Texas Barred Insurers From Denying Policies Based on Age
Texas homeowners can no longer be refused coverage solely because their property or its specific components are old.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Insurance
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The Texas Department of Insurance recently clarified a rule prohibiting insurance companies from denying or failing to renew residential policies based exclusively on a property's age. This regulatory guidance aims to prevent insurers from excluding older homes from the marketplace.
Why it matters
The action follows a directive from Governor Greg Abbott to address affordability as average annual homeowners insurance premiums in Texas have jumped 79 percent over the last six years. By clarifying 28 Tex. Admin. Code § 21.1006, the state seeks to improve accountability and market access for owners of aging houses.
Average homeowners insurance premiums in Texas have surged 79 percent over the past 6 years. The Texas Department of Insurance clarified that 28 Tex. Admin. Code § 21.1006 now explicitly prohibits insurers from using property age as the sole basis for denial.
The players
Greg Abbott
The Governor of Texas who issued the directive to increase insurance market transparency and affordability.
Texas Department of Insurance
The state regulatory agency that oversees insurance company practices and consumer protection standards.
Amanda Crawford
The Insurance Commissioner for Texas who detailed departmental enforcement actions in an official letter.
The details
Under the clarified interpretation of 28 Tex. Admin. Code § 21.1006, insurers may not refuse to write or renew a policy simply because a structure or its components have reached a certain age. Insurance Commissioner Amanda Crawford outlined these enforcement expectations in a letter sent to the Governor to ensure compliance across the market. This policy shift is intended to provide homeowners with greater stability in securing coverage for their residences.
Timeline
28 Tex. Admin. Code § 21.1006 was initially amended in 2021.
Governor Greg Abbott directed the state to address insurance affordability in August 2026.
The Texas Department of Insurance released the formal rule clarification on September 29, 2026.
Money Landscape
This move follows a 79 percent surge in state insurance premiums over the last six years, marking a shift toward stricter regulatory enforcement. It sits within the state's broader cycle of policy interventions aimed at reversing the rapid trend of rising property insurance costs.
Homeowners who have faced coverage denials tied specifically to the age of their home should review their recent correspondence for compliance with this rule. If you believe your policy was improperly denied or non-renewed, you can contact the TDI Help Line at 1-800-252-3439.
The takeaway
The state has reaffirmed that property age cannot be the sole factor in an insurer's decision to deny coverage. If you are denied a policy for this reason, consider speaking with a licensed insurance agent or contact the department directly to verify your rights under the state code.
Further reading
For more information on state coverage protections, review the Insurance section.
More information
For official guidance on your coverage rights, visit the TDI insurance help and information portal.
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