The Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) has launched "Helpinsure.com," a program and a new Web site designed to help consumers find home insurance.

Helpinsure.com is the result of a mandate given to the TDI by Texas Gov. Rick Perry to find new ways for consumers and insurers to find each other in the chaotic Texas home insurance marketplace. Since 2000, several home insurers have stopped selling new home insurance policies due to heavy losses from mold claims and natural disasters.

"The Helpinsure.com program breaks down barriers between those who need insurance and those who are providing insurance by making the marketplace much more user friendly," says Texas Insurance Commissioner Jose Montemayor. "Homeownership is the American dream and finding homeowners insurance should not be the nightmare."

The new program provides Texas consumers with three levels of help:

• Consumers may sign up by providing information about their home insurance needs. Helpinsure.com then provides this information to insurance companies and independent agents who sell home insurance policies.

• Helpinsure.com provides consumers with a listing of insurance companies selling home insurance in Texas and contact information so that they can begin shopping around for the best possible deal.

• Helpinsure.com provides a learning center to answer consumer questions about home insurance. This includes TDI's 2002 home insurance rate guide, shopping tips, and complaint information.

• Consumers may also call the program's toll free telephone number at (866) 695-6873.