Texas property insurance rates

The rising costs of insurance in Texas, particularly for property and home coverage, have become a pressing issue, exacerbated by recent natural disasters like Hurricane Beryl. The Rev. John Parks of Ashford Community Church faced a dramatic increase in coverage costs after his church's insurance was dropped, with rates soaring from $23,000 to $80,000 annually after searching through 13 companies. Experts predict continued rate hikes, though they may slow to single-digit increases following two years of double-digit surges. Factors driving these increases include inflation, rising construction costs, and more frequent storm events, with Texas experiencing a staggering 60% rise in insurance rates from 2018 to 2023. The Texas Windstorm Insurance Association plans to discuss potential rate hikes at an upcoming board meeting, emphasizing the need for increased rates to cover operational costs and potential claims. Overall, many homeowners are feeling the strain as insurance becomes increasingly unaffordable, particularly for first-time buyers.