Austin, TX
Christmas Eve In Austin 2025 – Events, Food, Fun & More
Last Updated On – 23rd December, 2025
Jump to: Christmas-themed Events | Family-Friendly Activities | Free Events | Adults-Only Christmas Events | Where to Eat on Christmas Eve | Last-Minute Shopping
As the sun sets on December 24, Austin shifts into celebration mode. The air feels lighter, the city feels closer, and the night opens up with events designed to bring people together.
These Christmas Eve in Austin happenings offer the perfect way to spend the final hours before Christmas Day arrives.
And if you are looking for more ways to spend the break, explore concerts, pop-ups, markets, and local outings in our latest guide to the Best Weekend Events in Austin.
Editor’s Note: We strive to keep listings up to date, but details are subject to change. Always verify with event organizers or participating locations before heading out.
This article may contain affiliate links. Purchases made through them may earn us a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Looking for more holiday fun? Christmas Eve is just the beginning. From festive shows and light displays to family-friendly outings and seasonal experiences, Austin stays busy all week long. Be sure to explore our full guide to Things to Do During Christmas Week in Austin for even more ways to make the most of the holiday break.
Christmas-Themed Events and Holiday Activities
Merry Makers Market
Get ready for the second annual Merry Makers Market, hosted by Contracommon, where holiday shopping meets local artistry. This booth-style market will showcase art and handmade goods from talented Austin-area artists. It’s the perfect place to find unique gifts while supporting creative small businesses this holiday season.
Browse original paintings, prints, sculptures, jewelry, ornaments, homewares, and more from artists like Alison Lackey, Cara Jackson, Emily Tolipova, and many others.
Where: Contracommon, 12912 Hill Country Blvd f140, Bee Cave, TX 78738
When: December 24, 2025
How Much: Free
Mozart’s Festival of Lights
Image credit: Mozart’s Coffee Roasters
Celebrate the holiday season at Mozart’s Festival of Lights, a brilliant spectacle perfect for the whole family.
Experience over a million twinkling lights and brilliant displays that offer endless photo opportunities.
Additionally, you can enjoy a holiday market, dine on tasty bites from vendors like savory Salt Lick BBQ, and treat yourself to delectable sweets and Mozart’s renowned hot chocolate. Live entertainment, including Texas and Celtic Christmas music, will play throughout the festival.
Where: Mozart’s Coffee Roasters, 3825 Lake Austin Blvd, Austin, TX 78703
When: December 24, 2025
How Much: Free
The Light Park
Buckle up, turn up the volume, and prepare for a dazzling experience at The Light Park! You will immerse yourself in a mile-long light show featuring millions of stunning LED lights perfectly synchronized to high-energy holiday music presented by DJ Polar Ice.
This resident mixologist spins re-imagined holiday favorites blended with fresh beats to keep the energy high from start to finish, and you can even tune in before arrival to set the festive tone on your drive to The Light Park.
From giant illuminated tunnels to towering animated trees and dancing reindeer, every night promises an unforgettable spectacle of color and sound designed to delight all ages.
Where: Dell Diamond, 3400 E Palm Valley Blvd, Round Rock, TX 78665
When: December 24, 2025
How Much: Starts at $29
Ice Rodeo: Lakeside Ice Skating
Celebrate the holiday season at Four Seasons Hotel Austin with the return of Ice Rodeo: Lakeside Ice Skating! From November 21, 2025, through January 4, 2026, this lakeside retreat transforms into a festive gathering spot just steps from Lady Bird Lake.
Enjoy outdoor ice skating, themed skating nights, and cozy festive cabanas, all set against immersive décor that brings the magic of the North Pole to Texas. Then, savor seasonal menus featuring local flavors and create lasting memories in this vibrant holiday destination.
