Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA)

The Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA) is the state's insurer of last resort for wind and hail coverage in the fourteen (14) coastal counties and parts of Harris County (east of Highway 146).  TWIA provides wind and hail coverage when insurance companies exclude it from their homeowners and other property policies sold to coastal residents.  TWIA employees are committed to promote hurricane safety and education, together with the development and enforcement of coastal building codes, in an effort to save lives and property.  We strive to achieve the highest standards of personal and business ethics and, in a positive working environment, are dedicated to providing efficient, friendly and effective customer service.

TWIA is similar to other insurance carriers in that we have a written contract that specifies the extent and restrictions of the insurance coverage we provide. We collect premiums and pay valid claims. Our policies are distributed to policyholders owning property in 14 first-tier counties (and parts of Harris County) along the Texas Gulf Coast through insurance agents, brokers and direct writers.

Traditional, for-profit insurance companies must assess risk differently than we do. Generally, when estimated risk is low, traditional markets provide windstorm coverage for high-risk areas. They may withdraw from this territory after catastrophic losses occur. When risk is higher and traditional markets withdraw, TWIA absorb policies no longer written by other carriers. Because we are a provider of last resort, it is very likely that we will not have the most extensive coverage or the lowest prices.