The state of Texas does not require windstorm insurance, but if you reside in a high-risk area, you may need it to qualify for a mortgage. If you reside near the coast, windstorm insurance is also a smart idea, as most homeowner’s insurance policies exclude coverage for wind, hail, and other hurricane-related damages.
If you’ve been refused by at least one other provider, you can buy windstorm insurance from private insurers or the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA). However, you must ensure that your home complies with windstorm certification criteria, or you may be denied coverage.
What counties in Texas is windstorm insurance required?
TWIA insurance only cover losses caused by wind and hail. TWIA insurance do not cover any additional dangers. TWIA accepts applications for coverage, together with the entire annual premium, from agents who are fully licensed by the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI).
Applicants and properties must meet specific criteria established by the Texas Legislature in order to be eligible for a TWIA policy:
- Applicants must have been turned down by at least one private market insurer.
- With a few exceptions, properties must be certified as having been erected in accordance with prevailing building codes.
- Properties in designated flood zones (V zones) that were built, altered, remodeled, or enlarged after September 1, 2009 that are eligible for flood insurance via the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) must show proof of flood insurance coverage.
- As defined by the Association in the Plan of Operation, properties must be in insurable condition.
Coverage Area
TWIA insurance cover residential and commercial property located within the Commissioner of Insurance’s approved region. All 14 first-tier coastal counties, as well as parts of Harris County east of Highway 146, are currently included in this area. Aransas, Brazoria, Calhoun, Cameron, Chambers, Galveston, Jefferson, Kenedy, Kleberg, Matagorda, Nueces, Refugio, San Patricio, and Willacy are the specific counties. The following areas of Harris County are covered when the property is located inside the city limits and east of Highway 146: La Porte, Morgan’s Point, Pasadena, Seabrook, and Shore Acres.
Building Codes & Certificates of Compliance (WPI-8, WPI-8-E, WPI-8-C)
Sections 2210.251-2210.252 and 2210.258-2210.259 of the Texas Insurance Code explain the building code and inspection criteria for TWIA eligibility and provide for limited exclusions. TWIA requires a Certificate of Compliance (WPI-8, WPI-8-E, or WPI-8-C) on all structures built, altered, remodeled, enlarged, repaired, or to which additions have been made on or after January 1, 1988, in compliance with these sections. The Windstorm Inspections Program is administered by TDI, which also issues all Certificates of Compliance (WPI-8/WPI-8-E).
From January 1, 2017 through May 31, 2020, TWIA awarded Certificates of Compliance (WPI-8-C) for finished construction.
TWIA was empowered by legislation established in 2015 to issue Certificates of Compliance (WPI-8-C) for completed improvements made on or after January 1, 2017. Beginning June 1, 2020, TDI will be responsible for issuing Certificates of Compliance for completed improvements, thanks to legislation passed in 2019. This is on top of the Certificates of Compliance that TDI has already given out for new and ongoing improvements. TWIA’s Certificates of Compliance are still valid. Unless the structures are updated after being certified, property owners having a WPI-8-C do not need to re-certify their structures in order to keep their TWIA insurance.
Insurability Guidelines
TWIA coverage is only available for properties that are insurable (i.e. in good repair with no unrepaired damage or hazardous conditions). TWIA inspects homes on a regular basis as part of its underwriting procedure to ensure insurability. A vendor can check a property on-site or remotely using high-quality aerial images. Inspections are used to check the correctness of rating information, find any unrepaired damage, and find any other issues that could compromise the property’s insurability.
Are you required to have windstorm insurance in Texas?
The state of Texas does not require windstorm insurance. If you reside in a high-risk area, though, you may be required to acquire insurance in order to qualify for a mortgage.
What wind zone is Brazoria County?
(a) Wind Zone II includes the counties of Aransas, Brazoria, Calhoun, Cameron, Chambers, Galveston, Jefferson, Kenedy, Kleberg, Matagorda, Nueces, Orange, Refugio, San Patricio, and Willacy. Wind Zone I encompasses all other counties.
Is windstorm insurance the same as hurricane insurance?
Windstorm insurance protects against damage caused by severe winds in general, not just hurricanes. Here are some examples of associations that provide windstorm coverage and often hail damage coverage to homeowners in high-risk coastal locations who can’t afford it elsewhere: The Alabama Insurance Underwriting Association is based in Montgomery, Alabama.
What does windstorm insurance cover in Texas?
Direct damage to your home and property caused by wind and hail is usually covered by windstorm insurance. If you can’t live in your house for a period of time due to wind or hail damage, a wind insurance policy may give loss of use coverage, often known as additional living expense coverage.
Wind and hail insurance policies include a deductible, which is the amount you must pay out of pocket for damage before the insurer will cover it. Your deductible can be a set financial figure or a percentage of the dwelling coverage limit of your policy. For example, if your deductible is 1% and you have $100,000 in housing coverage, your deductible is $1,000.
Is windstorm insurance required in Corpus Christi Texas?
Tornadoes, hurricanes, and cyclones are examples of high-wind events that can be covered by windstorm insurance. In Corpus Christi, windstorm insurance is a must-have. If you live near the Gulf of Mexico, you will be subjected to severe storms at all times of the year.
What does insurance consider a windstorm?
Windstorm insurance addresses extreme gusts of wind, such as hurricanes and cyclones, which are frequently deemed as severe and hence may be excluded from conventional residences insurance coverage. Those who reside in places where this type of risk is a possibility must get this extra coverage to protect themselves. This category includes residents of coastal and midwestern states where hurricanes and tornadoes are reasonably prevalent.
How do I get my WPI 8 certificate?
On the TDI Windstorm website, you can look up a property’s certificate of compliance (WPI-8 or WPI-8-E). Call 1-800-231-5360 to see if TWIA issued a certificate (WPI-8-C) between January 1, 2017 and May 31, 2020.
What wind zone is Texas in?
What wind zone does Texas belong to? Wind Zone III has a basic wind speed of 110 miles per hour. These places are at risk of being hit by a storm and should prepare for heavy winds. The Gulf coasts of Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida are all part of this zone.