Where: Four Seasons Hotel Austin, 98 San Jacinto Blvd. Austin, TX 78701
When: December 24, 2025
How Much: Starts at $35
Santa’s Ranch – New Braunfels
Image credit: Santa’s Ranch-Drive-thru Christmas Light Park
Drive along winding country roads at Santa’s Ranch and see over 3 million lights bring holiday magic to life. You’ll spot Santa on a four-wheeler, elves ice skating, nutcracker castles, and even Star Wars scenes, all glowing across a mile of festive displays.
A towering 50-foot Christmas tree will mark the entrance, welcoming you to this long-running holiday tradition.
You can then stop for hot chocolate, kettle corn, or pet-friendly treats at the concession stand and snap photos of whimsical touches, like Santa tossing footballs to reindeer or lighting a fire under a snowman.
Where: 9561 I-35, New Braunfels, TX 78130
When: December 24, 2025
How Much: Starts at $37
37th Street Lights
Image Credit: 37th Street Lights FB Page
Step into the playful spirit of the season as West 37th Street bursts to life with bold colors, imaginative sculptures, and creative light displays. Here, you can see homes and yards decorated with fun themes such as Taylor Swift tributes, circuses, or Candyland, blending holiday lights with humor and DIY charm.
Aside from the lights, the community also sets up interactive stations such as the insecurity checkpoint, where you can share a secret, the manifestation station, where you can write a dream for the year ahead, and the beloved Stuffed Animal Petting Zoo.
The street stays open only to foot traffic, so you and your loved ones can enjoy an easy, relaxed stroll each night from sunset to 10 pm throughout December.
Where: 507 W 37th St, Austin, TX 78705
When: December 24, 2025
How Much: Free
Zilker Holiday Tree
Step beneath the Zilker Holiday Tree and watch thousands of colorful LEDs spiral around one of Austin’s historic moontowers. You’ll see the 10-foot double star glowing at the top as the lights shimmer across the 155-foot tree, creating a magical scene that fills the park with a spirited glow.
For fun, try spinning slowly beneath the lights and watch the pattern swirl above you. It’s playful tradition since 1967 that keeps Austin’s longest-standing holiday celebration bright and joyful!
Where: 2100 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78746
When: December 24, 2025
How Much: Free
Domain Northside Holiday Display
Head over to the Northside Lawn and watch the Holiday Tree light up with a dazzling show of synchronized lights, filling the air with festive energy. You can also catch performances each hour, with extended evening hours on weekends, and enjoy playful touches like the Gen Z Selfie Wall and seasonal photo spots.
You’ll also find Letters to Santa open until December 24, family-friendly activities (like snow globe making, face painting, and balloon twisting), plus ongoing giveaways and holiday guides for shopping and events.
Where: 11821 Rock Rose Ave, Austin, TX 78758
When: December 24, 2025
How Much: Free
Family-Friendly and Kid-Focused Activities
Mozart’s Festival of Lights
Celebrate the holiday season at Mozart’s Festival of Lights, a brilliant spectacle perfect for the whole family.
Experience over a million twinkling lights and brilliant displays that offer endless photo opportunities.
Additionally, you can enjoy a holiday market, dine on tasty bites from vendors like savory Salt Lick BBQ, and treat yourself to delectable sweets and Mozart’s renowned hot chocolate. Live entertainment, including Texas and Celtic Christmas music, will play throughout the festival.
Where: Mozart’s Coffee Roasters, 3825 Lake Austin Blvd, Austin, TX 78703
When: December 24, 2025
How Much: Free
The Light Park
Buckle up, turn up the volume, and prepare for a dazzling experience at The Light Park! You will immerse yourself in a mile-long light show featuring millions of stunning LED lights perfectly synchronized to high-energy holiday music presented by DJ Polar Ice.
This resident mixologist spins re-imagined holiday favorites blended with fresh beats to keep the energy high from start to finish, and you can even tune in before arrival to set the festive tone on your drive to The Light Park.
From giant illuminated tunnels to towering animated trees and dancing reindeer, every night promises an unforgettable spectacle of color and sound designed to delight all ages.
