“Steve's customer service was outstanding. If you are like me, I don't have the time to figure out the best deals on my own. Steve's expertise helped guide us to the best insurance for our house and autos and save money in the end. Anytime I had a question, he was immediately back to me with a response. I haven't had an agent in many years, but Steve will be ours for a long time. I am a real customer.”
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13 Factors That Will ALWAYS Affect Your Texas Home & Auto Insurance Rates
Texas home and auto insurance rates for Texas drivers and homeowners depend on 13 specific factors that influence annual premiums. The factors do not determine the scope of liability or property coverage in any policy. Rate calculations require review of individual declarations and compliance with Texas Department of Insurance rules.
Written and reviewed by Steve White, Owner, NPN License#: 19284005 · Initially published September 25, 2026
13 Factors That Affect Your Texas Home & Auto Insurance Rates
13 Factors That Affect Your Texas Home & Auto Insurance Rates
(Some You Can Fix, Some You Can’t)
There are many factors that affect your insurance rates (up & down) each year. Most important for you, is to know which of those you can control so you can maximize your efforts to improve those.
If you want to improve your short and medium term budgeting, you should also have a general sense of awareness of the factors outside your control, as they MAY be leading indicators of market wide rate increases (or decreases) coming.
How Are Rates Determined?
You can think of rates like making a bowl of soup. Each ingredient you put in will impact the final product. Each factor in that helps determine your rates will impact your final rate, similar to the way the ingredient impacts the soup.
The more of these factors you are aware of, the more that you can control what that final rate may be.
It’s easy to understand.
Let’s take a look at 13 of the top factors that affect your rates below.
Here’s The List
1. Your Insurance Score (Based In Part On Your Credit Score)
This one is in your control, and can have HUGE impacts on your premium. We’re talking thousands of dollars annually in some cases. Improve your credit/insurance score and you will see a difference in your insurance premiums.
Learn More Here: What Is An Insurance Score?
2. Your Location (Zip Code)
This one is sort of in your control. Clearly, most people aren’t just going to up and move for lower insurance costs, but if you’re in the market and considering new locations, you should keep this in mine. Broadly speaking, zip codes in areas with higher percentages of weather claims will have higher insurance costs.
3. Age Of House
Again, this is somewhat in your control prior to purchase. Newer homes and COMPLETELY refurbished homes get the best rates. That said, as homes ages, they generally cost more to insure and may begin to run into eligibility issues is systems (like HVAC, electrical, plumbing) haven’t been updated.
4. Size Of House
This will have a direct impact on the insured value of the home (which directly impacts rates)
5. Age Of Roof
This can have huge impacts on premium and eligibility. Newer roofs in TX get the best rates.
6. Combining Your Insurance With One Company
The biggest discount most companies offer is the home and auto discount. You should always try and keep the home and auto together first when possible.
7. Age Of HVAC/Heating System
If you get a new system, let your insurance company know, there’s a good chance your premium will reduce.
8. Number Of Claims You’ve Filed (In Past 3-5 Years)
This is an obvious one, but what it not so obvious is that multiple claim in a 3-5 year window will have a multiplier effect on renewal premiums.
9. Large Weather Events From The Recent Past (Affects Everyone In The Area)
This is not always intuitive, but when major storms effect large areas, higher premiums will usually follow 18-24 months after.
Like this: 11 Tornadoes In Dallas
10. Married Or Single
Typically married couples will get better rates than single individuals
11. What’s Going On In The Stock Market
Many companies invest premiums and rates can be affected by the returns on their investments
Rates fluctuate based on these and other factors and can change drastically (up or down) year over year. To help you have solid coverage and competitive pricing, we recommend working with a good independent agent that can offer multiple solutions for your insurance.
12. Population Density
Many areas in Texas have experience very high population growth, unfortunately, with growth mean more accidents/thefts, more accidents and thefts, means increased rates for all.
13. Increaseconstructioncosts
Construction and labor costs have increased drastically in the past, specifically since 2020. This means when there are losses, insurance companies are paying those increased costs, the unfortunate truth is that consumers end up also paying those costs in the way of increased premiums.
Want to see if you can improve your homeowners insurance now?
Grab your policy declarations page and email me directly here [steve@stevewhiteinsurance.com](mailto:steve@stevewhiteinsurance.com)
Or get started with your quotes here [Get Home Quote Now](/insurance-quotes-texas/)
Client Stories
Real stories, real trust
“I came to Steve with home and auto insurance needs. He made the process seamless while buying my first home. He walked us through the different coverages, and helped us understand what was and wasn't needed. He handled all the coordination with the lender, making it one less thing we needed to worry about. Appreciate all your help, Steve! Looking forward to the continued partnership.”
“Steve is an excellent agent. If you’re looking for an agent who will take the time to make sure your properly covered, he is the best choice. He is knowledgeable on the elements of “what ifs” that come with insurance, you can trust Steve will know the answers or take the time to find out. He is friendly, professional, and will ensure he’s offering you the best options to protect your family or business.”
“I highly recommend Steve White as an insurance broker. When I was migrating from one insurance provider to another, Steve was extremely helpful and responsive—he was the first broker to call me back, the first to offer clear solutions, and he answered all of my questions within hours of my initial outreach. I contacted four different brokers, and Steve stood out immediately for his speed, professionalism, and follow-through. Since engaging with him, we’ve identified excellent carrier options, reviewed every aspect of my coverage in detail, and ensured I had a clear understanding of my policies. I couldn’t have been more pleased with how authentic, collaborative, and thorough Steve was throughout the entire process.”
“I’ve worked with Steve for 6 years and he’s always been proactive shopping rates to save my family money on home and auto insurance. I now have several friends that are working with him as well. Highly recommend his services.”
“We have been doing business with Steve for a number of years. He provides excellent, personal customer service and is very responsive when we contact him. Every year he shops for the best coverages at the best prices for our auto and homeowners insurance. When we have questions, he explains everything thoroughly and handles any dealings with the actual insurance company for us.<br>Steve is a nice guy and very knowledgeable about insurance.”
“Five stars don't seem like enough for the level of dedication Steve White Insurance Group showed in finding the right insurance for my type of business. Steve White went above and beyond, tirelessly exploring various options and navigating complex requirements to secure the best possible coverage at a competitive price. It was clear they invested significant time and effort in understanding my unique needs and advocating on my behalf. Their persistence and commitment to finding the ideal solution made a potentially stressful process surprisingly smooth. I highly recommend them to any business owner looking for an agency that truly goes the extra mile! I am very grateful, Diana Stewart”
“Steve is a knowledgeable professional. I have been using him for over 5 years and he has saved me money and improved my home and auto coverage. When I have had claims, Steve has been there to help walk me through the process. Since Steve is independent, he is always look for better coverage at a better price. I highly recommend Steve White Insurance.”
Editorial standards
Written and reviewed by Steve White, Owner, NPN License#: 19284005, Steve White Insurance Group.
Steve White is an experienced independent insurance agent specializing in personalized coverage solutions, risk evaluation, and multi‑carrier underwriting. He operates stevewhiteinsurance.com, serving clients across Highland Village and the greater DFW area with fast, precise, and highly structured guidance. His expertise includes home, auto, commercial, and specialty insurance lines, with a focus on clarity, efficiency, and long‑term protection strategies. Outside of his insurance practice, Steve is deeply involved in youth baseball, fishing, travel planning, and cooking. He is known for a direct, fast‑paced communication style and a preference for organized, actionable workflows.
Published September 25, 2026. See our editorial process. How we use AI.