Texas proposed rule could curb roof-age insurance denials

Texas regulators have proposed a rule that would stop insurers from declining or renewing homeowners policies based only on a roof’s age. Fireman’s Roofing says that in North Texas, the more important question for homeowners is whether they have dated proof of roof condition before renewal time.

Why it matters: - The proposed Texas rule would limit a common insurance pressure point for homeowners: a policy decision based only on how old a roof is. - In North Texas, hail damage makes roof condition especially important because insurers are scrutinizing storm risk and claims history. - Homeowners who can document roof condition may be better positioned in renewal conversations.

What happened: - The Texas Department of Insurance proposed a rule on Sept. 29 that says insurers cannot decline or refuse to renew a homeowners policy based solely on the age of a house or its roof. - Fireman’s Roofing & General Contractor, a firefighter-owned roofing company in McKinney, said the proposal shifts attention to roof condition records. - The proposed amendment would change 28 TAC §21.1006. - The rule followed an August directive that told the agency to address rising property insurance costs.

The details: - Insurers would still be allowed to consider the physical condition of a home and its systems, including roofing, wiring, plumbing, heating and air conditioning, and siding. - Age alone could not be the reason for a declination or nonrenewal. - Fireman’s Roofing recommends homeowners keep a dated roof record before renewal season and after major storms. - That record should include photos of each roof slope, flashing and vents. - The record should also include a written summary of what the inspector found, plus whether repair or replacement is recommended and why. - Homeowners should keep receipts for repairs completed since the last renewal. - Texas Public Radio reported that State Farm paid $1.4 billion in Texas hail claims in 2025, more than in any other state. - The rule does not change how claims are paid. - The rule does not guarantee that an older roof will be priced the same as a newer roof. - Homeowners with questions about a renewal or nonrenewal notice can contact their insurer or the TDI Help Line at 800-252-3439. - Fireman’s Roofing offers free roof inspections in McKinney and surrounding communities. - Homeowners can request inspection photos, a written summary of findings and a review of the proposed scope before deciding how to proceed. - The company also points homeowners to its hail damage roof repair service for details on post-storm inspections.

Between the lines: - The proposal appears aimed at pushing insurers away from age-based shortcuts and toward condition-based underwriting. - For homeowners, the practical takeaway is that paperwork and photos may matter as much as the roof itself during renewal. - For roofing contractors, the rule could increase demand for pre-renewal inspections and written condition reports. - In hail-prone markets like Collin County, documented roof condition may become a key defense against coverage problems. - Don Scott, a co-founder of Fireman’s Roofing, said in an April statement that the company’s inspections are meant to help homeowners understand roof condition before deciding what work to approve.

What's next: - TDI will move forward with the proposed rule after the September announcement. - Homeowners facing a renewal or nonrenewal issue will likely need to compare insurer requirements with roof-condition documentation. - Fireman’s Roofing expects homeowners to keep inspection records ready before storm season and renewal notices arrive. - More information is available through the company’s hail damage roof repair service and the TDI Help Line at 800-252-3439.

The bottom line: - In Texas, roof age alone should no longer decide coverage, but a well-documented roof condition may now carry more weight than ever.