Where: Dell Diamond, 3400 E Palm Valley Blvd, Round Rock, TX 78665
When: December 24, 2025
How Much: Starts at $29
Ice Rodeo: Lakeside Ice Skating
Image credit: Four Seasons Hotel Austin
Celebrate the holiday season at Four Seasons Hotel Austin with the return of Ice Rodeo: Lakeside Ice Skating! From November 21, 2025, through January 4, 2026, this lakeside retreat transforms into a festive gathering spot just steps from Lady Bird Lake.
Enjoy outdoor ice skating, themed skating nights, and cozy festive cabanas, all set against immersive décor that brings the magic of the North Pole to Texas. Then, savor seasonal menus featuring local flavors and create lasting memories in this vibrant holiday destination.
Where: Four Seasons Hotel Austin, 98 San Jacinto Blvd. Austin, TX 78701
When: December 24, 2025
How Much: Starts at $35
Santa’s Ranch – New Braunfels
Drive along winding country roads at Santa’s Ranch and see over 3 million lights bring holiday magic to life. You’ll spot Santa on a four-wheeler, elves ice skating, nutcracker castles, and even Star Wars scenes, all glowing across a mile of festive displays.
A towering 50-foot Christmas tree will mark the entrance, welcoming you to this long-running holiday tradition.
You can then stop for hot chocolate, kettle corn, or pet-friendly treats at the concession stand and snap photos of whimsical touches, like Santa tossing footballs to reindeer or lighting a fire under a snowman.
Where: 9561 I-35, New Braunfels, TX 78130
When: December 24, 2025
How Much: Starts at $37
Domain Northside Holiday Display
Head over to the Northside Lawn and watch the Holiday Tree light up with a dazzling show of synchronized lights, filling the air with festive energy. You can also catch performances each hour, with extended evening hours on weekends, and enjoy playful touches like the Gen Z Selfie Wall and seasonal photo spots.
You’ll also find Letters to Santa open until December 24, family-friendly activities (like snow globe making, face painting, and balloon twisting), plus ongoing giveaways and holiday guides for shopping and events.
Where: 11821 Rock Rose Ave, Austin, TX 78758
When: December 24, 2025
How Much: Free
Free Events and Neighborhood Light Displays
37th Street Lights
Step into the playful spirit of the season as West 37th Street bursts to life with bold colors, imaginative sculptures, and creative light displays. Here, you can see homes and yards decorated with fun themes such as Taylor Swift tributes, circuses, or Candyland, blending holiday lights with humor and DIY charm.
Aside from the lights, the community also sets up interactive stations such as the insecurity checkpoint, where you can share a secret, the manifestation station, where you can write a dream for the year ahead, and the beloved Stuffed Animal Petting Zoo.
The street stays open only to foot traffic, so you and your loved ones can enjoy an easy, relaxed stroll each night from sunset to 10 pm throughout December.
Where: 507 W 37th St, Austin, TX 78705
When: December 24, 2025
How Much: Free
Zilker Holiday Tree
Image credit: Zilker Holiday Tree
Step beneath the Zilker Holiday Tree and watch thousands of colorful LEDs spiral around one of Austin’s historic moontowers. You’ll see the 10-foot double star glowing at the top as the lights shimmer across the 155-foot tree, creating a magical scene that fills the park with a spirited glow.
For fun, try spinning slowly beneath the lights and watch the pattern swirl above you. It’s playful tradition since 1967 that keeps Austin’s longest-standing holiday celebration bright and joyful!
Where: 2100 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78746
When: December 24, 2025
How Much: Free
Nightlife and Adults-Only Christmas Eve Events
The Ugly Sweater Holiday Pop-up Bar
Jingle and mingle at The Ugly Sweater Holiday Pop-up Bar at Rules and Regs! Come dressed in your best festive attire and embrace the merry vibes, complete with kitschy holiday decor, lively drinks, and a fun seasonal menu.
Where: Fairmont Austin, 101 Red River St, Austin, TX 78701
When: December 24, 2025
How Much: Not stated
Miracle on 5th Street Christmas Pop-Up Bar
Step into a winter wonderland at Miracle on 5th Street Christmas Pop-Up Bar, the most festive and nostalgic setting in the city!
