TDI says insurers can’t decline or nonrenew just because a roof is older. Condition still matters for East Texas homeowners.
In Texas, insurers cannot decline or not renew a home policy simply because your roof (or house) is older. The Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) clarified that rule on September 29, 2026: companies may still base decisions on the physical condition of the home or its components — including roofing — but age alone is not a lawful reason to shut you out. For East Texas homeowners, that means a 20-year-old roof in good shape and a 10-year-old roof with soft decking are different conversations. Condition still matters; the calendar by itself shouldn't.
TDI's news release states that the department is clarifying its rule so insurance companies can't decline or not renew based on the age of a house or its roof. Under the rule, companies may base decisions on physical conditions of components such as roofing, wiring, heating, air conditioning, plumbing, or siding — but can't deny or not renew simply because those materials are older.
Insurance Commissioner Amanda Crawford said Texans deserve fair access to home insurance no matter the age of their home, and that clearer rules support a more transparent market.
TDI is also updating the written rule (28 TAC §21.1006) so the distinction is easier to read. TDI's Property Age and Value Clarification Rule summary says the amendments will:
The proposed text published in the Texas Register (Oct. 9, 2026) restates that an insurer may not decline to write residential property insurance based on the age of the property or its individual components (including roofing), and that the section does not prohibit declining coverage based on physical condition. Earliest possible adoption noted in that filing is November 8, 2026; TDI also scheduled a hybrid hearing on the proposal for November 3, 2026.
An inspection is not a guarantee of a new policy. It gives you a condition file that matches what TDI says companies are allowed to underwrite on.
TDI has been unusually active on home-insurance transparency in 2026: written reasons for declines and nonrenewals, a ZIP-code tool that shows how often “condition of property” (including roof condition) appears in your area, and now a clearer age-versus-condition rule. Use them together. The ZIP tool tells you what is common near you; the written notice tells you what happened on your policy; the age rule tells you what companies are not supposed to use as a stand-alone reason. None of those tools replaces an on-roof inspection when condition is the issue.
If your company is exiting your ZIP or limiting wind/hail exposure, that can still force a shopping trip even when the roof is sound. Start early enough that FAIR Plan or another carrier is an option if voluntary markets say no.
TDI's September 29 clarification and the pending rule rewrite draw a bright line: roof age alone is not a valid reason to decline or nonrenew; roof condition still is. If your East Texas notice is fuzzy, get the reason in writing, document the roof, repair what's real, and shop before coverage ends.
Planning a roof project? Request a free, no-obligation quote and get your questions answered before you sign anything.
Part of the Texas roof insurance claim guide: every step of a roof claim, in order, with links to the TDI and statute sources. Request a free roof quote in Livingston, Lufkin or Huntsville. See also what drives roof replacement cost.
Planning a repair or a new roof? Get a free quote from a local roofer. No obligation.
Get My Free Roof Quote →