Texas Restricted Insurers From Denying Older Homes
State regulators clarified that insurance companies cannot refuse coverage based solely on property age.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Insurance
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The Texas Department of Insurance has clarified a rule preventing insurance providers from denying or refusing to renew residential property policies based on the age of a house or its components. This move follows a directive from Governor Greg Abbott aimed at curbing rising insurance costs.
Why it matters
The guidance is intended to increase market transparency and protect homeowners who have struggled with insurance accessibility. It addresses a period where average annual premiums in the state have surged, putting financial strain on many Texas families.
Average annual homeowners' insurance premiums in Texas rose 79 percent over the last six years. The ruling specifically concerns the interpretation of 28 Tex. Admin. Code § 21.1006.
The players
Texas Department of Insurance
This is the state agency responsible for the regulation of the insurance industry in Texas.
Greg Abbott
He is the current Governor of the State of Texas.
Amanda Crawford
She serves as the Insurance Commissioner for the Texas Department of Insurance.
The details
Insurance Commissioner Amanda Crawford issued the clarification after Governor Greg Abbott ordered the department to address the state's rising insurance costs. Companies are now explicitly barred from using a property's age as the sole justification for denying coverage or failing to renew a policy.
Timeline
28 Tex. Admin. Code § 21.1006 was initially amended in 2021.
Governor Abbott directed the Texas Department of Insurance to act in August 2026.
The department issued the clarification on September 29, 2026.
Market Dynamics
The clarification of 28 Tex. Admin. Code § 21.1006 follows a period of significant volatility in the insurance sector where rising premiums have challenged affordability. This regulatory shift forces insurers to pivot away from age-based underwriting models that have historically limited housing market liquidity.
Homeowners who have previously been denied coverage due to the age of their residence may now have grounds to re-evaluate their insurance options. Residents can contact the TDI Help Line at 1-800-252-3439 for assistance with specific policy disputes.
The takeaway
Homeowners should review their existing policy terms to ensure they are not being excluded based on the age of their property. Those who encounter improper denial tactics should utilize official state resources to report the incident to the insurance department.
Further reading
For more background on state regulations, visit Texas Insurance.
More information
For official guidance and resources, visit the TDI insurance help and information portal.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KTSM 9 News.
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