This Christmas-themed cocktail bar features dazzling wall-to-wall holiday decor, multiple bars, and a whole lot of Christmas spirits.
You can sip one of the many Christmas cocktails crafted by the jolly staff, take your next profile picture in Santa’s Throne, and connect with friends and family in the city’s most decked-out holiday bar, enjoying Christmas cheer as you’ve never seen before.
This is a ticketed event with first-come, first-served tables and seats. For parties of fewer than 8, you can skip the General Admission line by purchasing limited-quantity Dasher Passes!
Where: The Eleanor, 307 W 5th St, Austin, TX 78701
When: December 24, 2025
How Much: Starts at $13.30
Where to Eat on Christmas Eve in Austin
If you’re planning a Christmas Eve meal out (or just want to skip cooking), these are five of the most popular, holiday-friendly picks featured in our 2025 guide: Kerbey Lane Cafe for a comforting Austin classic that’s great for an earlier meal, Waffle House for a reliably-anytime option when you need something late, Truluck’s for a special-occasion dinner with holiday vibes, The Cheesecake Factory for a crowd-pleasing spot that works for families and groups, and Din Ho Chinese BBQ when you’re craving something different that still feels festive. Since Christmas Eve hours and reservations can change by location and demand, always confirm before heading out.
For the full, verified 2025 lineup (plus hours and more options across the Austin area), head to our complete guide: Austin Restaurants Open on Christmas Eve.
Last-Minute Shopping and Store Hours
Need a last-minute gift, groceries, or a quick essentials run on December 24? Our 2025 guide highlights five go-to options that cover the biggest needs: H-E-B for groceries and holiday meal pickups, Whole Foods Market for prepared foods and nicer grab-and-go items, Target for gifts and stocking stuffers, CVS Pharmacy for prescriptions and late-in-the-day essentials, and 7-Eleven for true last-minute snacks, drinks, and basics when everything else is winding down. Most locations run on reduced Christmas Eve hours, so it’s smart to shop earlier and double-check your nearest store before you go.
For a list of stores confirmed to be open in 2025, along with expected Christmas Eve hours, visit our full guide to Austin Stores Open on Christmas Eve.
There are always festive events happening across the city during the holidays. For seasonal attractions and local happenings, explore our curated Austin weekend event picks.
- Christmas Eve in Austin 2025 – Events, Food, Fun & More – December 23, 2025
- Gluten Free Bakery Austin –Where to find gluten-free donuts, cakes, breads, & more! – February 14, 2023
- Healthy Food Austin – Your comprehensive guide to health friendly restaurants, cafes, and more! – January 13, 2023
A long holiday weekend and America’s 250th birthday are giving Central Texans even more reasons to celebrate this Fourth of July. From fireworks over Lady Bird Lake and Willie Nelson’s annual picnic to hometown parades and rooftop parties, there are plenty of ways to spend the day around the Austin area.
Here’s a look at some of the biggest events, from Austin’s signature Star-Spangled Fest to neighborhood traditions and Hill Country celebrations. Unless otherwise noted, all events take place Saturday, July 4.
The main events
Star-Spangled Fest
Auditorium Shores & Long Center, 900 W. Riverside Dr.
Austin’s signature Fourth of July celebration stretches from morning to night as the city marks America’s 250th anniversary. The day begins with The Morning Spin from 10 am to 1 pm, featuring house music, craft coffee, cocktails, local vendors, and food trucks. The evening festival returns at 4:30 pm with kids’ activities, food trucks, and performances by Austin soul-funk favorites Tomar & the FCs, country singer Shelby Stone, a Veteran Recognition Celebration, and the Austin Symphony Orchestra’s annual patriotic concert before fireworks over Lady Bird Lake at 9:45 pm. The concert and fireworks will also be simulcast on KMFA 89.5. A number of parking garages are open around the park. General admission is free. VIP Lawn Access starts at $45, while reserved tables and private cabana experiences range up to $2,500. Tickets and VIP packages are available through the Star-Spangled Fest website.
