Windstorm insurance covers damages caused by high winds (from heavy storms) and hail disasters. Most homeowner policies include windstorm coverage with some coastal areas as the exception. If you live in a coastal area, you may need to purchase windstorm insurance separately outside of your home insurance.

The Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA) insures properties along the Gulf Coast where most insurance carriers exclude wind coverage. This coverage is provided by a government organization, therefore pricing would be the same regardless of which insurance agent you purchase it from.

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• Hurricanes, cyclones, and tornados are often classified as windstorms as are any events that include heavy winds strong enough to cause significant property damage.

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• Approximately 85% of all windstorm-related insurance claims are due to roof damage. When roofs and windows are damaged, rain and debris can cause additional damage.

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TWIA Coverage and Eligibility

• Properties must be located in the area designated by the Commissioner of Insurance, which currently includes all 14 first-tier coastal counties (Aransas, Brazoria, Calhoun, Cameron, Chambers, Galveston, Jefferson, Kenedy, Kleberg, Matagorda, Nueces, Refugio, San Patricio and Willacy) and parts of Harris County east of Highway 146.

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• Applicants must have been denied coverage by at least one insurer authorized to write windstorm and hail coverage in the designated area.

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• Properties must be certified by the Texas Department of Insurance as having been built to applicable building codes, with limited exceptions.

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• Properties located in flood zones V, VE, or V1-30 that were constructed, altered, remodeled, or enlarged on or after September 1, 2009 and that can obtain flood insurance through the NFIP must provide proof of flood insurance coverage.