Mihaela Plesa Town Hall Highlights Rising Insurance Costs in North Texas

A town hall hosted by State Rep. Mihaela Plesa in Plano brought residents and policy experts together to discuss growing concerns over home insurance in North Texas, including rising premiums, shrinking coverage options, and frustration with claim outcomes.

The event drew a strong in‑person turnout, with additional residents joining remotely through a Zoom conference call, allowing broader participation from across the area.

The panel included consumer advocates, policy experts, and local claims specialists: Zoe Middleton of West Street Recovery, Jayson O’Neill of Unlocking America’s Future, José Parga of North Texas Claim Advocates, Douglas Quinn of the American Policyholders Association, and Ware Wendell of Texas Watch. Each offered perspectives on what is driving changes in the insurance market and what homeowners can expect moving forward.

“Families Are Feeling This Now”

Plesa said the town hall was organized in response to growing outreach from constituents concerned about insurance renewals and policy changes.

“Families across HD 70 are feeling the insurance crisis in real time,” her office said following the event.

Plesa pointed to a recurring concern raised by residents: renewal notices showing premium increases alongside higher deductibles or changes in coverage.

“I’ve heard from people who are doing everything right,” she said during the discussion, “and still finding their homes harder to insure.”

Her office later added that many homeowners feel pressure from both ends, facing higher costs while also encountering exclusions, delays, or complications when filing claims.

Market Pressures and Policy Changes

Panelists cited rising disaster costs, inflation, and changes in how insurers assess risk as major factors shaping the current insurance landscape.

“People are dropping insurance — not because they want to — but because they have to,” said Jayson O’Neill, lead coordinator for Unlocking America’s Future, referencing broader trends seen across Texas and the country.

O’Neill also pointed to changes in Texas insurance law implemented in 2017, arguing they were followed by an increase in claim denials and disputes, leaving some homeowners surprised by how limited their coverage was once a claim was filed.

Several speakers noted that many homeowners are unclear about how insurance rates are calculated or what factors contribute to rising premiums.

Audience Questions Highlight Shared Experiences

During the question‑and‑answer portion of the town hall, residents raised concerns about policy pricing, coverage terms, and the claims process.

When attendees were asked whether their insurance premiums had increased, nearly everyone in attendance indicated they had.

A separate question focused on claim denials. While fewer attendees reported having claims outright denied, panelists noted that many homeowners experience reduced payouts, delays, or difficulty navigating the process even when claims are approved.

When asked if they were satisfied with their coverage, no hands were raised.

Residents also questioned why credit scores are used to determine insurance rates and whether premiums are expected to stabilize or continue increasing.

Practical Guidance for Homeowners

Panelists offered practical advice for homeowners dealing with insurance claims and policy decisions.

“Save all of your receipts. Document everything,” said José Parga, CEO of North Texas Claim Advocates.

Parga encouraged homeowners to keep written records of communications with their insurers, obtain multiple repair estimates, and carefully review policy coverage before filing a claim.

Douglas Quinn, executive director of the American Policyholders Association, cautioned homeowners against selecting policies based solely on price.

“The cheapest premium is not a good thing,” Quinn said, noting that lower‑cost policies often include higher deductibles or limited coverage that can significantly affect claim outcomes.

Interest in Austin — With Challenges Ahead

From a legislative standpoint, Plesa said awareness of the issue is growing in Austin.

“There is clearly more interest now than there was even a year ago,” her office said, citing recent efforts aimed at improving transparency, policy disclosures, and rules surrounding cancellations and non‑renewals.

While some targeted reforms are gaining traction, broader changes face significant resistance.

Her office acknowledged that proposals involving limits on rate increases or expanded regulatory authority often encounter opposition from the insurance industry.

Mihaela Focus on Transparency Moving Forward

Looking ahead, Plesa said her focus remains on improving transparency and accountability within the insurance market.

That includes clearer explanations of deductibles, exclusions, and how claims are evaluated, allowing consumers to better understand policies before issues arise.

“If families are paying more every year, they deserve a market that is more transparent, more competitive, and more responsive,” her office said.

The town hall reflected a shared concern among homeowners across Collin County and North Texas — an issue that is expected to remain in focus as the next legislative session approaches.