TWIA windstorm insurance on the Texas coast

Updated October 27, 2026

Along the Texas coast, many homeowners policies leave out wind and hail. Buyers there often add a policy from the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA), the state's insurer of last resort for wind. Whether you can get one, and what it costs, depends on the home's windstorm paperwork.

Where TWIA applies

TWIA writes policies only in the catastrophe area set by chapter 2210 of the Texas Insurance Code: the 14 first-tier coastal counties (Aransas, Brazoria, Calhoun, Cameron, Chambers, Galveston, Jefferson, Kenedy, Kleberg, Matagorda, Nueces, Refugio, San Patricio and Willacy) and the parts of La Porte, Morgan's Point, Pasadena, Seabrook and Shoreacres in Harris County east of State Highway 146.

How it works

• It's a separate policy. You keep a regular homeowners policy (which excludes wind and hail) and add TWIA for wind and hail. Flood, including storm surge, needs a third policy.
• Declination first. TWIA asks for proof that at least one private insurer turned down wind and hail coverage for the property.
• Windstorm certificate. Homes built, added to or repaired on or after January 1, 1988 generally need a Texas Department of Insurance certificate of compliance (form WPI-8, or WPI-8-C/E for newer work) showing the work met the windstorm building code. Without it, TWIA may decline the home until it's inspected and brought up to code.
• Coverage limits. TWIA has a maximum dwelling limit, and premiums depend on location, construction, roof and deductible. Get a quote before you're under contract.

What to ask before you buy

• Does the home have a WPI-8 for its construction and for every roof replacement, addition or repair since 1988? You can search certificates on the TDI site.
• Is there a current TWIA policy, and what are the premium and deductible?
• What is the storm-surge risk and flood zone? Is the home in a hurricane evacuation zone?

A HouseDirt report for a coastal address shows whether it's in the TWIA area, the NOAA storm-surge risk by hurricane category, FEMA's coastal zones, the Coastal Barrier Resources System and hurricanes that passed nearby since 1950.

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Common questions

Which Texas counties are in the TWIA area?

The 14 first-tier coastal counties: Aransas, Brazoria, Calhoun, Cameron, Chambers, Galveston, Jefferson, Kenedy, Kleberg, Matagorda, Nueces, Refugio, San Patricio and Willacy, plus the parts of La Porte, Morgan's Point, Pasadena, Seabrook and Shoreacres in Harris County east of State Highway 146.

What is a WPI-8?

A WPI-8 is the certificate of compliance the Texas Department of Insurance issues when construction, additions or repairs meet the windstorm building code. TWIA generally needs it for work done on or after January 1, 1988 in the catastrophe area.

Do I need a private insurance declination to get TWIA?

Yes. To apply for a new TWIA policy you need proof that at least one insurer authorized in Texas declined to cover wind and hail for the property, unless an exception applies. An agent can usually arrange this.

Does TWIA cover flooding?

No. TWIA covers wind and hail. Flood, including storm surge, needs a separate flood insurance policy.

Sources

• Texas Windstorm Insurance Association
• TWIA, declination requirement
• Texas Department of Insurance, windstorm inspections and certificates
• TDI windstorm certificate search
• Texas Insurance Code, chapter 2210
• NOAA National Storm Surge Risk Maps

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