Do I Need Coverage Through the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association?
If you live on the Texas coast, you may have heard of the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association. This state-created insurer offers wind and hail coverage to property owners who cannot obtain it through the private insurance market. TWIA coverage is mostly determined by the location of your property and the terms of your current policy.
What Is TWIA?
TWIA is a state-backed insurance provider designed to offer windstorm and hail coverage in high-risk coastal areas of Texas. It acts as an “insurer of last resort,” meaning it steps in when private insurance companies either:
- Decline to write wind coverage
- Exclude windstorm and hail damage from policies
- Charge unaffordable premiums
TWIA does not replace a full homeowners policy. Instead, it typically covers wind and hail damage only, meaning you may need a separate homeowners policy for fire, theft, liability, and other risks.
Who Typically Needs TWIA Coverage?
You may need TWIA coverage if:
- Your property is located in one of Texas’ designated coastal counties
- Your private insurer excludes windstorm coverage
- You have been denied wind coverage by at least one authorized insurer
Coastal counties, including areas near the Gulf of Mexico, are more vulnerable to hurricanes, tropical storms, and severe wind events. Because of this risk, many private insurers limit wind coverage in these regions.
Who May Not Need TWIA?
If you live inland or outside designated catastrophe areas, your standard homeowners policy likely includes windstorm and tornado coverage. In these cases, TWIA is generally unnecessary. Additionally, some private insurers still offer comprehensive wind coverage in coastal areas — though premiums may be higher.
What Does TWIA Cover?
TWIA policies typically cover:
- Wind and hail damage to your dwelling
- Damage to certain detached structures
- Some personal property losses (depending on policy terms)
Coverage limits and deductibles — often percentage-based — may differ from standard homeowners policies.
Conclusion
You may need TWIA coverage if you live in a coastal Texas county and cannot secure wind coverage through a private insurer. Reviewing your homeowners policy and confirming whether windstorm damage is included is the first step. Understanding your options before storm season can help prevent costly coverage gaps.
