---
title: "Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA) Review [Updated 2026]"
description: "TWIA was created by the Texas Legislature in 1971 to provide windstorm and hail insurance to Texas coastal property owners who cannot obtain coverage in the private market due to catastrophic hurricane risks."
canonical: "https://www.coveragecat.com/reviews/texas-windstorm-insurance-association-twia"
last-updated: "2026-08-13"
---
# Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA) Review [Updated 2026]
1. [Introduction to Texas Windstorm Insurance Association](#introduction)
2. [What Kinds of Insurance Does TWIA Offer?](#typesofinsurance)
3. [Does TWIA Sell Homeowners Insurance?](#sellhomeowners)
4. [How Does TWIA Work?](#howdoesitwork)
5. [Pros and Cons of TWIA](#proscons)
6. [Ratings and Customer Feedback](#ratings)
7. [Get Customer Support Or File A Claim](#customersupport)
8. [Frequently Asked Questions](#faq)
## Introduction to Texas Windstorm Insurance Association
The Texas Legislature created TWIA in 1971 to provide wind and hail coverage to applicants unable to obtain insurance in the private market [(TWIA, "TWIA Overview", 2026)](https://www.twia.org/about-us/overview/). Hurricane Celia prompted the legislative action. That storm hit Corpus Christi in 1970 and caused $500 million in losses [(Texas Department of Insurance, "Texas Windstorm Insurance Association Overview", 2026)](https://www.tdi.texas.gov/pubs/pc/twia-overview.pdf). Most insurance companies stopped writing coverage for Texas coastal areas after absorbing those catastrophic losses.
TWIA functions as a not-for-profit insurance association. It issues policies, collects premiums, and pays losses [(TWIA, "About Us", 2026)](https://www.twia.org/about-us/). However, Chapter 2210 of the Texas Insurance Code governs the organization—it's not a state agency [(Ibid., "TWIA Overview", 2026)](https://www.twia.org/about-us/overview/). General revenue funds never flow to TWIA.
The association serves as the "insurer of last resort" and doesn't compete directly in the private market. TWIA operates to provide an adequate market for [windstorm and hail insurance](/insurance-types/homeowners-insurance) in designated portions of the seacoast territory of Texas [Ibid.](https://www.twia.org/about-us/overview/). A Board of Directors appointed by the Commissioner of Insurance governs the association.
As of December 31, 2025, TWIA insured 284,846 properties with approximately $126.5 billion in total insured value and collected more than $820.9 million in written premiums [(TWIA, "2025 TWIA Annual Report", 2025)](https://www.twia.org/wp-content/uploads/2025-TWIA-Annual-Report.pdf). TWIA's market share for wind and hail insurance in designated catastrophe areas now exceeds 50%, with total exposure surpassing $117 billion at the end of Q1 2025 [(Insurance Business Magazine, "TWIA faces rising exposure, deepening deficit", 2025)](https://www.insurancebusinessmag.com/reinsurance/news/breaking-news/twia-faces-rising-exposure-deepening-deficit-537784.aspx).
## What Kinds of Insurance Does TWIA Offer?
TWIA offers windstorm and hail insurance for both residential and commercial properties. The association provides coverage for [(TWIA, "Coverage & Eligibility", 2023)](https://www.twia.org/coverage-eligibility/):
**Residential:**
- Dwellings
- Personal property
- Manufactured homes
**Commercial:**
- Commercial buildings
- Business personal property
- Townhouses and condominiums
**Miscellaneous Items:**
- Signs
- Fences
- Swimming pools
- Flagpoles
TWIA policies cover only property damage caused directly by wind and hail. Damage caused by flooding and storm surge is explicitly excluded [(Ibid., "About Us", 2026)](https://www.twia.org/about-us/). Property owners in flood zones need separate flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program.
| Coverage Type | Included Perils | Excluded Perils |
|--------------|----------------|-----------------|
| Residential Dwelling | Wind, Hail | Flood, Storm surge, Rain damage, Contents (unless separately purchased) |
| Commercial Building | Wind, Hail | Flood, Storm surge, Business interruption |
| Personal Property | Wind, Hail (if purchased) | Flood, Water damage from rain |
| Manufactured Homes | Wind, Hail | Flood, Foundation damage |
## Does TWIA Sell Homeowners Insurance?
No. TWIA doesn't sell standard [homeowners insurance](/insurance-types/homeowners-insurance). Instead, TWIA provides specialized windstorm and hail coverage that supplements a base homeowners policy. Standard homeowners insurance policies in high-risk coastal areas of Texas often exclude wind and hail damage—TWIA coverage fills that gap.
