TWIA windstorm insurance, explained

Who is eligible

TWIA lists these requirements:

• Location: one of the 14 first-tier coastal counties (Aransas, Brazoria, Calhoun, Cameron, Chambers, Galveston, Jefferson, Kenedy, Kleberg, Matagorda, Nueces, Refugio, San Patricio, Willacy) or parts of Harris County east of Highway 146.
• Declination: you've been turned down for wind and hail coverage by at least one authorized insurer actively writing it in the area.
• Building code: a windstorm certificate of compliance, with limited exceptions.
• Flood: proof of flood insurance if the property is in a V zone and built or altered on or after September 1, 2009.
• Condition: the structure is in good repair, without unrepaired damage or hazards.

What counts as a declination

A declination is either a refusal by an authorized insurer to offer wind and hail coverage, or an offer that's more restrictive than TWIA's, such as only a high deductible or no replacement cost. A cheaper price elsewhere doesn't count, and a surplus lines company doesn't qualify. A wind and hail exclusion on your home policy isn't proof of declination by itself, because it may reflect your choice.

One declination is needed for new coverage and a new one every three years at renewal. If TWIA finds a policy has no valid declination, it can cancel with 30 days' notice.

The windstorm certificate (WPI-8)

TWIA requires a windstorm certificate of compliance showing the structure meets applicable building codes, with limited exceptions. TDI issues them: a WPI-8 for work inspected during construction by a TDI-appointed engineer or TDI inspector, and a WPI-8-E for completed work inspected by a Texas licensed engineer. TWIA issued WPI-8-C certificates from 2017 to May 2020.

Roof replacements, additions, new windows and doors, and major repairs generally need certification. TDI lists exceptions, including roof repairs under 100 square feet that don't involve decking, painting, gutters, fences and plumbing or electrical repairs. Ask your contractor in writing how they'll get the certificate before work starts; inspecting finished work can cost more.

Texas law has two main exceptions: some uncertified homes can be insured with a 15% annual premium surcharge, and some homes that were canceled or nonrenewed by a private insurer can qualify without a certificate if no work has been done since (Insurance Code Sections 2210.258 and 2210.259).

How to buy a TWIA policy

You can't buy directly. Under Insurance Code Section 2210.202, a property and casualty agent submits the application for you, and the agent must hold proof of your declination and of flood coverage if required. Policies run one year and renew annually while the property stays insurable. For TWIA policies issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2026, policyholders can't use third-party premium finance; TWIA offers its own installment plans at no added cost, according to TDI.

Timing matters: TWIA can't issue new policies or increase coverage while a hurricane is in the Gulf. Apply well before storm season.

Limits and coverage features

TWIA's maximum limits are proposed by its board, adjusted for construction-cost inflation, and reviewed by TDI each year; the law sets floors such as $350,000 for a dwelling and its contents. Ask your agent for the current maximum and whether your home's replacement cost exceeds it.

Under Insurance Code Section 2210.208, TWIA dwelling policies include coverage for wind-driven rain, loss of use and consequential losses (where that coverage is excluded from your regular home policy), but TWIA doesn't have to cover additional living expenses for a secondary home. Replacement cost is paid in full only if you insure the dwelling to at least 80% of replacement cost or the TWIA maximum.

TWIA claim deadlines

These come from Insurance Code Subchapter L-1, and they're stricter than for regular home claims:

• File within one year of the date of damage. The commissioner can extend that by up to 180 days for good cause.
• TWIA may ask for missing information within 30 days of the claim.
• TWIA must accept or deny in writing within 60 days of receiving the claim or the requested information, whichever is later, unless the commissioner extends it.
• TWIA must pay an accepted claim within 10 days of its notice.
• With replacement cost coverage, submit proof of completed repairs within 545 days of TWIA's coverage notice to collect the replacement cost payment.

If you disagree with TWIA

Disputes over the amount go to appraisal: you must demand it within 60 days of TWIA's coverage notice (a 30-day extension is possible for good cause if requested in writing within 15 days after the deadline). You and TWIA split appraisal costs, and the result is binding. TDI says you can also ask TWIA to reconsider and request a supplemental payment, and that telling TWIA you disagree before the 545-day deadline protects your rights on newer replacement cost policies.

If TWIA denies all or part of a claim, you must give notice of intent to sue; TWIA may require mediation first. You must file suit within two years of the denial notice. Insurance Code Chapter 542A's pre-suit rules don't apply to TWIA, which has its own process.