Many areas of Texas are prone to very strong weather conditions. High winds, hail, and hurricanes are often among them. This is why many residents opt to include a windstorm insurance policy in their coverage. Such coverage is not mandatory. However, you may find it an essential addition if you live where these events are common.
What is the Texas windstorm insurance association?
The prevalence of conditions for natural disasters in Texas requires a strong policy of insurance. You may already have applied for such a policy, only to be rejected. If this is the case, you can consider applying for coverage via the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA). To do so, your home will need to meet a few basic windstorm certification requirements.
The TWIA is an insurer that can offer coverage to homeowners who have been rejected by other insurance companies. The agency can offer them wind and hail insurance at affordable rates. This organization is regulated by the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI).
The organization works differently from other insurers in that there are no agents. To get a policy, you must purchase coverage through your existing homeowner’s insurance provider. You can also apply through an insurance agent.
How can you qualify for TWIA insurance?
To qualify, you must prove that you were rejected by another company for windstorm insurance. Being offered a different policy, such as flood insurance, that didn’t meet your needs also counts as a rejection.
Your home needs to be certified by the TWIA or TDI as being compliant with windstorm building codes. An inspection will entitle you to a WPI-8 or WPI-8-C certificate of compliance. Once you have it, you can apply to the TWIA.
