If you own property along the Texas Gulf Coast, you may have discovered an uncomfortable truth: your standard homeowners insurance might not cover wind damage. In coastal counties like Galveston County, where Texas City sits, most standard hazard policies exclude wind and hail. That means a single hurricane could leave you financially exposed. A wind-only policy is a standalone insurance product that covers damage caused exclusively by wind and hail events. Understanding whether your property requires one is not optional in high-risk areas. This guide walks you through each step so you can evaluate your coverage gaps and take action before the next storm rolls in.
What Is a Wind-Only Policy?
A wind-only policy is an insurance contract that provides coverage solely for damage caused by wind and hail. It does not cover fire, theft, flooding, or liability. Instead, it supplements your existing homeowners (hazard) policy in areas where insurers have removed wind coverage.
In Texas, most coastal homeowners carry at least two policies: a standard homeowners policy that covers fire, liability, and theft, and a separate windstorm insurance policy for wind and hail. Flood damage requires yet another policy, creating a layered protection system.
Why Wind Is Excluded From Standard Hazard Insurance
Insurance companies limit or exclude wind and hail coverage in coastal regions because of the high likelihood of hurricane-related losses. After Hurricane Celia struck Corpus Christi in 1970, most private carriers stopped writing wind coverage in coastal Texas altogether. The Texas Legislature responded by creating the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA) in 1971.
Standard homeowners policies in TWIA territory typically exclude wind and hail. That means if a hurricane tears off your roof, your regular hazard insurance will not pay for the damage. You need a separate wind-only policy to fill that gap. Learn more about how this layered structure works on our home insurance page.
How to Determine If Your Property Needs Separate Wind Coverage
Follow these steps to evaluate whether you need a stand-alone wind-only policy:
Step 1: Check Your Location
Windstorm insurance is typically required in 14 first-tier coastal counties along the Texas Gulf Coast. These include Aransas, Brazoria, Calhoun, Cameron, Chambers, Galveston, Jefferson, Kenedy, Kleberg, Matagorda, Nueces, Refugio, San Patricio, and Willacy counties, plus parts of Harris County east of Highway 146. If your property falls within one of these areas, you almost certainly need a separate wind policy.
Step 2: Review Your Existing Policy
Open your homeowners declarations page and look for wind and hail exclusions. Even inland homeowners should verify whether their current policy includes wind and hail damage, because some insurers write exclusions regardless of location. Our guide to understanding exclusions in home insurance can help you decode the fine print.
Step 3: Contact Your Mortgage Lender
Mortgage lenders often require proof of windstorm coverage if you live in a high-risk area. Even when the state does not legally mandate it, your lender may refuse to finance or continue a mortgage without it. Check your loan documents or call your servicer directly.
TWIA vs. Private Windstorm Insurance
The Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA) is a state-created insurer of last resort for wind and hail coverage in designated catastrophe areas. However, private windstorm carriers have entered the market in recent years. Brad Spurgeon Insurance Agency offers windstorm coverage with private companies alongside TWIA options.
| Feature | TWIA | Private Windstorm |
|---|---|---|
| Eligibility | 14 coastal counties + part of Harris County | Varies by carrier |
| WPI-8 Required | Yes | Usually no |
| Average Annual Cost | ~$2,480 | Varies; may be lower |
| Declination Required | Yes (must be denied by private market) | No |
| Coverage Scope | Wind and hail only | Wind and hail only |
| Flood Coverage | Not included | Not included |
A key advantage of private windstorm options is that they often skip the WPI-8 inspection requirement, making coverage accessible for older homes. Visit our insurance carriers page to see which companies we work with.
The WPI-8 Certificate: What It Is and Why It Matters
A Windstorm Certificate of Compliance (WPI-8) is a document issued by the Texas Department of Insurance confirming that a structure meets windstorm building code standards. To qualify for TWIA, a home must pass inspection and carry a current WPI-8 or WPI-8-E. Without this certification, your TWIA application may be rejected.
Structures built after 1988 that have been previously certified typically need only a foundation and anchorage inspection when relocated. New construction and major improvements in coastal High Velocity Hurricane Zones must obtain WPI-8 certification from a Texas-licensed Professional Engineer. Learn more about the inspection process in our post on windstorm insurance inspections.
Cost Factors for Wind-Only Policies
Several factors influence what you will pay for a wind-only policy:
- Location: Properties closer to the coastline face higher premiums.
- Construction type: Hip roofs, concrete block walls, and hurricane straps can reduce costs.
- Deductible selection: Windstorm deductibles are often percentage-based, ranging from 1% to 5% of your dwelling coverage limit.
- Roof age: Older roofs increase premiums significantly. See our article on how roof age impacts insurance costs.
- Coverage amount: Higher dwelling limits mean higher premiums.
A percentage-based deductible is a deductible calculated as a share of your total insured dwelling value rather than a flat dollar amount. For example, a 2% deductible on a $300,000 home means you pay the first $6,000 of a wind claim out of pocket.
Key Takeaways
- Standard homeowners policies in coastal Texas typically exclude wind and hail damage.
- Properties in any of the 14 designated first-tier coastal counties almost always need a separate wind-only policy.
- Texas law does not legally require windstorm insurance, but mortgage lenders often do.
- TWIA is the state-backed insurer of last resort; private carriers now offer competitive alternatives.
- A WPI-8 certificate is mandatory for TWIA eligibility but usually not required by private windstorm insurers.
- Windstorm deductibles are percentage-based, typically 1% to 5% of dwelling coverage.
- Review your declarations page annually and after every renovation to catch coverage gaps.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a wind-only policy?
A wind-only policy is a standalone insurance product that covers property damage caused exclusively by wind and hail. It does not cover fire, flooding, theft, or liability.
Does Texas law require windstorm insurance?
No. Texas does not legally require windstorm insurance. However, mortgage lenders frequently require it for properties in coastal or high-risk areas.
Which Texas counties need separate windstorm coverage?
The 14 first-tier coastal counties are Aransas, Brazoria, Calhoun, Cameron, Chambers, Galveston, Jefferson, Kenedy, Kleberg, Matagorda, Nueces, Refugio, San Patricio, and Willacy, plus parts of Harris County east of Highway 146.
What is the WPI-8 certificate?
The WPI-8 is the Texas Department of Insurance windstorm certificate confirming a property was built or repaired to applicable windstorm building codes. It is required for TWIA eligibility.
Can I get windstorm insurance without a WPI-8?
Yes. Private windstorm carriers typically do not require a WPI-8 certificate, unlike TWIA. Brad Spurgeon Insurance Agency can help you explore private windstorm options.
How much does a TWIA policy cost?
TWIA coverage costs an average of approximately $2,480 per year, though your actual premium depends on location, construction, deductible, and coverage limits.
Does a wind-only policy cover flooding?
No. A wind-only policy covers wind and hail damage only. Flood damage requires a separate flood insurance policy.
How do I check if my homeowners policy excludes wind?
Review your policy declarations page for wind and hail exclusion language. If you need help interpreting your policy, request a free policy review from our team.
Get a Windstorm Insurance Quote Today
Do not wait until hurricane season to find out you are unprotected. Brad Spurgeon Insurance Agency in Texas City, TX, offers both TWIA and private windstorm coverage tailored to your property. Request your free windstorm insurance quote now and make sure your home is fully covered before the next storm.