Several downtown hotels and rooftops are offering elevated alternatives to the crowds below along Auditorium Shores.
- P6 at The Line Austin is hosting its “Creole Surf Riot” celebration with live music by Louisiana Surf Department, Creole-inspired food stations, and two complimentary drinks. Early bird tickets start at $75, with general admission at $90.
- The Loren at Lady Bird Lake is celebrating with a waterfront barbecue, curated beverages, and live music by Working Title. Reservations are available from 6-10 pm, with the band performing from 6-11 pm. Admission is $98 per person, plus a 17 percent gratuity. The hotel recommends making reservations in advance, as last year’s Fourth of July celebration sold out.
- Otopia Rooftop at The Otis Hotel in West Campus is hosting a Fourth of July party from 7 -11 pm, featuring specialty cocktails with Still Austin Whiskey Co., a complimentary welcome cocktail, light bites for purchase, and giveaways. Tickets start at $23.18. The rooftop offers skyline views, though organizers note the downtown fireworks display is not visible from the venue.
Willie Nelson’s Fourth of July Picnic
Germania Insurance Amphitheater, 9201 Circuit of the Americas Blvd., Del Valle
Fresh off his 93rd birthday, Willie Nelson returns to Circuit of The Americas for the latest edition of his annual Fourth of July Picnic, a Texas tradition spanning more than five decades. This year’s lineup features Willie Nelson & Family, bluegrass phenom Billy Strings, alternative rock legends Wilco, Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Sheryl Crow, Lukas Nelson, Stephen Wilson Jr., Rodney Crowell, Margo Price, and Lily Meola. The evening concludes with fireworks. Gates open at 2:30 pm and music begins at 3:30 pm. Most tickets are priced around $100, with options ranging from reserved seating to pit tickets and VIP packages. Tickets, VIP packages, and the full event lineup are available on Willie Nelson’s official website.
Hill Country Galleria Independence Day Festival
12700 Hill Country Blvd., Ste. T-100, Bee Cave
Families looking to avoid the downtown crowds can head west for one of the area’s biggest free celebrations honoring America’s 250th birthday. More than 40 artisan vendors, carnival rides, water games, and complimentary face painting fill the afternoon before an evening of live music. School of Rock opens the entertainment at 4 pm, followed by CAZAYOUX, Jeska Forsyth, Jo James, and Austin Latin rock veterans Vallejo. Then fireworks complete the event. Attendees are invited to bring a lawn chair or blanket. The festival runs from 4-10 pm, with fireworks scheduled for about 9:40 pm. Admission and parking are free.
Red, White & Buda
Buda Amphitheater & City Park, 204 San Antonio St., Buda
Buda turns Independence Day into an all-day celebration, beginning with the community’s annual Bike Parade at 9 am. Festivities resume at 4 pm with a DJ, bounce houses, a splash pad, food vendors, a vendor market, cornhole, sand volleyball, and rock climbing. Live music begins with Elle Townley at 6:30 pm, followed by Shinyribs, the Gulf Coast soul and swamp-funk band led by former Gourds frontman Kevin Russell, at 7:40 pm. The evening concludes with fireworks at about 9:15 pm. Admission is free.
Free neighborhood parades and hometown traditions
Northwest Austin Civic Association
Austin’s largest neighborhood Independence Day parade happens in the North Austin Civic Association, at the 53rd annual Fourth of July Parade and Freedom Fest. The festivities begin with a community breakfast at 7:30 am, followed by the parade at 9 am. Austin Mayor Kirk Watson will serve as grand marshal as decorated bicycles, antique cars, marching bands, community groups, and the popular Ladies Lawn Chair Brigade wind through Northwest Hills before the Freedom Fest continues with family activities.
