and describe how eligibility is verified before placement.

Distinguish the conduct that exposes a surplus lines broker to license discipline from conduct that is merely a documentation error.

Summarize the disclosure obligations owed to the applicant before a surplus lines policy is bound.

Compare situations where surplus lines placement is permitted with situations where it is prohibited.

Sequence the full surplus lines placement transaction from submission to policy delivery, step by step.

Document a diligent effort search for a written commercial scenario, recording each declination and the reason given.

Explain the standard a broker must meet before concluding that authorized insurers will not write the risk.

Identify the point in the transaction at which each required notice or signature must occur.

Draft the elements of a compliant client disclosure for a surplus lines placement, in plain language.

Contrast the duties a surplus lines broker owes the insured with those of an appointed retail agent.

Describe how premium and fees must be handled and accounted for through the broker's accounts.

State the recordkeeping obligations that attach to each placement document and how long records must be kept.

Outline the role and authority of the Texas Department of Insurance and which functions are delegated elsewhere.

List the licensing, appointment, and continuing education requirements that apply to all lines.

Classify a set of described sales practices as lawful or as prohibited unfair trade practices.

Explain the general policy-content and cancellation/notice requirements common to all lines.

Compute surplus lines premium tax on three worked examples using the current statutory rate and base.

Build a calendar of every filing, payment, and reporting deadline that applies to a Texas surplus lines broker.

Describe what must be reported to the surplus lines stamping office, when, and in what form.

Reconcile a sample policy register against the amounts that would be reported and remitted.

Define the core insurance concepts (risk, indemnity, insurable interest, coinsurance, subrogation) and apply each to a surplus lines scenario.

Distinguish the major property, casualty, and specialty coverage structures a surplus lines broker is likely to encounter.

Re-study your three weakest objectives from weeks 1 through 6 and rewrite the notes for each.

Re-attempt every question missed so far and explain the correct answer without looking at the key.

Complete two full-length timed practice exams under exam conditions.

Categorize every error by domain and by cause (knowledge gap, misread, or guess).

Drill the two domains with the highest error concentration until each is above 85%.

Recite from memory the diligent effort standard, the tax computation, and the reporting deadlines.