Receiving a notice that your home insurance will end can feel like a setback. It often arrives unexpectedly—sometimes after years of paying premiums on time. In Texas, where storms, flooding, and weather-related risks keep insurers cautious, non-renewals have become increasingly common.
A national analysis from the Brookings Institution found that homeowners in high-risk ZIP codes experience far greater instability in coverage—nonrenewal rates were about 80 percent higher in those areas compared to lower-risk regions. This pattern reflects what many Texas homeowners are seeing firsthand: insurers are becoming more selective in regions exposed to hurricanes, floods, and wind damage.
For property owners, this trend underscores why staying proactive with maintenance, documentation, and timely communication with your agent matters more than ever. The higher the local risk profile, the more carefully insurers review each renewal.
At Richey Insurance, we see this situation often. The good news is that a non-renewal or cancellation doesn’t mean you’re uninsurable. It’s a signal to review your coverage, understand the reason behind the change, and act quickly so there’s no lapse in protection.
If your policy has been canceled or not renewed, here’s what to do next.
The first step is to determine what kind of notice you’ve received. The difference between the two shapes is your next move.
| Type of Termination | What It Means | Common Causes | When It Happens |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cancellation | The insurer ends the policy before its expiration date. | Missed payments, misrepresentation on your application, or increased property risk after a claim. | Mid-term, often with at least 10 days’ notice for non-payment or 30 days for other causes. |
| Non-Renewal | The insurer decides not to renew the policy after it expires. | Too many claims, poor roof condition, updated underwriting rules, or reduced presence in your region. | Typically, 30 days before your renewal date. |
Under Texas law, insurers must send written notice before either action takes effect. Review the document carefully—it will specify the reason and date your coverage ends.
Your current policy type may also play a role. For instance, different forms such as HO-2 and HO-3 coverage provide varying levels of protection and affect how insurers evaluate risk. Homeowners with broader coverage forms may have more flexibility when switching to another carrier. Once you’ve confirmed the type of notice, you can decide whether to appeal, replace your policy, or request clarification.
The next step is to reach out to your insurance agent or broker as soon as possible. Timing matters—every day between policies creates risk.
An experienced independent agent can:
At Richey Insurance, our team regularly helps Texas homeowners navigate these transitions. In many of the non-renewal cases we’ve handled, the underlying reason wasn’t a major claim—it was often something fixable, like an outdated roof photo or a small maintenance item flagged during an inspection. Once the homeowner provided proof of repairs, several insurers reversed their decision.
In our experience, clear communication and quick documentation make the biggest difference. Insurers respond better when they see that a homeowner is proactive about maintaining their property.
Independent agencies have access to multiple home insurance carriers across Texas, allowing us to shop around and match you with companies that still actively write policies in your area.
Even if you plan to stay with the same insurer, your agent can sometimes appeal a non-renewal by correcting an inspection issue or showing proof of recent repairs. For instance, replacing a roof, installing updated electrical systems, or mitigating flood risks can persuade a carrier to reinstate or extend coverage.
Even if you plan to stay with the same insurer, your agent can sometimes appeal a non-renewal by correcting an inspection issue or showing proof of recent repairs. For instance, replacing a roof, installing updated electrical systems, or mitigating flood risks can persuade a carrier to reinstate or extend coverage.
If the policy is already canceled, your agent can help you secure immediate replacement coverage so there’s no lapse that might violate your mortgage requirements.
Homeowners often assume non-renewals happen randomly, but insurers make those decisions based on measurable risk factors. Knowing the reason helps you decide your next move and prevent future problems.
| Scenario | Recommended Response |
|---|---|
| Non-renewal due to property condition | Schedule repairs, provide before-and-after photos, and request a re-inspection. |
| Canceled for missed payment | Contact your agent to reinstate coverage or set up an automatic payment plan. |
| Dropped after multiple claims | Compare quotes with carriers that specialize in claim-history acceptance. |
| Non-renewal due to regional exposure | Ask your agent to search smaller or regional insurers still writing in your ZIP code. |
| Credit-related non-renewal | Review your credit report for errors, pay down balances, and request a rescore before reapplying. |
Taking action right away reduces the risk of gaps in protection. It also strengthens your profile for your next application.