Members of the Northwest Austin Civic Association’s Arm Chair Brigade gather with parade grand marshal Council Member Alison Alter before the neighborhood’s annual Fourth of July parade in Northwest Austin.Alison Alter/Facebook
Cedar Park
Cedar Park’s Sparktacular returns to Milburn Park with live music, carnival rides, inflatables, food trucks, and fireworks at 9:30 pm.
Georgetown
Georgetown’s celebrations last all day with amusement rides and games, a kiddie parade, arts and crafts booths, food vendors, live music, and a fireworks show to round it all out.
Lakeway
Lakeway’s Fourth of July Celebration begins with its annual parade at 8:30 am, followed by family activities before the city’s evening fireworks display.
Leander
Leander is getting things started early with Liberty Fest on July 3. There will be live music and food, plus activities for kids and fireworks to end the day.
Pflugerville
Pflugerville’s Pfireworks lights up Typhoon Texas with live music, food vendors, family activities, and one of the area’s largest fireworks displays.
Round Rock
Just north of Austin, Round Rock’s Frontier Days begins with the annual Sertoma Independence Day Parade at 8:30 am along Mays Street. Giant helium balloons, festive floats, marching bands, and community groups kick off a full day of carnival rides, pig races, live music, and festival food before the evening’s fireworks show.
America250
Want to keep celebrating America’s 250th birthday? The Fourth of July is only the beginning of the nation’s yearlong semiquincentennial celebration.
Texas America250 exhibit
Lorenzo de Zavala State Archives and Library Building, 1201 Brazos St.
This exhibit next to the Texas Capitol spotlights the Lone Star State’s outsized role in American history through historic photographs, maps, artifacts, sheet music, state records, and other treasures from the State Archives. From cowboys to astronauts, and from Beaumont to Big Bend, the exhibit explores how Texas helped shape the nation. The exhibit is on view throughout 2026.
Other things to see at the archives include:
For even more, the Texas America250 events calendar lists celebrations taking place across the state throughout the year.
“We’re thrilled to expand our relationship with the team at NRP and our focus on the Affordable Housing market in
The transaction represents Safehold’s second transaction with NRP in
Safehold established a dedicated Affordable Housing team in 2025 and has continued to expand its investment into the sector. Additional information is available at www.safeholdaffordablehousing.com.
About Safehold:
Safehold Inc. (NYSE: SAFE) is revolutionizing real estate ownership by providing a new and better way for owners to unlock the value of the land beneath their buildings. Having created the modern ground lease industry in 2017, Safehold continues to help owners of high quality multifamily, affordable housing, office, industrial, hospitality, student housing, life science and mixed-use properties generate higher returns with less risk. The Company, which is taxed as a real estate investment trust (REIT), seeks to deliver safe, growing income and long-term capital appreciation to its shareholders. Additional information on Safehold is available on its website at www.safeholdinc.com.
About The NRP Group:
The NRP Group is a vertically integrated developer, owner, builder, and manager of best-in-class multifamily housing with a mission to create exceptional rental housing communities for individuals and families, regardless of income. Since its founding in 1994, NRP has developed more than 62,000 apartment homes and currently manages over 30,000 residential units. Through its disciplined approach to vetting opportunities, NRP has established a track record of delivering impressive returns for investors. The company’s formidable size and depth of talent provide the experience and infrastructure necessary to execute developments of varying degrees of complexity and scope in both urban-infill and suburban locations, including market-rate, affordable, mixed-income, and senior housing. The NRP Group has been consistently named a largest developer and builder in the U.S. on the NMHC “Top 50” lists, the Top 5 on the Multi-Housing News’ “Top Multifamily Developers” list, named a Top Affordable Housing Developer by Affordable Housing Finance, and has won three NAHB Pillar awards since 2020 for Development, Construction and Ones to Watch. The NRP Group has become the top multifamily developer in the U.S. that creates both affordable and market-rate housing at a national scale. Based on over 30 years of experience and expertise, NRP provides construction and property management services to outside owners and developers. For additional information, visit www.nrpgroup.com.
