WatchDenied, But Not Defeated: Roof Claim StoriesY'all have asked us this one a lot: "My roof is 15 years old. Can my insurance company drop me for that?"
The state of Texas just took up that exact question, so let's get in the know.
What Did the Texas Department of Insurance Announce?
The Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) says it is clarifying its rule that insurance companies can't decline or not renew a home insurance policy based on the age of a house or its roof.
Here's the key line in plain words. An insurer can't turn you down simply because your house, or a part of it like the roof, wiring, plumbing, heating, air conditioning or siding, is older. But TDI also says insurers may still base decisions on the physical condition of the home and those components.
TDI's proposal for 28 TAC §21.1006 says the changes clarify an existing prohibition and "do not change the rule's meaning or application." In other words, this isn't brand-new protection. It's the state making the rule clearer so insurers and homeowners understand it the same way.
TDI scheduled a public hearing on the rule, in person in Austin and online, and the proposal lists the deadline and address for written comments. If you have a question about your own policy, TDI's Help Line is 800-252-3439.
Why Does This Matter in North Texas?
Because our roofs work hard. Hail, wind, a hundred-degree summer, then a freeze. A North Texas roof can look old at ten years and still be in solid shape, or look fine from the street and be worn out up close.
That's the whole point of this rule. Age alone isn't the story. Condition is. And condition is something you can actually know, document and take care of.
How Do I Know What Condition My Roof Is In?
You don't guess. You look, or you have someone look. From the ground, here's what to watch for:
- Granules collecting in the gutters or at the downspouts
- Curling, cracked, creased or missing shingles
- Bent or rusted vents and flashing
- Dark streaks or soft-looking spots
- Water stains on ceilings, or damp decking and insulation in the attic
Stay off the roof. Take lots of video from every side of the house, and do it again after every big storm. Our roof maintenance calendar lays out what to check each season.
And when storms roll through, it's a good time to read our guide on what to do when storms come through after dark.
What Should I Do if My Insurer Raises My Roof?
Ask questions and keep records. If an insurer says your roof is a problem, ask what condition issue they're pointing to. Then make sure you know the real condition of your roof.
Here's where we fit, and where we don't. G3 is your contractor. We'll inspect the whole roof and exterior, document it with photos, video and measurements, and give you our findings in writing. What you do with that information is up to you. We don't interpret policies, and we don't negotiate or adjust claims. Questions about your coverage go to your insurance agent, your insurer or TDI.
Good documentation helps in more than one way. Here's how to document roof damage after a Texas storm, and here's how a roof inspection after a storm works.
Is It Time to Repair or Replace?
Sometimes a roof just needs a repair. Sometimes it's done. The answer comes from what's actually on top of your house, not the year it went on.
If replacement is on the table, ask what you're getting. Quality starts before the first shingle, and products like impact-rated shingles are worth a conversation. Compare them in our guide to CertainTeed Landmark vs. Belmont IR, and learn how to read a roofing estimate before you sign anything.
Watch: Denied, But Not Defeated
Watch our video, Denied, But Not Defeated: Roof Claim Stories, from the G3 Knows Roof Denied series. It's a good reminder of why knowing your roof's real condition matters.
Know Your Roof. Know Your Next Step.
We're based in Argyle, TX, and we'd rather you understand your roof before anyone else tells you about it. Tell us what's happening, and we'll help you understand your next step.
WANT TO KNOW YOUR ROOF'S CONDITION? CALL G3 AT (945) 300-9018.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my insurance company drop me just because my roof is old in Texas?
TDI says insurance companies can't decline or not renew a home insurance policy simply because the house or its roof is older. They may still base decisions on the physical condition of the home and its components.
Is the Texas roof-age rule new?
TDI's proposal says the amendments clarify an existing prohibition and don't change the rule's meaning or application.
Where can I read the roof-age rule myself?
TDI posts the proposal, the hearing details and the comment deadline on its website. You can also call the TDI Help Line at 800-252-3439.
How can I find out what condition my roof is in?
Look from the ground for granule loss, damaged or missing shingles, bent flashing and attic water stains, and record video. For a full picture, call G3 at (945) 300-9018 to schedule an inspection.
Keep learning: see our Roofing & Storm Damage page, read When Is Hail Season in North Texas? Why Fall Storms Count Too, or read what homeowners say in our customer reviews.
Know Your Next Step
Tell Us What's Happening.
We'll help you understand how G3 can help. Call (945) 300-9018 or use the button below.
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