XPT Specialty launches Texas homeowners binding program

By Ashish Tiwari Oct 14 (The Insurer) — Wholesale broker XPT Specialty has launched a Texas homeowners binding authority program that lets retail insurance partners place qualifying homeowners and dwelling coverage, as insurers limit new business in parts of the state exposed to severe weather. The program covers primary, secondary, seasonal and rental homes statewide, XPT said in a statement on October 7. It targets well-maintained properties and offers Coverage A limits starting at $300,000, or $500,000 for HO-5 policies, with total insured values of up to $2 million. Retail partners can choose wind-inclusive or wind-excluded coverage depending on the territory, the company said. Homeowners insurance availability has tightened in the state as severe weather risks and higher rebuilding costs have pushed admitted insurers to curtail underwriting in some areas, XPT said. That has pushed more homeowners business into the E&S market, it added. According to the Wholesale & Specialty Insurance Association, premiums for residential, homeowners and other personal property business rose 20.2% in the first half of 2026 across the 15 US states with surplus lines stamping offices. Texas was t