# Texas targets soaring home insurance costs with new plan

> Gov. Abbott directs state insurance department to crack down on practices driving up premiums after 79% six-year spike.
- Title: Texas targets soaring home insurance costs with new plan
- Summary: Gov. Abbott directs state insurance department to crack down on practices driving up premiums after 79% six-year spike. Texas homeowners insurance premiums…
- Keywords: greg abbott, texas department of insurance, tdi, amanda crawford, homeowners insurance, property insurance, insurance costs, texas, insurance premiums, fortified roofs, insurance fraud, artificial intelligence
- Source: Dallas Express — https://dallasexpress.com/state/gov-abbott-announces-tdi-plan-to-tackle-texas-property-insurance-costs
- Author: Dallas Express
- Published: 2026-09-16T19:16:22+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: greg abbott, texas department of insurance, tdi, amanda crawford, homeowners insurance, property insurance, insurance costs, texas, insurance premiums, fortified roofs, insurance fraud, artificial intelligence
## Insurance premiums jumped 79%
Average annual homeowners insurance premiums in Texas rose 79% over six years. Gov. Abbott directed TDI to use existing authority to lower costs.

> High insurance costs hit Texas families hard. I directed TDI to put consumers first, and TDI is taking action to do so.
## Fortified roofs must get discounts
TDI will enforce a bulletin requiring insurers to account for lower risk when homes have FORTIFIED roofs. Insurers must adjust rates accordingly.
## Age can't deny coverage
A proposed rule clarifies insurers can't refuse coverage based on roof age when state law prohibits using property age for that purpose.
## Price optimization now banned
TDI issued a bulletin against price optimization, where insurers adjust prices to influence sales rather than basing them on actual risk or expenses.
## New fraud task force coming
TDI plans to create an Insurance Fraud Task Force with law enforcement, anti-fraud groups and consumers. Fraud losses drive up costs for everyone.
## AI use under scrutiny
TDI will analyze how insurers use artificial intelligence in claims and underwriting. Existing rules require human review for decisions affecting policyholders.
## Legislature may act next session
Proposed changes include roof fortification grants, limiting advertising expenses in rates, and requiring advance notice of premium increases.
## Key takeaway

Texas homeowners insurance premiums rose 79% in six years, prompting new state actions to enforce fair pricing and crack down on fraud.