If you own a property on the Texas coast and you need to get insurance coverage for wind and hail, Chapter 2210 of the Texas Insurance Code requires your property to be certified (which means that it meets the windstorm building code requirements in your area). It must be submitted to the TWIA before your property can be eligible for coverage. Without this Certificate of Compliance, the TWIA won’t be sure that it conforms to any applicable building codes. It may also be considered uninsurable, which will make it ineligible for coverage with the TWIA.
Areas Where Texas Windstorm Certification Will Apply
Properties that are in the following counties are in what’s considered to be a designated catastrophe area:
• Aransas.
• Brazoria.
• Calhoun.
• Cameron
• Chambers.
• Galveston.
• Harris (parts of the county east of Highway 146).
• Jefferson.
• Kenedy.
• Kleberg.
• Matagorda.
• Nueces.
• Refugio.
• San Patricio.
• Willacy.
Owners of these properties may not be able to get insurance coverage for windstorm and hail through a private insurer. Any homeowners who can’t get private coverage can buy a policy through the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA). To buy a policy through the TWIA, most homes and properties must have a certificate of compliance. It proves that the property meets applicable building codes and it can withstand strong winds and hail.
Texas Department Of Insurance About Windstorm Insurance
Types of Certificates Being Issued
The Texas Department of Insurance issues the following certificates of compliance:
- A WPI-8 issued for ongoing construction — These inspections can be performed by an appointed Texas-licensed professional engineer or a TDI windstorm inspector while the work is still being done.
- A WPI-8-E for completed construction — These inspections can be done by a Texas-licensed professional engineer.
According to the Texas Insurance Code, there are only two exceptions to this eligibility requirement. Any residential properties that were built from 1988 to June 19, 2009 and were not certified may still be eligible for coverage with the TWIA, but owners will be required to pay a 15% surcharge based on and in addition to the policy premium. Any residential properties that were insured on or after June 19, 2009 by an insurer in the private market, were canceled or not renewed by the company, and missed a required WPI-8 at the time it was canceled or not renewed may be eligible for coverage with the TWIA.
Find Out If Your Property Has Windstorm Certificates
What Requires a Certificate of Compliance
Some of the common improvements that require a certificate of compliance include:
- New structures.
- Building additions or enlargements.
- Windows, entry doors, and garage doors.
- Patio covers.
- Decks.
- Replacing a roof or repairing a large portion of a roof.
- Re-siding a large portion of an exterior wall.
- Re-siding a large portion of an exterior wall.
Be sure to speak to a professional for more information.
What Doesn’t Require a Certificate of Compliance
Some of the common projects that don’t require a certificate of compliance include:
- Painting, carpeting, and refinishing work.
- Plumbing and electrical repairs.
- Fence repair.
- Repairing or replacing gutters.
- Temporary repairs after a storm.
You can find a full list of improvements that don’t require a certificate of compliance on the TDI website.
What TWIA Windstorm Insurance Covers
A TWIA windstorm insurance policy will cover the cost of wind and hail damage to your home, but it doesn’t cover any other perils. Here is a list of things that a TWIA insurance policy will cover if your home has been affected by a windstorm:
- Your home’s physical structures — Pays to rebuild your home, attached garage, porch, and swimming pool after it has been affected by hail damage.
- Your personal belongings — Pays to replace your furniture, clothing, appliances, and other belongings that have been damaged by wind and hail.
- Any temporary living expenses — This is an optional add-on that will cover the cost of food, hotel stays, and other living expenses if a hurricane or windstorm forces you to leave your home.
- Any additional construction costs — This is an optional add-on that will cover any home reconstruction costs that are higher than the dwelling limit listed in your policy.
- Debris and tree removal — Pays to remove a tree that falls and damages a covered property or any debris that resulted from the covered loss.
- Temporary or emergency repairs — Covers the cost of temporary repairs that are needed to protect your home and belongings from further damage.
Learn More About TWIA Coverage
If you’re looking for one of the best roofers in Corpus Christi for Texas windstorm certification, be sure to get in touch with Bayfront Roofing. We have a team of experts who would be happy to speak with you!