### Coverage Area
TWIA provides coverage in 14 first-tier coastal counties and portions of Harris County [(Ibid., "TWIA Overview", 2026)](https://www.twia.org/about-us/overview/). The designated catastrophe area includes all of the first tier and a portion of Harris County (second tier).
**First-tier counties:**
- Aransas
- Brazoria
- Calhoun
- Cameron
- Chambers
- Galveston
- Jefferson
- Kenedy
- Kleberg
- Matagorda
- Nueces
- Refugio
- San Patricio
- Willacy
**Second-tier (partial coverage):**
- Portions of Harris County east of Highway 146
### Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet several criteria to qualify for TWIA coverage [(Ibid., "Coverage & Eligibility", 2023)](https://www.twia.org/coverage-eligibility/):
1. **Location**: Properties must be in the area designated by the Commissioner of Insurance
2. **Denial from private market**: Applicants must have been denied coverage by at least one authorized insurer actively writing or renewing windstorm and hail coverage in the designated area
3. **Building code certification**: Properties must be certified by the Texas Department of Insurance (WPI-8/WPI-8-E) or TWIA (WPI-8-C) as built to applicable building codes, with limited exceptions
4. **Flood insurance requirement**: Properties in flood zones V, VE, or V1-30 constructed, altered, remodeled, or enlarged after September 1, 2009 must provide proof of flood insurance coverage
5. **Insurable condition**: Properties must be in good repair with no unrepaired damage or hazardous conditions
TWIA regularly inspects properties as part of its underwriting process to verify insurability [(Ibid., "TWIA Overview", 2026)](https://www.twia.org/about-us/overview/).
## How Does TWIA Work?
Independent insurance agents sell TWIA policies. TWIA doesn't sell directly to consumers. Rather, all licensed property insurance companies in Texas must be members of TWIA.
### Application Process
1. **Contact a licensed agent**: TWIA doesn't have its own agents. You purchase coverage through any licensed insurance agent in Texas who is appointed to write TWIA policies.
2. **Verify eligibility**: Your agent confirms that your property meets TWIA requirements and that you've been denied coverage by at least one private insurer.
3. **Obtain building certification**: Most properties built or modified after January 1, 1988 need a Windstorm Certificate of Compliance. The Texas Department of Insurance issues these certificates as of June 1, 2020.
4. **Choose coverage limits and deductibles**: TWIA offers deductible options of $100, $250, or 1% for residential policies. Commercial policies require a per-occurrence deductible of 1% per item [(TWIA, "Rates", 2026)](https://www.twia.org/rates/).
5. **Purchase policy**: Once approved, your agent binds your coverage.
### Pricing Structure and Recent Rate Changes
Standard rating factors determine TWIA premiums [Ibid.](https://www.twia.org/rates/):
- Amount of insurance
- Type of construction
- Deductible amount
- Optional additional coverages
TWIA doesn't use credit scoring or territorial rating. The average premium on a residential policy is approximately $2,480 as of June 30, 2025 [Ibid.](https://www.twia.org/rates/).
Premium credits are available for items certified as built to recent windstorm building codes. The TWIA Board of Directors sets rates, which are subject to review by the Texas Department of Insurance [(Texas Department of Insurance, "Texas Windstorm Insurance Association Overview", 2026)](https://www.tdi.texas.gov/pubs/pc/twia-overview.pdf).
TWIA's 2025 rate adequacy analysis showed significant improvement. Current rates are inadequate by only 3% for residential coverage and 5% for commercial coverage, compared to 38% and 45% respectively in 2024 [(Insurance Business Magazine, "Texas Law impacts windstorm insurance rates", 2025)](https://www.insurancebusinessmag.com/reinsurance/news/breaking-news/texas-law-impacts-windstorm-insurance-rates-541665.aspx). This improvement is attributed to recent legislation, particularly Texas House Bill 3689, which reduced TWIA's minimum catastrophe funding level from a 1-in-100-year event to a 1-in-50-year event, and House Bill 2517, which exempted TWIA from certain taxes [Ibid.](https://www.insurancebusinessmag.com/reinsurance/news/breaking-news/texas-law-impacts-windstorm-insurance-rates-541665.aspx).
