Do I need windstorm insurance from TWIA on the Texas coast?

Only if you live in TWIA's coverage area and can't find wind coverage elsewhere. The Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA) is an insurer of last resort for wind and hail in 14 coastal counties and parts of Harris County east of Highway 146. The counties are Aransas, Brazoria, Calhoun, Cameron, Chambers, Galveston, Jefferson, Kenedy, Kleberg, Matagorda, Nueces, Refugio, San Patricio, and Willacy. Applicants must first be denied by at least one private insurer. Buildings built or substantially altered after January 1, 1988, generally need a TDI windstorm certificate of compliance (WPI-8 forms). TDI says manufactured homes insured by TWIA are not inspected by TDI; TDHCA standards govern them. TWIA covers wind and hail only.

Check your local rule. This varies by state, county or city. Your permitting office has the final word; the official lookup pages below show you who that is.

Sources

• TWIA OverviewTexas Windstorm Insurance Association
• What you need to know about windstorm inspectionsTexas Department of Insurance
• TWIA Insurability RequirementsTexas Department of Insurance