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For more Texas-related P&C insurance information and news, visit the ICT website
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 Standing with the Texas Hill CountryÂ
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The Insurance Council of Texas extends its heartfelt thoughts to everyone affected by this devastating tragedy. Our hearts are with the families and communities experiencing loss and hardship. We stand in support of local leaders, first responders, and ongoing recovery efforts. Texans can assist relief efforts by donating to the Kerr County Relief Fund or the American Red Cross. Together, we can help rebuild and bring hope to those in need.
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Kerrville, located along the Guadalupe River in Texas Hill Country, has faced significant flooding challenges over the years. A major flash flood in 1987 near Comfort tragically claimed the lives of 10 teenagers and caused an estimated $3.5 million in damages, which would be about $8.3 million when adjusted for inflation. In July 2025, historic rainfall triggered one of the most catastrophic floods in the region’s history, resulting in at least 95 deaths and widespread destruction across Kerrville and surrounding areas. These devastating events underscore the ongoing risk of flooding in Kerrville and the community’s strong spirit of resilience, recovery, and preparation for future disasters.
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 TDI Activates Help Line for
Flood Victims to Assist with Insurance NeedsÂ
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The Texas Department of Insurance has established a Help Line (800) 252-3439 for those impacted by the recent flooding with information on filing home and auto claims and Additional Living Expenses.
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 TWIA Posts 2025 Rate Adequacy Analysis;
Actuarial & Underwriting Committee to
Meet on Rate Recommendation
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Tuesday, July 1, TWIA released its 2025 Rate Adequacy Analysis. The analysis indicates TWIA’s current rates are inadequate by 3% for residential coverage and 5% for commercial coverage—a notable decrease from the 2024 findings of 38% and 45%, respectively. This marks the lowest rate indications since 2022 (15% residential, 11% commercial).
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TWIA's analysis primarily attributes the reduction in TWIA's long term rate inadequacy to legislation that passed during the 89th session:
- HB 3689, which revised TWIA’s funding structure and reduced the maximum probable loss benchmark from 1-in-100 to 1-in-50.
- HB 2517, which exempts TWIA from paying premium and maintenance taxes.
The analysis notes that the most significant driver of the change is a substantial reduction in projected reinsurance expenses.
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TWIA’s Actuarial & Underwriting Committee will meet July 14 to review the analysis and develop a recommendation for the Board of Directors’ August meeting, where the board will decide on TWIA’s statutorily required annual rate filing with TDI.
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Join us in Austin for the 2025 ICT Property & Casualty Insurance Symposium
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 September 17–18, 2025 | Renaissance Austin Hotel
Texas’ P&C insurance market is changing fast—this is your chance to stay ahead. Don’t miss two packed days of insight, networking, and expert analysis.
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Highlights include:
🔹 2025 Legislative Recap – What passed, what changed, and how it affects you
🔹 State of the Market – Trends, shifts, and what’s next for P&C
🔹 Wildfire Risk in Texas – Are we headed down California’s path?
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2025 ICT Workers' Compensation Conference
September 15-16, 2025Â |Â Renaissance Austin Hotel
Join us for two dynamic days of insight and innovation as we dive into the future of workers’ comp in Texas.
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Highlights include:
🔹Regulatory Recap – What the latest Texas legislation means for WC
🔹 Total Worker Health – Building safer, healthier, more resilient teams
🔹 Telemedicine Trends – What's next for care delivery in WC
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AI in Insurance: Practical Applications & Regulatory Considerations
Join us for a focused discussion on how insurers are using AI today, how it differs from traditional analytics, and the regulatory questions emerging around its adoption.
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Topics include:
• AI vs. traditional analytics
• Real vs. perceived use cases
• Compliance and oversight challenges
Reserve your spot.
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 Industry News:Â
Texas lawmakers failed to pass a bill to improve local disaster warning systems this year
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State lawmakers in Texas did not pass House Bill 13, a proposal that would have created a statewide emergency alert system and grant program for local disaster communication infrastructure. Following the deadly Hill Country floods over the July 4 weekend, some legislators are reconsidering their opposition. The bill’s defeat has raised concerns about rural counties' ability to prepare for and respond to rapid-onset natural disasters.
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Key Points:
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House Bill 13 proposed a statewide emergency response plan and grant program for local infrastructure.
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The bill failed due to concerns over its $500 million cost and extended implementation timeline.
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Kerr County, where 68 people died, lacked a siren system due to cost constraints.
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Rep. Wes Virdell (R-Brady), who previously opposed the bill, expressed regret after witnessing the flood’s impact.