The TWIA Actuarial & Underwriting Committee recommended no rate change for 2026 policies [(TWIA, "TWIA Committee Recommends No Rate Change for 2026 Policies", 2025)](https://www.twia.org/twia-committee-recommends-no-rate-change-for-2026-policies/). All TWIA filings seeking rate increases remain subject to review and approval by the Texas Insurance Commissioner.
### 2026 Funding Structure Changes
For the 2026 storm season, TWIA's board set $4.3 billion as the 1-in-50 probable maximum loss [(Insurance Journal, "TWIA Board Sets $4.3B as 1-in-50 Probable Maximum Loss for 2026 Storm Season", 2026)](https://www.insurancejournal.com/news/southcentral/2026/02/25/859502.htm). The Texas Legislature changed the minimum catastrophe funding level from 1-in-100 to 1-in-50 year PML, which significantly reduces TWIA's reinsurance requirements for 2026 [Ibid.](https://www.insurancejournal.com/news/southcentral/2026/02/25/859502.htm).
TWIA voted to pursue approximately $2.28 billion of reinsurance protection for 2026, down from the prior $6.227 billion in 2025 [(Reinsurance News, "TWIA Board adopts lower PML funding requirement for 2026 after legislative changes", 2026)](https://www.reinsurancene.ws/twia-board-adopts-lower-pml-funding-requirement-for-2026-after-legislative-changes/). The program is expected to comprise newly placed coverage and existing multi-year catastrophe bonds.
| Metric | 2025 | 2026 | Change |
|--------|------|------|--------|
| PML Standard | 1-in-100-year | 1-in-50-year | Reduced |
| Total Funding | $6.227 billion | $4.3 billion | -31% |
| Reinsurance Purchase | $1.727 billion | $2.28 billion (est.) | +32% |
| Rate Adequacy (Residential) | +3% needed | No change recommended | Improved |
### Recent Hurricane Beryl Impact
Hurricane Beryl made landfall in Texas in July 2024. The ultimate loss and loss adjustment expense estimate for Hurricane Beryl stands at $455 million as of September 30, 2024 [(Insurance Journal, "TWIA Board Reviews 2025 Budget", 2024)](https://www.insurancejournal.com/news/southcentral/2024/11/19/801826.htm). This amount roughly equals the current balance in the Catastrophe Reserve Trust Fund.
Payments for Hurricane Beryl claims and associated loss adjustment expenses fully depleted the CRTF balance [(TWIA, "2024 Hurricane Season in Review", 2024)](https://www.twia.org/2024-hurricane-season-in-review/). Despite this significant loss event, the legislative changes implemented in 2025 have strengthened TWIA's overall financial position.
## Pros and Cons of TWIA
Pros
- Provides coverage in high-risk coastal areas where private insurers won't write policies
- Accessible to property owners who have been denied coverage elsewhere
- Doesn't use credit scoring in rate determination
- Recent legislative changes have improved financial stability and rate adequacy
- Offers payment plan options including installment payments
- A.M. Best financial strength rating of A (Excellent)
Cons
- Covers only wind and hail damage—doesn't cover flooding or storm surge
- Not available outside designated coastal counties
- Requires denial from at least one private insurer before eligibility
- Building certification requirements can be complex and costly
- Policies sold only through agents, not directly to consumers
- Catastrophe Reserve Trust Fund recently depleted by Hurricane Beryl losses
## Ratings and Customer Feedback for TWIA
| Source | Rating | Representative Quote | Takeaway |
|--------|--------|---------------------|----------|
| [(A.M. Best, "TWIA Financial Strength Rating", 2026)](https://www.ambest.com/companies/twia) | A (Excellent) | "A.M. Best has given TWIA a financial strength rating of A (Excellent)" | Strong ability to meet financial obligations and pay claims |
| [BBB](https://www.bbb.org/us/tx/austin/profile/property-insurance/texas-windstorm-insurance-association-0825-59080) | Not Accredited | N/A | Not BBB accredited; consumers can file complaints |
| [Yelp](https://www.yelp.com/biz/texas-windstorm-insurance-association-austin) | 1 star (1 review) | "They sent an adjuster out...TWIA then claimed my damage was from flooding" | Mixed experiences with claims denial disputes |
| [Glassdoor](https://www.glassdoor.com/Reviews/TWIA-Reviews-E28084.htm) (Employee reviews) | 4.1/5 stars | "Pension, 401k, work from home. All great benefits." | Employees rate company culture positively |
### Customer Review Analysis
Customer feedback for TWIA reflects the unique nature of a state-mandated insurer of last resort. Many policyholders express gratitude for having access to coverage at all. Others voice frustration with premium increases and claims processes.
