If you own property along the Texas Gulf Coast, there is a good chance your standard homeowners insurance does not cover wind and hail damage. Many homeowners in Texas City, Galveston County, and surrounding coastal communities discover this gap only after a storm hits. A wind-only policy is a standalone insurance product that covers damage caused exclusively by wind and hail events such as hurricanes, tropical storms, and tornadoes. Understanding whether your property requires one could mean the difference between full protection and devastating out-of-pocket costs. Below, Brad Spurgeon Insurance Agency walks you through exactly how to find out.
What Is a Wind-Only Policy?
A wind-only policy is a separate insurance contract that covers direct physical loss caused by wind and hail. It does not replace your homeowners insurance; it supplements it. Standard homeowners policies in inland Texas typically include wind and hail coverage, but many carriers exclude these perils for properties in designated coastal areas.
Windstorm insurance is a specialized policy that covers damages caused by high winds, such as those from hurricanes, tropical storms, or tornadoes. In coastal Texas, this type of coverage is essential because a single storm can cause tens of thousands of dollars in roof, siding, and structural damage.
Why Standard Hazard Insurance Often Excludes Wind
Insurance carriers use risk models to determine which perils they will cover in each geography. Along the Gulf Coast, the frequency and severity of hurricanes make wind coverage unprofitable for many standard carriers. As a result, homeowners policies in counties like Galveston, Brazoria, Nueces, and Cameron routinely exclude wind and hail damage.
This exclusion does not mean you are uninsurable. It simply means you need a separate policy to fill the gap. You can learn more about what standard policies leave out on our home insurance exclusions page.
Check Whether Your Property Is in a TWIA-Designated Zone
The Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA) is the state-created insurer of last resort for wind and hail coverage. According to TWIA's eligibility guidelines, properties must be located in one of the 14 first-tier coastal counties or parts of Harris County east of Highway 146 to qualify. Those 14 counties are Aransas, Brazoria, Calhoun, Cameron, Chambers, Galveston, Jefferson, Kenedy, Kleberg, Matagorda, Nueces, Refugio, San Patricio, and Willacy.
Texas City sits in Galveston County, which is squarely inside the TWIA-designated catastrophe area. If your property is here, your standard homeowners policy almost certainly excludes wind, and you will need a separate wind-only policy. Review our windstorm insurance overview for details specific to our service area.
| Peril | Standard Homeowners (Coastal TX) | Wind-Only Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Fire and smoke | Covered | Not covered |
| Theft and vandalism | Covered | Not covered |
| Wind and hail damage | Typically excluded | Covered |
| Hurricane-driven rain (through opening) | Typically excluded | Covered |
| Flooding / rising water | Not covered | Not covered |
| Liability | Covered | Not covered |
Review Your Declarations Page for Wind Exclusions
A declarations page is the summary section of your insurance policy that lists your coverages, limits, deductibles, and exclusions. It is the fastest way to determine whether wind and hail are excluded from your current policy.
What to Look For
Open your declarations page and search for language such as "wind and hail excluded," "windstorm exclusion endorsement," or a separate wind/hail deductible. If you see any of these, your policy does not fully cover wind damage and you need a separate wind-only policy.
Need Help Reading Your Policy?
Our team at Brad Spurgeon Insurance Agency offers complimentary policy reviews to help you identify gaps. We will walk through your declarations page line by line so nothing gets overlooked.
Understand the WPI-8 Certificate Requirement
A WPI-8 is the Texas Department of Insurance windstorm certificate of compliance that confirms a property was built or repaired to applicable windstorm building codes. To qualify for coverage through TWIA, your property must hold a current WPI-8 or its equivalent (WPI-8-E or WPI-8-C).
If your roof has been replaced or significant structural repairs have been made, a new WPI-8 must be obtained. Without it, your TWIA application may be denied, or your existing policy could lapse at renewal. Learn about the inspection process on our windstorm inspections page.
Private Windstorm Carriers vs. TWIA
TWIA is not your only option. Several private insurers now offer standalone windstorm policies or bundled packages that include wind coverage. Private carriers may offer more flexible terms, competitive rates, and higher coverage limits compared to TWIA, which caps residential coverage at $1,773,000.
When TWIA Makes Sense
TWIA is best for homeowners who cannot obtain wind coverage in the private market. The association was created by the Texas Legislature in 1971 after Hurricane Celia devastated Corpus Christi and insurers pulled out of coastal markets.
When a Private Policy May Be Better
If your home value exceeds TWIA's cap, or if you want broader coverage terms, a private windstorm policy could be the right fit. Brad Spurgeon Insurance Agency works with multiple insurance carriers to find you the best combination of price and protection. You can also explore how policies can be combined on our combining windstorm insurance page.
Key Takeaways
- A wind-only policy covers wind and hail damage separately from your standard homeowners insurance.
- Standard homeowners policies in Texas coastal counties typically exclude wind and hail perils.
- Texas City is in Galveston County, a TWIA-designated catastrophe area where separate windstorm coverage is essential.
- Check your declarations page for wind exclusion language to confirm whether you have a gap.
- A current WPI-8 certificate is mandatory for TWIA eligibility and must be renewed after roof replacements.
- Private windstorm carriers may offer better rates or higher limits than TWIA for qualifying properties.
- Brad Spurgeon Insurance Agency provides free policy reviews to help identify coverage gaps before storm season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is windstorm insurance legally required in Texas?
No. Texas law does not mandate windstorm insurance. However, mortgage lenders in coastal counties almost always require it to protect their collateral. If you carry a mortgage in Galveston County, expect your lender to demand a separate wind-only policy.
How do I know if my homeowners policy excludes wind?
Review your declarations page or call your insurance agent. Look for endorsements titled "windstorm exclusion" or a separate wind/hail deductible schedule. If you need help, contact our agency for a free review.
What is the TWIA and who qualifies?
The Texas Windstorm Insurance Association is the state-created insurer of last resort for wind and hail coverage in 14 first-tier coastal counties. To qualify, your property must be in an eligible area and hold a valid WPI-8 certificate.
What is a WPI-8 certificate?
A WPI-8 is the TDI-issued windstorm certificate of compliance confirming your property meets applicable building codes. It is required for TWIA coverage and must be updated after major structural repairs or roof replacement.
How much does a wind-only policy cost in Texas?
Costs vary by location, construction type, and coverage limits. The average TWIA policy runs around $2,000 per year, but private market options may be higher or lower depending on your property profile.
Does a wind-only policy cover flooding?
No. Wind-only policies cover wind and hail damage exclusively. Flooding from storm surge or rising water requires a separate flood insurance policy.
Can I bundle windstorm and homeowners insurance?
In some cases, yes. Certain private carriers include wind coverage within a homeowners package for properties that meet their underwriting criteria. Our agents can help you explore bundled options through our quote request page.
What happens if I do not have windstorm insurance and a hurricane hits?
You would be responsible for all wind-related repair costs out of pocket. A single hurricane can cause roof, siding, and structural damage costing tens of thousands of dollars or more.
Get a Free Policy Review Today
Do not wait until hurricane season to discover a gap in your coverage. Brad Spurgeon Insurance Agency in Texas City, TX, specializes in windstorm, home, and flood insurance for coastal property owners. Schedule your free consultation now and let our team confirm whether you need a separate wind-only policy.