Can My Insurance Company Drop Me Because My Roof Is Old? What Texas's New Rule Means

Key Takeaways

• The Texas Department of Insurance has said insurers can't deny or non-renew a home policy based only on roof age.
• Insurers can still look at your roof's condition.
• An older roof in good shape and an older roof falling apart are not the same thing to an insurer.
• A free inspection with photos can show you what shape your roof is in.
• If you get a non-renewal notice, call your agent first and ask for the specific reason.

If you've heard that Texas insurers can no longer drop you just because your roof is old, you heard right, with an important "but." Roof condition still matters. Here is what the new rule means for Central Texas homeowners, and how to find out where your roof really stands.

Can a Texas insurer drop me just because my roof is old?

No. On Sept. 29th, 2026, the Texas Department of Insurance clarified that insurers can't deny or non-renew a homeowners policy based only on the age of the roof. The keyword is "only." Your roof's age by itself shouldn't be the reason you lose coverage. 

That's a relief for a lot of Central Texas homeowners with roofs that are 15 or 20 years old but still doing their job.

What changed in September 2026 (and what didn't)

What changed: Age alone is no longer a reason an insurer can give for turning down or not renewing a policy 

What didn't change: 

• Insurers can still look at the roof's condition.
• Your rates are still set by your carrier and are affected by many factors.
• Insurance generally still covers damage from a sudden covered event, like hail, wind, or a storm, and generally does not cover wear and tear.
• Every policy is different. Your agent is the best person to tell you how your policy works.

Roof age vs. roof condition: what insurers can still look at

Think of age as the number of birthdays your roof has had, and condition as how healthy it is today. Two 18-year-old roofs can be in very different shape depending on the shingles, how they were installed, the attic ventilation, and how many storms they've been through.

Condition is what you can see and document. Things like:

• Missing, cracked, or curling shingles
• Heavy granule loss (the sandy coating on shingles that protects them from the sun)
• Worn or loose flashing (the metal strips that seal around chimneys, vents, and walls)
• Signs of leaks, like ceiling stains or damp insulation in the attic
• Hail or wind damage that was never fixed

This lines up with how claims already work. As our guide " Will insurance pay for my roof?" explains, the cause of damage matters more than the age of your roof.

How to know what shape your roof is really in

Please don't climb up there yourself. From the ground, you can look for missing shingles, sagging areas, or shingle granules collecting in your gutters. Inside, check ceilings for stains, especially under bathrooms, chimneys, and valleys.

For a real answer, get a professional inspection. KangaRoof's roof inspections are free, and there is no obligation attached. Here's what you get: 

• A roofer walks every slope that can be walked safely. We do not inspect from the driveway.
• An attic check when there is attic access, looking for daylight, staining, damp insulation, and ventilation problems.
• Every concern gets a photo, close up and in context.
• A plain-language summary of the roof's condition, including what needs attention now and what can wait.
• If no damage is found, a dated baseline report.
• After hail or wind, insurance-ready documentation an adjuster can follow.

What to do if you get a non-renewal notice

A non-renewal notice is stressful, but you have steps you can take:

1. Read the notice closely. Look for the reason given and any dates.
2. Call your agent. Ask for the specific reason and what, if anything, would change their decision.
3. If the reason is roof condition, get the facts. A free inspection with photos shows what's really going on.
4. Fix what needs fixing. Sometimes that's a repair. Sometimes the roof has reached the end of its life and a roof replacement makes more sense. We'll tell you plainly which one you need.
5. Ask your agent what they need to see. Then share your documentation with them.

We can't promise how your insurer will decide. What we can do is give you clear, honest information about your roof so you and your agent can make the call. If storm damage is involved, here's how the insurance claim process works. 

Next step: get a free roof inspection

Wheter you've gotten a notice or just want peace of mind, knowing your roof's real condition is the best place to start. Most inspections take under an house on site, and you don't need to be home.

Schedule your free roof inspection, or contact KangaRoof with any questions.