TWIA WINDSTORM INSURANCE
Wind & Hail Coverage for Eligible Texas Coastal Properties
Living near the Texas Gulf Coast comes
with unique insurance challenges.
Some homeowners policies in coastal areas
exclude windstorm and hail,
which can make separate wind coverage necessary.
Next Move Insurance can help eligible Texas property owners obtain coverage through the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association — TWIA.
What Is TWIA?
The Texas Windstorm Insurance Association provides windstorm and hail insurance to eligible property owners in designated Texas coastal areas when qualifying coverage isn't available through the private market.
TWIA coverage is focused specifically on wind and hail;
it is not a replacement for all the protection normally provided by homeowners insurance.
That means some homeowners may have:
Homeowners/property coverage + TWIA windstorm + flood insurance
as separate pieces of their overall protection.
Where Is TWIA Available?
TWIA serves properties within the state's
designated catastrophe area, including
Texas' 14 first-tier coastal counties
and certain portions of Harris County east of Highway 146.
Eligibility depends on the exact location and property.
If you're unsure whether your property falls
within the TWIA coverage area,
send us the address and we'll help you determine the next step.
Do I Automatically Qualify Because I Live Near the Coast?
No.
Among TWIA's current eligibility requirements, applicants generally must have been denied windstorm and hail coverage by at least one authorized insurer writing that coverage, and qualifying properties must be located in the designated catastrophe area.
Building-code certification requirements can also apply.
We'll help you understand the requirements that apply to your property.
What Is a WPI-8?
Many coastal properties need documentation showing that construction or improvements comply with applicable windstorm building requirements.
TWIA identifies several forms of windstorm Certificates of Compliance, including WPI-8, WPI-8-E and WPI-8-C, depending on the situation.
If you're purchasing a coastal property,
this is something worth checking before closing.
Buying a Home Near the Texas Coast?
We can help you evaluate whether the property may need:
Standard homeowners insurance
TWIA windstorm coverage
Flood insurance
Additional property coverage
This is particularly important in coastal and near-coastal communities.
Don't Wait for a Hurricane
TWIA can impose a policy moratorium when a hurricane is in the Gulf, during which new policies generally cannot be issued and existing coverage cannot simply be increased.
That's one reason coastal property owners should address their insurance needs before a storm is approaching.
TWIA FAQ
Does TWIA replace homeowners insurance?
No. TWIA focuses on windstorm and hail coverage.
Does TWIA cover flooding?
Flood coverage is separate.
We can also help with NFIP and private flood insurance options.
Can you help properties in Harris County?
Some Harris County properties east of Highway 146 are within the TWIA-designated area. Exact eligibility depends on the property.
Can Next Move Insurance help with the TWIA application?
Yes. Contact us with the property address and
we'll help determine the appropriate next step.