Windstorm Insurance Inspections

 (September 2006)

Coastal county residents:

Before you build inquire about a windstorm insurance inspection.

The Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA) is the state´s insurer of last resort for wind and hail coverage in the 14 coastal counties and parts of Harris County (specified below). TWIA provides wind and hail coverage when insurance companies exclude it from homeowners and other property policies sold to coastal residents.

If you are planning to build or renovate any structure in the counties listed below, then you are advised to contact your insurance agent about the Windstorm Inspection Program in order to obtain or maintain windstorm and hail insurance through TWIA.

Coastal counties and areas affected:

Aransas, Brazoria, Calhoun, Cameron, Chambers, Galveston, Jefferson, Kenedy, Kleberg, Matagorda, Nueces, Refugio, San Patricio, Willacy, or in the following cities east of State Highway 146 in Harris County: La Porte, Morgan´s Point, Pasadena, Seabrook, or Shore Acres

While not required for all construction, the following projects typically do require an inspection for windstorm insurance purposes:

• New Structures
• Additions
• Alterations
• Re-roofs
• Repairs

Windstorm insurance inspections under this program must be made by either a Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) inspector or an engineer who has been appointed by the Commissioner of Insurance. There is no fee for any inspection conducted by TDI.

Important: All inspections need to be made during the construction phase - TDI inspectors are unable to inspect a property after construction is completed.

If you have any questions or need additional information, please visit our web-site at: www.tdi.state.tx.us or call the Austin office or one of our field offices.

For More Information or Assistance

For answers to general insurance questions or for information on filing an insurance-related complaint, visit our website or call the Consumer Help Line between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Central time, Monday-Friday

www.tdi.state.tx.us
1-800-252-3439
463-6515 in Austin

For printed copies of consumer publications, call the 24-hour Publications Order Line

1-800-599-SHOP (7467)
305-7211 in Austin

Help us prevent insurance fraud. To report suspected fraud, call our toll-free Fraud Hot Line

1-888-327-8818

To report suspected arson or suspicious activity involving fires, call the State Fire Marshal’s 24-hour Arson Hot Line

1-877-4FIRE45 (434-7345)

The information in this publication is current as of the revision date. Changes in laws and agency administrative rules made after the revision date may affect the content. View current information on our website. TDI distributes this publication for educational purposes only. This publication is not an endorsement by TDI of any service, product, or company.

For more information contact: ConsumerProtection@tdi.state.tx.us