~ In a recent announcement, Governor Greg Abbott revealed that the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) has taken action to protect consumers and make property and casualty insurance more affordable for Texans. This comes in response to the Governor's directive issued on August 24th.

According to Governor Abbott, the average annual homeowners' insurance premium in Texas has increased by a staggering 79% in just six years. This rise in insurance costs has had a significant impact on Texas families, prompting the Governor to direct TDI to prioritize consumer protection and take necessary actions.

As per the Governor's directive, TDI will be enforcing Commissioner's Bulletin #B-0008-26, which requires insurers to consider a home's FORTIFIED roof status when setting rates. This will ensure that premiums reflect the lower risk associated with having a fortified roof.

Additionally, TDI will propose a rule that clarifies the existing prohibition on using the age of a property as a basis for refusing to write or renew residential property coverage. This rule will make it clear that insurers cannot use the age of individual components, such as roofs, as an excuse to deny coverage.

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Furthermore, TDI will also be enforcing Commissioner's Bulletin #B-0007-26, which states that price optimization is already prohibited under Texas law for TDI-regulated products. The department will also be creating an Insurance Fraud Task Force and inviting key stakeholders such as law enforcement organizations and anti-fraud groups to participate.

By the end of 2026, TDI aims to produce a concise web-based study on what drives claim costs in commercial auto, personal auto, and homeowner markets. This study will be based on data already available to TDI and additional details on claims closed without payment will also be sought.

In addition to these actions under current law, TDI has identified other steps such as analyzing insurer use of artificial intelligence in claims and underwriting processes, providing plain-language coverage tools, and updating HelpInsure.com. The department also plans to reduce barriers for new market participants.

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Governor Abbott has already signed laws in the previous session that require notice when a policy is declined or canceled, prohibit forced bundling of home and auto policies, eliminate the widow penalty, and require current credit scores if insurers use them. For the upcoming session, he has proposed a Texas Roof Fortification Program and a measure that allows all auto insurers to rate on driving records. TDI's response also includes these tools along with further statutory options on rate review, renewal-price notice, advertising costs in rates, claim deadlines, and roof-contractor standards.

Governor Abbott has expressed his commitment to working with the Legislature in the next session to enhance consumer protections for insurance policyholders and curb premium increases. TDI Commissioner Amanda Crawford's full letter to the Governor can be read here. With these actions in place, Texans can expect more affordable property and casualty insurance in the future.

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