For Texans living in older homes, many wonder whether insurance companies can refuse coverage just because a roof, wiring system, or air conditioning system has aged.
According to the Texas Department of Insurance, they can't. State officials have made clear that insurers cannot deny or decline to renew a residential property insurance policy based only on a home's age or the age of certain components.
Here's what to know
Age-based denials are at the center of 28 Tex. Admin. Code § 21.1006. According to KTSM, the rule covers not only older houses but also aging roofs, electrical wiring, heating and cooling equipment, plumbing, and siding.
In its guidance, the department stressed that age itself should not determine whether a homeowner can obtain or keep coverage.
Insurance Commissioner Amanda Crawford framed the issue as one of fairness and transparency.
"Texans deserve fair access to home insurance, no matter the age of their home," Crawford said. "By strengthening clarity and accountability, we're building a more transparent insurance market that supports Texans."
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The clarification comes as homeowners across the state continue to face rising insurance costs. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said, "The average annual homeowners' insurance premium in Texas has risen 79 percent in six years."
More background
The issue has taken on broader financial and political weight in Texas. Abbott directed the Texas Department of Insurance to take actions that "put consumers first and make property and casualty insurance more affordable."
Abbott tied that directive directly to household budgets, saying, "High insurance costs hit Texas families hard. Today I direct the Texas Department of Insurance to put consumers first and take action that makes property and casualty insurance more affordable."
Homeowners with older houses or aging systems have stronger grounds to question an insurer's decision if the explanation rests only on age.
What's being done?
The state's main step has been to clarify the regulation. By restating how the rule applies, the Texas Department of Insurance is signaling to insurers that they cannot use age alone as a blanket reason to reject or drop a policy.
In response, Crawford sent Abbott a letter describing measures her department said it took after his directions.
Where can I learn more?
Insurance pressures extend well beyond this Texas rule. These stories cover rising premiums, nonrenewals, and coverage struggles in Texas and elsewhere.
• In Texas, soaring insurance costs are reshaping household budgets and housing decisions statewide.
• Farmers left California homeowners confronting nearly 1,300 policy nonrenewals and fresh uncertainty.
• Across the country, major insurance companies are dropping coverage, especially for younger homeowners.
• Condo and HOA residents now see renewal coverage growing scarce as premiums climb.
• In Oklahoma, rates skyrocket after storms as insurers pull back from risk.
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