The most common complaints center on:
- Claim denials, particularly disputes over whether damage was caused by wind versus flooding
- Premium increases
- Difficulty navigating the claims process
- Extended timelines for claim resolution
Positive feedback frequently mentions:
- Access to coverage when private insurers refuse
- Responsive customer service representatives
- Transparent online policyholder portal
A.M. Best has given TWIA a financial strength rating of A (Excellent), indicating strong ability to meet financial obligations and pay claims [(A.M. Best, "December 2022 Edition - Best's Review", 2022)](https://bestsreview.ambest.com/edition/2022/December/docs/BestsReviewDecember2022.pdf?reload=1671729299131). TWIA also has a long-term issuer credit rating of 'a' from A.M. Best.
## Get Customer Support Or File A Claim [(TWIA, "Contact Us", 2026)](https://www.twia.org/about-us/contact-us/)
### Customer Service
TWIA offers multiple channels for customer support:
- **Phone**: (800) 788-8247
- **Business Hours**: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. CT
- **Mailing Address**: P.O. Box 99090, Austin, TX 78709-9090
- **Physical Address**: 4801 Southwest Parkway, Building 1, Suite 200, Austin, TX 78735
- **Agent Services**: agentservices@twia.org or (800) 231-5360
- **Payments**: payments@twia.org
### How to File a Claim
TWIA offers three ways to report a claim [(TWIA, "Claims Process", 2026)](https://www.twia.org/claims/):
1. **Online**: Through the Claims Center or Policyholder Portal
2. **Phone**: Call (800) 788-8247, option 1 (24/7 availability)
3. **Through your agent**: Contact your insurance agent directly
**Important Deadlines:**
- You have **one year** from the date of property damage to report a claim
- TWIA has **60 days** to investigate and notify you whether it accepts or rejects the claim after receiving all requested information
- TWIA supposedly has **10 days** to pay a claim after it accepts coverage and receives all requested materials
### Claims Process Steps
1. **Report the claim**: Use one of the three methods above
2. **Document the damage**: Take photos and videos before making permanent repairs
3. **Make temporary repairs**: Protect your property from further damage and save receipts
4. **Wait for adjuster**: TWIA assigns a field adjuster to inspect the damaged property
5. **Review the estimate**: A claims examiner contacts you to discuss your claim and issue payment
6. **Request supplemental payment if needed**: If the initial payment is insufficient, submit contractor estimates for TWIA review
### Dispute Resolution
If you disagree with TWIA's claim decision, several options are available [(Texas Department of Insurance, "Get help with a TWIA complaint", 2026)](https://www.tdi.texas.gov/consumer/twia-complaint.html):
1. **Contact TWIA directly**: Call (800) 788-8247 to discuss your concerns
2. **Request appraisal**: You have **60 days** from the date of your claim assessment letter to request formal appraisal
3. **File a complaint with TDI**: Visit the Texas Department of Insurance complaint portal
4. **Contact TDI COAST**: The Coastal Outreach and Assistance Services Team provides information and educational programs to help TWIA policyholders
For formal appraisal requests, send an email to claims@twia.org with your claim number and state you want an appraisal [(TWIA, "Claims Process", 2026)](https://www.twia.org/claims/). The appraisal process takes 90 days for residential claims and 120 days for commercial claims.
## Frequently Asked Questions
### Is TWIA a Real Insurance Company?
Yes. TWIA is a legitimate insurance association established by the Texas Legislature [(Ibid., "TWIA Overview", 2026)](https://www.twia.org/about-us/overview/). While it operates somewhat like an insurance company by issuing policies and paying claims, it's not a private insurer. TWIA is a not-for-profit association governed by state law.
