According to a September 29, 2026, announcement from the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI), insurers cannot deny or refuse to renew a homeowners policy solely because of the age of the house or its roof. TDI describes this as a clarification of its insurance rule.
That is welcome news for homeowners with older roofs, but there are important details to understand.
Your Roof’s Condition Still Matters
An older roof is not automatically a roof in poor condition. However, insurance companies may still consider its actual physical condition when deciding whether to offer or renew coverage. The same distinction applies to other home components, including plumbing, wiring, and heating and cooling systems. Age alone cannot be the reason for rejection, but condition can influence the decision.
Coverage Does Not Always Mean Full Replacement Cost
Being able to obtain homeowners insurance does not necessarily mean your policy will pay the full cost of a new roof after covered damage.
Some policies provide replacement cost coverage, while others provide actual cash value coverage, which accounts for depreciation. As a roof ages, an insurer may change its coverage to actual cash value. Insurance also does not pay to replace a roof simply because it is old or worn out.
Ask Questions Before You Buy or Renew
When reviewing your policy, ask your insurance agent:
- Does my roof have replacement cost or actual cash value coverage?
- Are there any roof exclusions or limitations?
- What is my wind and hail deductible?
- Has my roof coverage changed since last year?
For homebuyers, checking insurance availability and coverage early in the purchase process can help prevent unwelcome surprises before closing.
If you are told your application or renewal was rejected solely because of your roof’s age, ask for the reason in writing and contact the Texas Department of Insurance at 800-252-3439 for guidance. You can read the official TDI announcement here.
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