Insurance Topic
Voluntary Inspection Program in Texas
The Texas Voluntary Inspection Program establishes property inspections and certificates of insurability for qualifying residential properties. A certificate creates specified protections for underwriting decisions based on a home’s condition.
Definition
The Voluntary Inspection Program is a Texas regulatory program through which an authorized program inspector evaluates a home against specified property-condition standards. A qualifying inspection can result in a certificate of insurability. The certificate is distinct from a homeowners insurance policy or a routine real-estate purchase inspection.
Structural Components
- A program inspector performs the inspection under the applicable standards.
- Condition criteria include maintenance, roof coverings, electrical systems, plumbing, heating and cooling, and specified premises hazards.
- A certificate of insurability records qualification under the program.
- Reinspection and written descriptions of conditions form part of the limitations on condition-based refusal to sell or renew.
Parameters and Conditions
- TDI states that an insurer cannot refuse to sell or renew because of the home’s condition after certification unless it reinspects and describes the problems in writing.
- TDI describes the certificate as valid for three years if the property has not undergone substantial changes. Material changes can lead to another inspection or a written statement about changes.
- For 2026, TDI lists an initial inspection-fee limit of $159.29 and a follow-up limit of $79.63; permitted mileage charges are additional.
Topic Relationships
Exceptions, Limitations, and Boundaries
- A certificate does not constitute insurance coverage or guarantee an offer from a particular insurer.
- The program does not automatically reverse an existing cancellation.
- Other underwriting factors and applicable policy or insurer rules remain relevant.
- A standard buyer’s inspection is not automatically a certificate issued under this program.