### How Much Does TWIA Insurance Cost?
The average premium on a residential policy is approximately $2,480 as of June 30, 2025 [(Ibid., "Rates", 2026)](https://www.twia.org/rates/). Actual costs vary significantly based on:
- Amount of insurance coverage
- Type of construction
- Deductible selected
- Location within the coverage area
- Optional endorsements
### Can I Buy TWIA Coverage Directly?
No. TWIA policies are sold exclusively through licensed insurance agents in Texas. You cannot purchase coverage directly from TWIA. Contact any licensed property insurance agent in Texas who is appointed to write TWIA policies.
### Does TWIA Cover Flood Damage?
No. TWIA policies explicitly exclude damage caused by flooding and storm surge [(Ibid., "About Us", 2026)](https://www.twia.org/about-us/). You need separate flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or a private flood insurance carrier.
### What Is the Difference Between TWIA and Texas FAIR Plan?
Texas FAIR Plan (TFPA) is a separate company from TWIA [(TWIA FAQs, "Frequently Asked Questions - TWIA", 2023)](https://www.twia.org/faqs/). TFPA provides coverage for all areas of the state, not just the coastal counties. While TWIA provides wind and hail coverage only, TFPA offers basic property insurance.
### How Long Does TWIA Take to Process Claims?
TWIA claims to follow specific timelines [(Ibid., "Claims Process", 2026)](https://www.twia.org/claims/):
- TWIA has **60 days** to investigate and notify you whether it accepts or rejects the claim
- TWIA has **10 days** to pay a claim after it accepts coverage and you provide all requested materials
Following Hurricane Beryl in 2024, TWIA reported that as of July 19, 2024, it had received 22,000 claims, contacted 95% of claimants, and inspected 47% of properties [(TWIA Hurricane Beryl Webinar, "Hurricane Beryl Webinar Presentation July 19 2024", 2024)](https://www.twia.org/wp-content/uploads/Hurricane-Beryl-Webinar-Presentation-July-19-2024.pdf).
### What Happens If I Can't Get TWIA Coverage?
If TWIA denies your application (typically due to building code non-compliance or property condition issues), you have several options:
1. Address the issues cited in the denial and reapply
2. Explore the Texas FAIR Plan for basic property coverage
3. Continue seeking coverage from private insurers
4. Work with a specialized insurance broker to find alternative markets
### Is TWIA Good Insurance?
TWIA serves as Texas's insurer of last resort for coastal wind and hail coverage. A.M. Best rates TWIA's financial strength as A (Excellent), indicating strong ability to meet claims obligations [(A.M. Best, "Texas Windstorm Insurance Association Rating", 2026)](https://www.ambest.com/companies/texas-windstorm-insurance-association). Recent legislative changes have improved TWIA's rate adequacy from 38% inadequate in 2024 to 3% inadequate for residential coverage in 2025 [(Texas House Committee, "House Committee on State Affairs Interim Report 2024", 2025)](https://www.house.texas.gov/pdfs/committees/reports/interim/88interim/House-Committee-on-State-Affairs-Interim-Report-2024.pdf).
However, TWIA is meant to supplement—not replace—standard homeowners insurance. Property owners should compare TWIA with private market alternatives when available, as some private insurers offer wind and hail coverage at competitive rates with potentially more flexible terms.
### Should I Buy TWIA Insurance?
If you own property in one of the 14 first-tier Texas coastal counties or the designated portion of Harris County, and you've been denied wind and hail coverage by private insurers, TWIA may be your only option. Mortgage lenders typically require windstorm insurance in designated high-risk coastal areas.
TWIA coverage supplements—rather than replaces—standard [homeowners insurance](/insurance-types/homeowners-insurance). You'll need a base homeowners policy for fire, theft, and other perils, plus separate flood insurance if you're in a flood zone.
Compare quotes from private insurers first before purchasing. Some private insurance companies offer wind and hail insurance policies at potentially lower rates with more flexible terms than TWIA. Using a comprehensive online brokerage tool like [Coverage Cat](https://www.coveragecat.com) can help you find a private alternative to TWIA in Texas.
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