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Gov. Abbott has not confirmed whether emergency alert legislation will be included in the upcoming special session agenda.
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 Industry News:Â
Central Texas flooding death toll rises to at least 100 as search continues for survivors
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The confirmed death toll from catastrophic flooding in Central Texas has risen to at least 100, with ongoing search and rescue efforts focused on locating missing individuals, including campers at a local youth camp. The disaster has surpassed the fatality count of Hurricane Harvey in Texas and prompted renewed evaluation of flood preparedness, warning systems, and emergency response protocols during high-traffic holiday periods.
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Key Points:
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At least 100 individuals confirmed dead, including 84 in Kerr County and many children.
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Approximately two dozen individuals remain missing; search efforts are ongoing.
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Flash flooding caused a 26-foot rise in the Guadalupe River within 45 minutes.
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State and federal officials are assessing whether early warnings were sufficient or acted upon.
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Emergency declarations have expanded; federal aid is now available for affected counties.
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 Industry News:Â
Houston Chronicle to Host Webinar - How the rest of hurricane season is shaping up for Houston — and how to prepare
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With Southeast Texas bracing for an above-average hurricane season, the Houston Chronicle will host a live virtual event on Thursday, July 10 at 12 p.m. CST. The session will feature expert insights on personal safety, effective disaster communication, and how 2025's forecast compares to previous hurricane seasons. The event is free and open to the public, with a Q&A session for attendees.
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Key Points:
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Experts will discuss forecast accuracy, public safety, and best practices for severe weather alerts.
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The event addresses historical storms like Tropical Storm Allison and Hurricane Beryl in context.
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Justin Ballard (Houston Chronicle), Travis Herzog (KTRK-TV), Caroline Cheong (Kinder Institute), and Brian Murray (Harris County HCOHSEM) will serve as panelists.
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The panel combines expertise in meteorology, urban planning, emergency management, and disaster communication.
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Audience participation is encouraged through a live Q&A format.
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 Industry News:Â
US Homeowners Insurance Rates Rose 40.4% in Six Years: Report
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A 2025 report from LendingTree indicates that average U.S. homeowners insurance premiums have risen 40.4% over the past six years, with the steepest increases occurring in 2023 and 2024. The national average premium now stands at $2,801. The sharpest rate increases were observed in states experiencing repeated natural disasters.
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Key Points:
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Premiums rose moderately from 2019–2021, then surged by 11% in both 2023 and 2024.
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Colorado (76.6%), Nebraska (72.3%), and Utah (70.6%) saw the highest cumulative increases.
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Oklahoma had the highest average premium in 2024 at $6,133.
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States with the smallest 2024 increases include Florida (1.7%), Texas (3.4%), and New York (3.8%).
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Analysis is based on standardized home insurance policies using data from insurer filings and industry sources.
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 Industry News:Â
Lower Q2’25 cat losses lighten re/insurance industry burden after heavy Q1: J.P. Morgan
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Following a record-breaking first quarter, natural catastrophe losses in Q2 2025 were significantly below historical averages, according to a report from J.P. Morgan. While January wildfires in Los Angeles drove first-quarter insured losses to an estimated $53–56 billion, second-quarter losses slowed considerably, offering relief to reinsurers.
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Key Points:
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Q2 2025 insured catastrophe losses are projected at just over $10 billion, compared to a ~$20 billion quarterly average.
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No major reinsurance-triggering catastrophes occurred in Q2; losses were mainly from U.S. and European severe convective storms.
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Total insured catastrophe losses for 1H 2025 are estimated at ~$65 billion—above the decade-long average of ~$50 billion.
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Analysts expect a better-than-forecast underwriting outcome for European reinsurers and Lloyd’s syndicates.
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Additional claims from the Air India crash in Q2 could total up to $500 million.
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Check out all things ICT!
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The Insurance Council of Texas (ICT) is on the lookout for knowledgeable and engaging speakers for our 2025 events! We are looking for experts to discuss industry trends at our upcoming gatherings, including:
- Quarterly ICT Webinar Series
- Workers' Comp Conference:Â September 15-16, 2025
- P&C Insurance Symposium:Â September 17-18, 2025, in Austin, TX
We’re seeking speakers to cover critical industry trends, topics such as:
- Emerging topics and innovations
- Legal developments affecting insurance
- AI and technology: challenges and opportunities
- Resiliency strategies for businesses and communities
- Insights on the future of the insurance industry
If you have suggested topics, would like to request a speaker or would like to present at one of ICT's events, click here to let us know.
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