Hold on to all letters, emails, and notices from your insurer. If you later dispute the non-renewal or need to confirm compliance with your mortgage company, that documentation will serve as proof of notice.
You may also wish to keep copies of:
Having this information on hand makes it faster for your next insurer to evaluate your property and issue a new policy.
Before you start comparing new quotes, ask your agent for a copy of the underwriting notes or a brief summary of why the company declined to renew. That insight can guide your next application—avoiding another rejection for the same reason.
If your property is in good condition and your claim history is clean, your current carrier might reconsider or refer you to an affiliated company. Richey Insurance often helps clients navigate these carrier networks so their protection continues seamlessly.
Once a non-renewal notice arrives, time becomes your most valuable asset. Waiting until the final week to search for a new policy often limits your choices and could leave you temporarily uninsured. Mortgage lenders typically require continuous coverage, so securing a new policy before the existing one ends is the safest route.
A few practical steps can make the process smoother:
Premiums often vary widely, even for identical coverage levels. As you review quotes, focus on overall value rather than chasing the lowest monthly figure. A higher deductible may reduce costs, but it could create financial strain during a claim.
For more cost-saving ideas, explore ways to lower your home insurance premium without losing valuable protection in our detailed guide.
If every standard carrier declines your application, Texas offers backup options. These are designed for homeowners who struggle to find coverage in the traditional market.
The FAIR Plan provides limited basic coverage for homes that meet minimum safety standards but have been denied by at least two licensed insurers. It covers fire, wind, hail, lightning, and vandalism. Flood and liability coverage are not included, so homeowners often supplement it with separate policies.
For residents near the Gulf Coast, TWIA offers coverage for wind and hail damage in areas where private insurers restrict policies. Many coastal homeowners carry TWIA for wind protection and another company’s policy for everything else.
These companies insure properties considered higher risk—older homes, previous claims, or nonstandard construction types. While premiums may be higher, they help bridge coverage gaps until you qualify again for the standard market.
| Type of Option | Suitable For | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Texas FAIR Plan | Denied by multiple standard insurers | Basic coverage, limited perils |
| TWIA | Coastal counties | Wind and hail only |
| Specialty Carriers | High-risk or unique homes | Flexible underwriting, higher cost |
Temporary coverage through one of these options is far better than letting a policy lapse. Continuous protection maintains mortgage compliance and prevents penalty surcharges from future insurers.
A non-renewal often teaches valuable lessons about risk management. Once your new policy is in place, consider ways to make your home more attractive to insurers long-term.
Frequent small claims often lead to higher risk classification. Consider setting aside a home maintenance fund to handle minor issues without involving insurance. Use your policy for major losses instead.
A strong credit profile contributes to better rates and improved eligibility. Regularly check your credit report for errors and work to keep utilization low.
Insurance needs evolve. A yearly review with your agent helps catch any new requirements from your carrier, verify coverage accuracy, and identify available discounts. During these meetings, you might discover policy changes that increase value—such as roof shape credits or bundling incentives.
Avoid switching carriers too frequently, as a consistent record with one insurer often leads to loyalty discounts and stronger renewal chances.
If the process feels overwhelming, professional guidance can make all the difference. Many homeowners in Texas face non-renewals through no fault of their own—often because of regional underwriting changes or storm frequency in their area.
Independent agencies like Richey Insurance have access to a broad network of companies and can often match clients to carriers still writing in their ZIP code. This saves time and reduces stress, especially for properties in high-risk zones such as coastal or flood-prone regions.
When speaking with an agent, keep these details ready:
With these details, an agent can quickly identify eligible carriers and secure quotes that meet your timeline. Many clients regain full coverage within days, avoiding costly mortgage penalties.
A non-renewal or cancellation might feel like a setback, but it often opens an opportunity to review your coverage and improve how your home is represented to insurers. Acting quickly, maintaining thorough records, and keeping your property in strong condition can make all the difference.
Here’s a quick recap:
If your policy is ending soon, consider reviewing your options with an independent agent. Our team at Richey Insurance helps homeowners find custom Texas home insurance solutions from top-rated carriers across the state.
