TWIA & Windstorm Insurance in Texas
What TWIA is, who typically needs it, and how it works alongside a standard homeowners policy.
If you own property along the Texas Gulf Coast, you may have heard the term "TWIA" — the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association. Here's what it is, why it exists, and how to figure out if it applies to you.
What is TWIA?
The Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA) is a state-created insurance pool that provides windstorm and hail coverage in designated coastal "catastrophe areas" — generally the first-tier coastal counties and part of Harris County — where private insurers have historically limited how much wind/hail coverage they write.
TWIA isn't a private insurance company competing for your business; it exists specifically as a coverage option for wind and hail in those designated areas when the private market falls short.
Do I need a separate TWIA policy?
It depends on where your property is located and how your regular homeowners policy is written. In TWIA-eligible counties, some standard homeowners policies exclude wind and hail damage, which means a separate TWIA policy fills that specific gap — while your homeowners policy still covers fire, theft, liability, and other standard risks.
Not every property in a coastal county needs TWIA — it depends on your insurer, your policy's specific exclusions, and your exact location. We can help you check whether your current policy already includes wind/hail coverage or has a gap TWIA would fill.
What does a TWIA application typically involve?
New TWIA policies generally require documentation that your property meets Texas windstorm building code standards, often referred to as a WPI-8 certificate of compliance, particularly for newer construction or after major renovations.
Coverage is also typically subject to a separate wind/hail deductible, often written as a percentage of your dwelling coverage rather than a flat dollar amount — worth understanding before a storm, not after.
FAQ
Is TWIA the same as flood insurance?
No. TWIA covers wind and hail damage. Flood damage, including storm surge, is covered separately, typically through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or a private flood policy. Many coastal properties carry both.
Which parts of Texas are eligible for TWIA?
Generally the 14 first-tier coastal counties and part of Harris County, in areas the state designates as catastrophe areas for wind and hail. Eligibility is address-specific, so it's worth checking your exact property rather than assuming based on county alone.
How do I find out if my property needs TWIA coverage?
Call or text us with your address and current policy details, and we can help you understand whether your homeowners coverage already includes wind/hail or has a gap that TWIA, or a private windstorm policy, would need to fill.