Insurance Reform Now

Take Action for Insurance Reform Now

Texas homeowners are paying too much for their insurance and getting too little.

Not only do Texans pay the highest insurance premiums in the country, but we pay nearly twice the national average. At the same time, insurance policies have been continually whittled away, providing less and less coverage for more and more money.

Homeowners deserve to have an insurance policy that gives them the security they need at a price that is reasonable. In fact, Texans are overwhelmingly in favor of insurance reform. A whopping 70% support stronger oversight of the insurance industry. It is time for real insurance reforms that require insurance companies to get approval for rate hikes before they are imposed on homeowners, make the insurance commissioner directly accountable to the voters, and strengthen the market so that homeowners can generate real competition.

Looking for tips on how to deal with your insurance company and other resources (including how to file a complaint) that will empower you to become a more informed consumer? Visit our Insurance Tips page.

  • Insurance reform can seem like complicated stuff. Click here to read a brief explanation of the recent history of homeowners insurance in Texas.
  • Texas Watch conducted a state-wide opinion poll of Texas homeowners that revealed widespread public support—across political affiliations and geographic regions—for homeowners’ insurance reforms such as those advocated by Texas Watch (see below).  Read the results of the poll.

Has your insurance company jacked up your rates, delayed your claims, or treated you unfairly? Please share your story with us.

Studies & Research

Homeowners Insurance Rates Continue to Rise
Legislative Study Group; March 16, 2010

Homeowners Rights in Texas: What the Legislature Must Do
TEXAS WATCH, Texas Public Interest Research Group, Homeowners for Better Building; January 23, 2007

Insurers Increase Profits to Record Levels by Overpricing Policies and Shifting Costs to Consumers and Taxpayers
Consumer Federation of America (J. Robert Hunter); January 8, 2007

Paying More for Less: A Brief History of Homeowners Insurance Rates in Texas (2001-2006)
TEXAS WATCH; August 2006

Insurers Price Gouge Policyholders by $4 Billion in 2004
TEXAS WATCH and Center for Economic Justice; March 31, 2005

News Articles

11,000 to Lose Home Insurance
12 News KBMT—February 3rd, 2012
Farmers Given OK to Raise Texas Homeowners Insurance Rates
The Dallas Morning News—February 2nd, 2012
Auto Insurance Costs More For Poor People, Consumer Group Says
The Huffington Post—January 31st, 2012
Auto Insurance Rates in Texas Climbing
The Dallas Morning News—January 31st, 2012

Read all articles in Insurance Reform Now »


Research & Reports
Research & Reports

The Texas Watch Foundation, a non-partisan 501(c)(3) organization, conducts research and public education activities on consumer law, consumer protection and civil justice issues. Read More »

Court Watch
Court Watch

Court Watch, a program of the Foundation, documents the role and impact of the Texas civil court system on Texas families and Texas public policy. Read More »