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/safehold-closes-second-affordable-housing-ground-lease-in-texas-302809796.html
SOURCE Safehold
AUSTIN (Nexstar) – During a Texas Senate Business and Commerce hearing Wednesday, lawmakers heard invited testimony examining soaring property and casualty insurance costs. Testimony focused on the need for more affordable options and the need to address the role of AI.
Increased costs
Amanda Crawford, the Commissioner of Insurance at the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI), acknowledged the reality of rising insurance costs for everyday Texans.
“The past few years have been very, very difficult. The average annual homeowner premium in Texas has increased from under $2,000 in 2020 to over $3,500 today. It’s a 79% increase in six years. That is a tremendous burden for Texans, especially for a necessary product like home insurance,” Crawford told lawmakers Wednesday.
Crawford went on to clarify that this increase can be attributed to increases in home values and claim costs related to severe weather.
“Annual homeowners’ losses averaged 5.5 billion from 2015 to 2020, rising to 9.1 billion from 2021 to 2025.” Crawford went on to say that “Last year alone, the National Weather Service recorded 902 hailstorms in Texas. The next closest state, Kansas, had 375.”
Holding insurance companies accountable
Crawford clarified that the TDI requires insurance companies to elaborate on their filings to ensure that Texans are not subject to unfair practices and prices.
“My expectations are that every rate filing submitted to TDI gets a careful review. We examine every statutory filing for statutory compliance. We verify the math, we scrutinize assumptions, we make them show their work”
According to the Texas Insurance Code, the rate review process conducted by the TDI does not explicitly focus on affordability.
“There is not a purpose in there around affordability. It is about driving market competition. It’s about making sure they’re not excessive, but then they’re also adequate. And it’s about having market forces drive the rates that are filed. So I think that’s an interesting perspective when you look at it, because that really frames the whole rate review process as it has been put into law.”
Insurance company officials say they are also focused on affordable costs.
“Our industry is not just saying, hey, legislators go fix all this. We are working all the time to bring down costs. It’s a good business decision because it helps us be more competitive,” said Scot Kibbe, the Vice President for State Government Relations at the American Property College for Insurance Association.
Concerns of price surveillance
Senator Nathan Johnson, D-Dallas, questioned whether insurance companies may be using technological advances, such as AI, to participate in price surveillance, a tactic to maximize profits.
“It sounds like, to some extent, every industry, with the advent of technological advantages we didn’t use to have, is able to create a special price just for you to find out your breaking point,” Johnson said.
David Bolduc with the Office of Public Insurance Counsel noted that there are protections in statute against companies charging different prices for the same coverage. But he added that the practice can be difficult to detect.
“I don’t know that TDI has the ability to monitor that. I mean, we hear about it,” Bolduc said in response to Johnson. “I think, if you could do something in statute that would allow us to report it, or would allow TDI to take action about it, that might be useful in terms of monitoring it,” Bolduc added.
Earlier this month, the TDI released a “use of artificial intelligence” bulletin to set expectations on how “regulated entities will govern the development, acquisition, and the use of AI technologies in their operations.”
Crawford says this bulletin will help address price surveillance concerns by reminding companies of Texas Insurance codes related to unfair discrimination and deceptive practices.
“That’s one of the reasons for putting out the AI bulletin, the expectations and the consumer protection around the use of that data, and what they are using that for,” Crawford said.
Potential solutions
Bolduc called on lawmakers to reexamine AI’s role in the industry. He also asked lawmakers to look into making coverage changes more transparent.
“It might be useful to continue looking for ways to be transparent about coverage changes. Notices of material change don’t seem to be working particularly well in the sense that we get a lot of phone calls from people saying they don’t understand what happened to them,” Bolduc said Wednesday.
Billy Crocker, Senior Vice President of Alliant Insurance Services, says the best way to fix pricing is to drive up competition between insurance companies.
“I think creating a lot of competition is the best way to drive this down, both for personal and business lines,” Crocker told lawmakers. “And then that brings the opportunity for access.”
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