Around the Industry: Federal Rules Change Could Expand Home Insurance Access (March 2026)
Reading time • 1 min
By Matic
The FHFA rolled back a rule from 2024 that required homeowners to carry more expensive roof coverage. New data also reveals how much homeowners are paying for taxes and insurance in relation to their total mortgage payment, while some areas could see a drop in premiums thanks to no hurricanes hitting the continental U.S. last year.
Insurance requirement changes aim to help homeowner affordability
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have rolled back a 2024-era rule that required homeowners to carry replacement value coverage on their roofs. This new change, spurred by the Federal Housing Finance Agency, now allows actual cash value coverage in an effort to improve affordability for homeowners.
Taxes and insurance account for over 20% of the average mortgage payment
If your buyers wonder why their monthly payments feel so high, it may not be solely due to interest rates. A recent report discovered that 21% of the average American’s monthly mortgage payment goes towards property taxes and homeowners insurance premiums. Those numbers vary by geography, of course. Pensacola, Florida homeowners, for instance, average 43.6% spent on taxes and insurance each month.
A slow year of natural disasters could lower premiums for some homeowners
After years of extreme coastal weather, no hurricanes hit the U.S. mainland in 2025, which could offer financial relief for homeowners in some parts of the country. Some experts think this could result in expanded coverage to previously uninsured areas and reinsurance savings. Florida, Louisiana, and Texas are areas that could see the most upside.
Learn more about stabilizing premiums.
Minnesota gun owners may need more insurance, Louisiana advocates for stronger roof standards, and Florida ends homeowner surcharge early
- Minnesota bill would impact homeowners with firearms: Legislators in Minnesota are considering a bill that would require homeowners to carry at least $100,000 in liability coverage for owning firearms.
- New roof standards being considered in the bayou: Louisiana legislators are considering building codes with fortified roof standards while also pushing for corresponding insurance premium discounts.
- Florida emergency surcharge ends early: The average homeowner in Florida should see a small savings in insurance premiums after the state’s Insurance Guaranty Association announced the end of a 1% surcharge two years ahead of schedule.
