Status, in one line
The rate-mandate part of this is real and in motion now. The $400M grant fund is a proposal that still needs the Texas Legislature, which next convenes in January 2027 — it is not money you can apply for yet.
What actually changed on August 24, 2026
Governor Greg Abbott directed the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) to take several specific actions aimed at homeowners insurance costs, which have risen from an average of under $2,000/year in 2020 to more than $3,500/year in 2026 — a 79% increase. The two that matter for roofing:
- Insurers must factor FORTIFIED roof status into rate calculations. A home built or re-roofed to the IBHS FORTIFIED standard has to be reflected in what the insurer charges — insurers can no longer ignore it when pricing your policy.
- Insurers can no longer refuse to write or renew a policy based solely on the age of the home or its roof. This targets a separate, common practice of non-renewal on older roofs regardless of condition.
These are administrative directives to TDI, not a new law — TDI is expected to implement them through rulemaking, with a full report and recommendations due to the Governor's office by September 14, 2026.
The $400M Texas Roof Fortification Program (proposed, not active)
Separately, Abbott proposed a state-funded grant program in July 2026 modeled on Alabama's Strengthen Alabama Homes program — up to $10,000 per qualifying home toward a FORTIFIED-standard roof. This is a proposal, not funded law. It would need to pass during the Texas Legislature's next regular session, which convenes in January 2027. There is no application to submit today.
What to do right now if you're in Texas
- If you're already re-roofing, ask your contractor whether they can certify to the FORTIFIED standard — the rate-mandate directive means that certification should now count toward your premium once TDI's rulemaking takes effect.
- If your insurer has non-renewed or refused coverage citing roof or home age alone, that practice is the specific target of the second directive — file a complaint with TDI if it happens to you.
- Don't pay anyone claiming to process a "Texas roof grant application" right now — the grant fund doesn't exist yet as spendable money.
How to apply / what to do now
- tdi.texas.gov — Texas Department of Insurance, the agency implementing the rate mandate. No grant application exists here yet, but this is where TDI's rulemaking updates will post.
- TDI Consumer Helpline: 1-800-252-3439 — file a complaint if you've been non-renewed or refused coverage based on roof or home age, or if your FORTIFIED-certified roof isn't reflected in your rate once rulemaking takes effect.
Sources
- Office of the Texas Governor — Aug 24, 2026 directive to TDI, including the FORTIFIED rate-consideration and age-based underwriting instructions.
- Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) — implementing agency for the directive; rulemaking status to be confirmed as it develops.
- Texas Policy Research — background on the proposed Texas Roof Fortification Program and its relationship to the 90th Legislature (convenes Jan 2027).
Last reviewed: August 28, 2026