Home insurance has become one of the biggest financial stressors for homeowners across the Greater Houston area in 2026, and families in Harris County, Fort Bend County, and Montgomery County are asking the same questions:

Why did my premium jump again? Why did my deductible change? And what can I do to protect my budget without losing coverage?

New information from state regulators and trusted industry analysts shows that while the most dramatic rate spikes may have slowed, the overall market is still challenging — and for many homeowners across Greater Houston, it’s still expensive.

According to the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI), the extreme 19–21% spikes that hit parts of Texas in 2023–2024 have moderated — but that doesn’t mean the market has returned to normal. TDI data from late 2025 shows many carriers are still filing for single-digit increases, often in the 4–8% range, meaning homeowners may continue to see year-over-year premium growth even as the market stabilizes compared to the chaos of 2023.

For homeowners in and around the Houston region, annual premiums can vary widely depending on factors like home value, roof age, deductible structure, and storm risk — even within the same county.

Why Home Insurance Is Still So Expensive Across Greater Houston in 2026

Homeowners throughout the region are dealing with cost pressures that haven’t fully eased, even as insurers adjust to a new normal.

1. Repair and rebuilding costs are still significantly higher

The Insurance Information Institute (Triple-I) has described the current insurance landscape as a “new normal,” noting that rebuilding costs remain 30–40% higher than pre-pandemic levels due to labor and materials pricing.

In plain terms: when it costs more to rebuild or repair a home after a loss, insurance companies charge more to cover that risk.

2. Middle-income suburbs have been hit hard

Houston isn’t alone — and some suburban communities have felt the increases especially sharply.

The Rice University Kinder Institute for Urban Research has highlighted that middle-income suburbs across the metro region, including areas like Cypress, Humble, and Baytown, have seen some of the steepest percentage increases over the last several years, in part because these communities were previously priced lower by insurers and are now being reassessed under stricter risk models.

For homeowners, that can mean premiums rising quickly even without filing a claim.

3. Insurance is taking a bigger bite out of monthly payments

For many families, the hardest part isn’t just the annual bill — it’s what the monthly payment feels like once escrow updates hit.

Real estate analytics from firms like Cotality and Realtor.com indicates that insurance now makes up roughly 9% of a typical homeowner’s total monthly payment, marking the highest average share on record.

That shift matters because even a “small” annual increase can turn into a painful monthly change once it rolls into your mortgage payment.

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Harris, Fort Bend, and Montgomery Counties: Why Your Costs May Look Different

Even though many of the same statewide pressures apply across Texas, homeowners in different parts of Greater Houston may see very different premium quotes depending on location-specific risk factors.

Harris County

Harris County remains one of the most expensive regions in Texas for home insurance, and homeowners may see higher pricing tied to storm exposure, claim frequency, and rebuilding costs.

Fort Bend County

Fort Bend County homeowners are also feeling the pressure — especially in areas where insurers factor in wind, hail, and storm risk tied to the broader Gulf Coast weather pattern. For some residents, pricing can rise quickly depending on deductible choices and roof age, even within the same community.

Montgomery County

In Montgomery County, homeowners may still see significant increases even though many neighborhoods are further inland. Premiums can be influenced by severe weather exposure (including hail and windstorms), rising rebuilding costs, and carrier tightening across Texas.

Texas FAIR Plan Growth Shows How Tight the Market Has Become

Another major sign that home insurance options are narrowing in parts of Greater Houston is the surge in enrollment in the Texas FAIR Plan, which is often described as the state’s “insurer of last resort.”

When private carriers pull back, decline coverage, or issue non-renewals, some homeowners have no choice but to apply for FAIR Plan coverage to avoid going uninsured.

As of 2026, enrollment in the FAIR Plan has climbed to more than 120,000 policies statewide, signaling how many Texans are struggling to find coverage through traditional insurers.

What Greater Houston Homeowners Can Do Right Now

Even in a difficult market, homeowners still have options — and small adjustments can sometimes lead to meaningful savings.

Here are a few practical steps many residents across Greater Houston are taking in 2026:

Shop early (don’t wait until the last minute)

If your policy renews soon, start gathering quotes early. Rates can vary widely from company to company, and shopping around can help you find a better fit for your home and budget.

Ask about wind/hail deductibles

Across Greater Houston, a 2% wind/hail deductible has become common — but many homeowners are now seeing 3% or even 5% deductibles, especially for homes with older roofs. For some families, the higher deductible is being used as a trade-off to keep monthly premiums from climbing even higher.

Before renewal, ask your agent:

• What your wind/hail deductible is
• Whether it’s a flat dollar amount or a percentage
• How roof age impacts your deductible options
• What changing the deductible would do to your monthly premium
• Look closely at roof rules

Across Texas, roof age and roof type are playing a bigger role in pricing and eligibility. Some homeowners are seeing higher premiums or reduced coverage options simply because their roof is older — even if it’s still functional.

If your roof is aging, it may be worth asking what documentation (inspection reports, replacement estimates, or material details) could help during the quoting process.

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Online Tools That Can Help You Shop and Compare Home Insurance

If you’re looking for a starting point, these online resources and comparison tools can help Greater Houston homeowners explore options, understand pricing, and compare carriers:

• Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) – Consumer Help & Home Insurance Resources

  TDI provides guidance on shopping for coverage, understanding policy terms, and what to do if you’re non-renewed.

• Bankrate – Home Insurance Comparison Tools

  Bankrate offers tools and consumer guides that help homeowners compare estimated premiums and coverage approaches.

• NerdWallet – Home Insurance Shopping Guides + Comparisons

  NerdWallet breaks down what impacts pricing and offers tools to compare insurers and coverage types.

• The Zebra – Home Insurance Quote Comparison

  The Zebra is a comparison marketplace that allows you to shop across multiple carriers based on your needs.

• Policygenius – Home Insurance Marketplace

  Policygenius helps homeowners compare options and connect with licensed agents depending on the state and carrier availability.

• Independent Agent Finder Tools (Online Directories)
  If you prefer personalized help, independent agents can often shop multiple carriers for you — and many can be found through online directories.

A Quick Reminder for Greater Houston Homeowners

If your premium rose sharply, you’re not alone — and it doesn’t automatically mean you did something wrong. In 2026, home insurance pricing across Greater Houston is being shaped by larger market forces, including rebuilding costs, risk modeling, and stricter underwriting.

The best step you can take is to review your policy carefully, ask questions early, and compare options before renewal.

Stay tuned with My Neighborhood News for updates as we continue tracking homeownership costs, insurance trends, and consumer resources across Greater Houston.

By Tiffany Krenek, My Neighborhood News 

Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.