If you own an older home in Waxahachie, the Texas Department of Insurance just handed you a rule worth clipping to the fridge. A September 29 clarification confirms insurers cannot refuse to issue or renew a homeowners policy solely because the home, roof, plumbing, wiring, HVAC, or siding is old. Age alone is off the table as a denial reason.

What insurers can still do is evaluate the actual physical condition of those components, so a maintained twenty-year-old roof is treated differently than one that’s leaking. Age can also still be used to set your rate, which means this rule protects your access to coverage, not your premium. If you’re denied and believe age was the only factor, request a written explanation and call TDI at 800-252-3439. Their transparency tool also shows why policies get declined or canceled by ZIP code.

For a town full of historic homes and older neighborhoods, this is practical, useful information heading into renewal season. Keep your repair records handy, ask questions in writing, and know your options before the letter shows up. Have you ever been dropped or denied over the age of your home? Tell us your story.