TWIA: who it covers
The Texas Windstorm Insurance Association is the state's wind and hail insurer of last resort, created under Texas Insurance Code chapter 2210. It writes wind and hail coverage in the 14 first-tier coastal counties — Aransas, Brazoria, Calhoun, Cameron, Chambers, Galveston, Jefferson, Kenedy, Kleberg, Matagorda, Nueces, Refugio, San Patricio and Willacy — plus the part of Harris County east of Highway 146.
A typical Galveston homeowner carries three policies: a homeowners policy that excludes wind and hail, a TWIA windstorm policy, and a separate flood policy (NFIP or private). Knowing which policy pays for which damage is the heart of most coastal claims.
WPI-8 windstorm certificates
Any structure built, altered or repaired on or after January 1, 1988 generally needs a Certificate of Compliance to be eligible for TWIA coverage. That includes most roof replacements.
| Form | What it is |
|---|---|
| WPI-1 | Notice filed with TDI before work begins, by the appointed engineer or inspector. |
| WPI-8 | Certificate of Compliance issued by the Texas Department of Insurance after inspections during construction. |
| WPI-8-E | Certificate issued by TDI for completed work certified by a Texas-licensed professional engineer (Ins. Code §2210.2515). |
| WPI-8-C | Legacy certificate TWIA issued for completed work submitted roughly 2017–2020. |
TWIA claim deadlines
- 1 yr
File your claim
Within one year of the date of damage. The Commissioner may extend by up to 180 days for good cause. §2210.573(a), §2210.205
- 30 d
TWIA requests information
TWIA may ask in writing for what it needs within 30 days after the claim is filed. §2210.573(b)
- 60 d
TWIA decides
Accept in full, accept in part / deny in part, or deny — in writing — within 60 days of receiving the claim or the requested information, whichever is later. Catastrophe extensions may not exceed 120 days total. §2210.573(d), §2210.581
- 10 d
TWIA pays
Within 10 days after it notifies you it accepted the claim (or after you perform any required condition). §2210.5731
Disputes: appraisal and denials
Disagree with the amount? Appraisal.
You may demand appraisal within 60 days of TWIA's decision notice; TWIA may grant 30 more days if you ask in writing, with good cause, within 15 days after the 60 days end (§2210.574). Appraisal costs are split, and the award is binding. For claims after January 1, 2024, TDI rules set timelines for naming an umpire and completing residential (90 + 60 days) and commercial (120 + 90 days) appraisals.
Coverage denied? Notice of intent to sue.
For a denial of coverage, you must give TWIA a notice of intent to sue before the limitations period expires or the right to contest is waived (§2210.575). TWIA may require mediation or a moderated settlement conference. Any suit must be filed within two years of receiving the denial — a statute of repose (§2210.577). A public adjuster cannot file suit; we'll tell you early if your claim needs an attorney.
Private insurers: the Prompt Payment of Claims Act
Homeowners, flood-excluded and commercial policies from private carriers follow Insurance Code chapter 542 instead:
- 15 days after notice to acknowledge, start investigating and request items (§542.055)
- 15 business days after receiving everything to accept or reject — up to 45 more days if they notify you they need it (§542.056)
- 5 business days to pay after accepting (§542.057)
- +15 days on every deadline after a declared weather catastrophe (§542.059)
- Late payment can carry statutory interest and attorney's fees (§542.060)
Texas public adjuster rules
- Public adjusters must be licensed by the Texas Department of Insurance (§4102.051).
- Contracts must be on a TDI-approved form and say "WE REPRESENT THE INSURED ONLY" (§4102.103).
- You can rescind the contract in writing within 72 hours of signing.
- Fees are capped at 10% of the settlement; no percentage fee if the insurer pays or commits to pay policy limits within 72 hours of the loss report (§4102.104).
- You must be named on claim checks. Public adjusters cannot perform or profit from repairs (§4102.158, §4102.163).
2025–2026 changes
- HB 3689 (effective Sept. 1, 2025) changed how TWIA is funded after a catastrophe, including state financing repaid by a statewide surcharge.
- SB 458 (2025): residential and auto policies issued or renewed after January 1, 2026 must include an appraisal clause.
- HB 2067 (2025): insurers must give written reasons for declines, cancellations and nonrenewals.
- April 1, 2026: TDI's windstorm program moved to the 2024 IRC/IBC with Texas revisions.
This page is general information, current as of September 2026, and is not legal advice. Statute text: Ins. Code ch. 2210, ch. 542, ch. 4102; TDI adopted codes; TWIA claims.