Texas Windstorm Insurance and TWIA
The Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA) offers last-resort insurance to homeowners in some parts of Texas.
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Standard homeowner insurance typically covers windstorm damage to your home or personal belongings. But some insurers may exclude windstorm coverage if you live in an area at high risk for wind damage, like coastal regions.
Fortunately, if you’re in Texas and your home insurance won’t cover windstorms, you may still find coverage through the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA). This is a type of last-resort coverage for Texans who other insurers have denied wind insurance.
Do you need windstorm insurance in Texas?
You don’t legally need windstorm insurance in Texas, though your mortgage lender may require you to have it if you finance your home. The state of Texas — particularly parts of its coast — is highly vulnerable to hurricanes, which can cause severe wind-related damage. In fact, FEMA has labeled the Texas coastline as having a “very high” or “relatively high” hurricane risk.1
Hurricanes and other windstorms can wreak havoc on homes, blowing off roofs, damaging walls and windows, or destroying your home entirely. Having insurance against these storms can help protect you financially if you need to repair your home or replace belongings damaged by wind.
Where to buy windstorm insurance
If you live in a high-risk part of Texas and your home insurance policy excludes windstorms, it’s a good idea to purchase a separate policy to secure this coverage. This is likely the case if you live along the coast, where windstorms and hurricanes are most common.
Though private insurance companies offer these policies, you may have a hard time finding coverage if your home is in a high-risk area. In this case, you may be able to purchase special coverage through TWIA. The Texas Legislature created the TWIA in 1971 to offer last-resort wind and hail coverage to Texans unable to secure it through private insurers.2
What is the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association?
The Texas Legislature created TWIA — formerly known as the Texas Catastrophe Property Insurance Association — in the wake of Hurricane Celia, which struck Corpus Christi, Texas, in 1970 and caused $500 million in damages. The association’s goal is to ensure the continued “availability and affordability” of insurance along the state’s Gulf Coast.
Who’s eligible for TWIA
The Texas Legislature sets eligibility requirements for TWIA insurance. To qualify, you’ll need:4
A property located in a designated catastrophe area
Denial of coverage from at least one authorized insurer
Proof of flood insurance (if required in your area)
A home built to code, in good repair, with no hazardous conditions
TWIA will inspect the home when underwriting your policy. These inspections may be in person or remote using aerial imagery.
Areas TWIA covers
TWIA only offers policies in certain counties along the Texas Gulf Coast. The Texas Commissioner of Insurance considers these counties as “first-tier” coastal counties.
Covered counties include:
Aransas County
Brazoria County
Calhoun County
Cameron County
Chambers County
Galveston County
Jefferson County
Kenedy County
Kleberg County
Matagorda County
Nueces County
Refugio County
San Patricio County
Willacy County
Harris County (only parts east of Highway 146)
Cost of windstorm insurance in Texas
The average TWIA policy costs around $1,700–$2,000 per year, according to the association. Your exact premium could be more or less than this, depending on several factors, including the amount of coverage, your home’s construction, your deductible, and more.
TWIA doesn’t use credit scores when setting premiums.5
How to file a claim with TWIA
If you have TWIA insurance and need to file a claim after a storm, you can do so through TWIA’s online policyholder portal.
Here’s what the full process looks like:6
Check your policy documents to determine what you do and don’t have coverage for.
Assess the damage to your property and take photos if possible.
Make any necessary temporary repairs. Be sure to save your receipts.
File the claim on the TWIA website. Have your policy number on hand.
Wait for a TWIA representative to call you and discuss your claim.
Use the online portal to track your claim’s status or view payment details.
You can also communicate with the TWIA representative handling your claim through the online portal.
Cost of homeowners insurance in Texas
Texas homeowners pay an annual average of $4,140 for a policy with $300,000 dwelling coverage.
The following table highlights the cheapest annual average rates from various insurers.
Texas windstorm insurance FAQs
Windstorm insurance can be confusing for many homeowners. Use this additional information to learn more about this type of coverage.
Does Texas mandate windstorm insurance for homeowners?
No. Texas doesn’t legally require windstorm insurance, but mortgage lenders often do — particularly if your home is in a high-risk area. You may also want it for peace of mind.
Does TWIA cover all of Texas?
No. TWIA windstorm insurance is only available in certain counties along the Texas coast. These include Aransas, Brazoria, Calhoun, Cameron, Chambers, Galveston, Jefferson, Kenedy, Kleberg, Matagorda, Nueces, Refugio, San Patricio, and Willacy counties, as well as parts of Harris County (east of Highway 146).
How can you purchase windstorm insurance?
You can purchase windstorm insurance coverage through private insurers, but if they refuse to cover your property, you can use the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA) as a last resort.
This state-created organization offers windstorm and hail insurance to homeowners in certain high-risk coastal counties. Your insurance agent can help you determine eligibility and apply for a TWIA policy.
Does homeowners insurance include windstorm insurance?
Usually. Most homeowner’s policies include wind coverage, though insurers may exclude it for homes located in areas at high risk of hail or wind damage.
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