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

Not only do Texans pay the second 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 brand-new 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). Our press release with Hill Research Consultants and the results of the poll are available here for consumers to read.

• Texas Watch’s Insurance Policy Goals & Initiatives: This document contains detailed information on our prescriptions for needed reforms for the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) and the insurance market.

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