Short answer: The Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA) is the state's insurer of last resort for wind and hail coverage on the coast. It covers the 14 first-tier coastal counties and part of Harris County when private insurers decline. Most properties need a TDI windstorm certificate of compliance. TWIA doesn't cover flood.
Why TWIA exists
Many homeowners policies on the Texas coast exclude wind and hail because of hurricane risk. The Texas Legislature created TWIA to make that coverage available. TWIA operates under Texas Insurance Code Chapter 2210 and is overseen by the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI).
Where TWIA is available
According to TWIA, property must be in the area designated by the Commissioner of Insurance, which currently includes all 14 first-tier coastal counties:
Aransas, Brazoria, Calhoun, Cameron, Chambers, Galveston, Jefferson, Kenedy, Kleberg, Matagorda, Nueces, Refugio, San Patricio and Willacy, plus parts of Harris County east of Highway 146 (La Porte, Morgan's Point, Pasadena, Seabrook and Shore Acres, inside city limits).
Eligibility requirements
TWIA lists these key requirements:
- Location in the designated area
- Denial by a private insurer: applicants must have been declined by at least one authorized insurer actively writing wind and hail coverage in the area
- Certificate of compliance: structures built, altered, remodeled, enlarged, repaired or added to on or after January 1, 1988 generally need a WPI-8 or WPI-8-E from TDI (or a WPI-8-C issued by TWIA for certain work done from 2017 to 2020), with limited exceptions
TWIA also inspects properties, in person or with aerial imagery, to confirm eligibility and condition.
The WPI-8 certificate
TDI runs the Windstorm Inspections Program. According to TDI, you must apply for a certificate before starting construction, hire an appointed qualified inspector, and have the inspector submit the verification when work is complete. That includes many roof replacements and repairs. Skipping the process can make a property ineligible for TWIA coverage. You can search for existing certificates in TDI's Windstorm system.
What TWIA covers
TWIA policies cover direct physical damage caused by windstorm and hail, such as:
- Roof and siding damage from hurricane winds
- Wind-driven rain entering through openings created by wind
- Hail damage
- Personal property and additional living expenses, if purchased, subject to policy terms
You usually pair TWIA with a homeowners policy that excludes wind and hail but covers fire, theft, liability and other perils.
What TWIA doesn't cover
- Flood and storm surge. You need separate flood insurance, such as through the NFIP. See FloodSmart.gov and our flood insurance page.
- Perils other than wind and hail, which belong on your homeowners policy
- Damage from lack of maintenance or wear and tear
Deductibles
TWIA policies use deductibles that may be a percentage of the coverage amount. Check your declarations page and compare options. See hurricane deductibles explained.
TWIA vs. the Texas FAIR Plan
TWIA covers wind and hail on the coast. The Texas FAIR Plan Association offers basic residential coverage statewide for people who can't find it elsewhere, and on the coast its policies may exclude wind and hail. See the Texas FAIR Plan explained.
Common scenarios
You buy a home in Galveston and the homeowners policy excludes wind. You may need TWIA or a private wind policy, plus flood insurance.
You replace your roof in Corpus Christi without a windstorm inspection. The property may lack a certificate of compliance, which can affect TWIA eligibility. Talk to TDI and a qualified inspector.
A hurricane causes wind damage and storm surge. Wind damage may be a TWIA claim; surge damage is a flood claim.
A private insurer offers wind coverage. If you're offered coverage in the private market, you may not qualify for TWIA. Compare terms.
Key terms
- First-tier coastal counties: the 14 Texas counties along the Gulf coast in TWIA's designated area.
- WPI-8 / WPI-8-E: TDI certificates showing a structure meets windstorm building codes.
- Insurer of last resort: a program that provides coverage when the private market won't.
- Storm surge: coastal flooding from a storm, covered by flood insurance, not TWIA.
Bottom line
On the Texas coast, wind, hail and flood are often three separate coverage decisions. Before you buy, build or re-roof, confirm the windstorm certificate requirements, ask whether private wind coverage is available, and add flood insurance. Keep your certificates and inspection documents with your policy records so eligibility questions don't slow a claim after a storm.
Contact Alishahi Insurance or call (877) 711-4545. See insurance in Texas and wind and hail insurance.
Frequently asked questions
What is TWIA?
The Texas Windstorm Insurance Association, the state's insurer of last resort for wind and hail coverage in designated coastal areas.
Where is TWIA coverage available?
In the 14 first-tier Texas coastal counties and parts of Harris County east of Highway 146.
Do I need a WPI-8 for TWIA?
Generally yes for structures built or altered since January 1, 1988, with limited exceptions.
Does TWIA cover flood or storm surge?
No. You need separate flood insurance.
Do I have to be denied by a private insurer to get TWIA?
Yes. TWIA requires a denial from at least one authorized insurer writing wind coverage in the area.
Alishahi Insurance · 439 N Canon Dr, Penthouse, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 · (877) 711-4545 · CA License #4348151. General information only. This isn't legal, tax or financial advice or a coverage determination. Coverage depends on policy language and underwriting, and rules vary by state.