Part 1: The Big Picture – How Rising Insurance Costs Are Putting a Spotlight on Roof Coverage in Texas
Navigating Texas Home Insurance Changes in 2025:
Homeowners across Texas continue to face steep insurance premium increases. In some areas, rates jumped nearly 19% in 2024, following a 21% surge in 2023. These hikes stem from more frequent severe weather like hailstorms, hurricanes, and freezes, combined with increased labor and material costs.
Legislative Efforts in 2025:
During the 2025 session, lawmakers introduced several bills aimed at curbing insurance rate increases and improving transparency. Key proposals included:
- Senate Bill 1643 – Requires state approval for any insurer rate hike above 10%.
- House Bill 1576 – Provides grants to homeowners who retrofit against severe weather.
- Additional measures – Mandate detailed explanations when insurers cancel or decline coverage, prohibit forced auto+home bundling, and expand oversight within the Texas Department of Insurance.
Shifting Insurance Practices:
At the same time, more insurers are moving away from Replacement Cost Value (RCV) policies, where roofs are covered at full replacement value, and shifting to Actual Cash Value (ACV) or fixed roof payment schedules that depreciate based on age. This change often leaves homeowners paying steep out-of-pocket costs, even after years of full premiums. With claim denials rising and roof age/maintenance under tighter scrutiny, homeowners face a much tougher path to secure full reimbursement after storms.
While some consumer protections were enacted, many experts, like state Rep. Tom Oliverson, warned that “nothing was done to lower property and casualty rates for the average homeowner.” That means it’s more important than ever for homeowners to understand their policies and take proactive steps.
Steps Texas Homeowners Should Take:
- REVIEW: Carefully check whether your roof is covered under RCV or ACV, and if a payment schedule limits payouts based on roof age.
- DOCUMENT: Keep dated inspection photos and maintenance records of your roof.
- BE PROACTIVE: If your roof is 10–15 years old, schedule an inspection—or consider replacement—to avoid claim denials under newer underwriting models.
This article is the first in a five-part series on navigating insurance industry changes as they apply to your roof. At Tri-Tex, our goal is to give you the resources and support you need to make confident, informed decisions about protecting your home.
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