This guest post is brought to you by White Oak Realty Group partner Kyle Jungels with State Farm Insurance

If you’re like me, you have seen your homeowner’s insurance premiums shoot up in recent years. Everyone is asking the same question: WHY?

These “across the board” rate increases are affecting everyone and coming from every carrier. If you disregard temporary economic problems like building material shortages and higher than average inflation, what are we left with? The answer is astonishing: a significant uptick in severe convective storms in Texas. There is a reason your wind and hail deductible is separate and higher than your policy deductible: Roof damage is one of the most common and expensive repairs that needs to be made on a home. As you can see from the graph below, billion-dollar weather events have increased 3X since 2008. These severe convective storms bring strong winds and hail which are the primary causes of roof damage. Insurance companies are losing money and the weapons they have at their disposal are:

1. Raising rates
2. Reducing coverage
3. Increasing Deductibles

If you have a policy with replacement cost coverage on the roof (depreciation is not factored into its value), then you have likely seen the largest increases. While it may be tempting to discard replacement cost for actual cash value where depreciation is factored into the value of your roof, keep in mind that you may not be able to get it back since many carriers are moving away from replacement cost policies in general.

So, What can be done to bring premiums back down?

1. While pricier up-front, installing a metal roof is an excellent way to reduce your premiums and better protect your home from inclement weather. If your HOA won’t accept metal roofs, this may be worth bringing up at the next meeting. If you have a class 4 shingle roof or already have a metal roof, make sure your insurance carrier knows and that the discounts are applied!
2. Insurance companies are lobbying the State of Texas to make IBHS Gold certification a standard building practice on new homes. While this would drive up the price on new homes, it would help mitigate damage from severe weather. However, builders and new home buyers likely do not want to have those costs passed on to them.
3. Perhaps most importantly, speak with your insurance agent about your coverages. If there are levels of risk that are palatable to the homeowner, the agent can adjust coverages and deductibles to reduce premiums. 

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About Kyle Jungels with State Farm Insurance

Kyle is a local Aggie (Gig ‘Em!) and 3rd generation State Farm Agent who is a firm believer in the spirit of community, tradition, and selfless service. He has been blessed to watch his Grandfather and Dad make a real difference for their customers during the catastrophes that have struck Texas over the past 50 years. His agency’s primary goal is to give proper guidance to our customers before, during, and after their time of need. His team is one that is comprised of professionals that you can rely on, in person, every time.

About White Oak Realty Group

At White Oak Realty Group, we are team of real estate consultants proudly serving Houston and surrounding areas with a client-first approach. Backed by the powerful Compass platform, we combine boutique, high-touch service with cutting-edge technology to deliver seamless, results-driven real estate experiences. Our team is committed to expert guidance, strategic marketing, and building lasting relationships, ensuring every client feels supported, informed, and confident at every step. Whether you’re buying, selling, or investing, White Oak Realty Group is here to open doors to your next chapter—with professionalism, integrity, and heart.