TWIA (Texas Windstorm Insurance Association) Water Damage Claims
Texas's insurer of last resort for Gulf Coast wind and hail — critical for coastal homeowners.
1971
Founded
Austin
HQ
Insures approximately 240,000+ properties in 14 Texas Gulf Coast counties
Market
1-800-788-8247
Claims
Who is TWIA (Texas Windstorm Insurance Association)?
TWIA was created by the Texas Legislature in 1971 after Hurricane Celia demonstrated that private insurers would leave the Texas coastal market if required to cover wind and hail losses. It operates as an insurer of last resort — available only when private insurance is unavailable or unaffordable in the eligible coastal zone. TWIA is funded by premiums from its policyholders and can assess other Texas insurance companies and the state's insurance market if its funds are depleted by major storms. After Hurricane Ike (2008) and Harvey (2017), TWIA's financial position and claims handling came under significant legislative scrutiny.
TWIA is exclusively a Texas program for Texas coastal properties. It covers only wind and hail — not flood, which requires a separate NFIP policy. This wind/flood split is the source of enormous dispute after Gulf Coast storms — establishing whether damage was caused by wind (TWIA) or flooding (NFIP) is often the central claims question. TWIA adjusters are required by statute to be present or respond within specific timeframes after major weather events. Texas law (HB 3 from 2009) significantly reformed TWIA's claims handling after Ike, adding appraisal rights and other consumer protections.
What TWIA (Texas Windstorm Insurance Association) covers — and doesn't
✓ Typically covered
- •Wind damage to structure — structural damage from windstorm
- •Hail damage — roof, siding, windows, gutters
- •Water intrusion through wind-created openings in the building envelope
- •Contents damage from covered wind events (with contents coverage)
- •Additional Living Expenses with appropriate endorsement
✗ Typically NOT covered
- •Flood damage from rising water — requires separate NFIP policy
- •Storm surge damage (the single largest Gulf Coast hurricane loss driver)
- •Rain-driven water without wind damage creating the opening
- •Fire, theft, liability
- •Gradual deterioration or maintenance issues
How to file a TWIA (Texas Windstorm Insurance Association) water damage claim — step by step
File immediately after the storm
Call 1-800-788-8247 or file at twia.org. TWIA requires timely reporting. Document all damage with time-stamped photos before any cleanup or temporary repairs — but do make emergency temporary repairs (tarping, board-up) to prevent further damage and keep all receipts.
Document wind vs. flood — this is the critical step
For any coastal storm, the single most important documentation task is establishing that specific damage was caused by wind, not flood. This means photographing damage at different heights (wind damage typically appears first at roof level and works down; storm surge comes from below), documenting the storm track and wind speeds at your location, and capturing evidence of the specific wind-created opening that allowed water intrusion.
TWIA adjuster inspection
TWIA uses staff adjusters and deploys CAT teams after major events. After large storms, expect delays in adjuster assignment — TWIA may be handling thousands of claims simultaneously. Use the time to compile thorough documentation.
Coordinate TWIA and NFIP claims simultaneously
If you have both TWIA and NFIP coverage (as most coastal homeowners should), file both claims simultaneously and manage them in parallel. The documentation strategy for each is different — your wind documentation for TWIA and your flood documentation for NFIP need to be kept clearly separate and specifically tailored to each coverage.
Review and supplement
TWIA's estimates after major storms tend to be under-scoped due to adjuster volume and time pressure. Supplemental claims are very common after hurricanes. Our Xactimate documentation supports the supplemental process.
What their adjusters look for
TWIA's claims handling after major events has been the subject of significant Texas legislative action and litigation. After Ike, widespread complaints about TWIA's handling led to HB 3 (2009) which created an independent appraisal process, established claims handling standards, and created the Texas Department of Insurance's oversight of TWIA's operations. After Harvey, TWIA handled approximately $2 billion in claims across Rockport, Port Aransas, and other affected communities. The most challenging TWIA claims involve the wind/flood split — where structural damage is clearly present but both wind and flood occurred, and TWIA and NFIP each attempt to attribute the damage to the other's coverage.
Our experience with TWIA (Texas Windstorm Insurance Association)
We have responded to every major Gulf Coast storm event affecting TWIA-eligible properties — including Harvey, Beryl, and multiple Gulf tropical systems. Our experience with wind/flood damage documentation is extensive. We know how to photograph, document, and describe damage in ways that clearly support TWIA coverage for wind-related losses while separately documenting flood-related losses for NFIP.
⚠️ Watch out for with TWIA (Texas Windstorm Insurance Association) claims
Filing deadline — TWIA has specific claim reporting requirements; don't delay
The wind/flood attribution dispute — the most contentious issue in coastal storm claims
TWIA's right to inspect before repairs — notify TWIA before permanent repairs
Deductibles — TWIA hurricane deductibles are typically 2–5% of insured value, not a flat dollar amount
Coverage limits — ensure your TWIA policy limit is current with replacement cost
Post-storm contractor fraud — unlicensed "storm chasers" are common in TWIA areas after major storms
TWIA (Texas Windstorm Insurance Association) water damage — frequently asked questions
Does TWIA cover hurricane damage?
TWIA covers hurricane wind damage — structural damage from windstorm, hail, and water that enters through openings created by wind. TWIA does not cover storm surge or flooding from rising water, which is the category that typically causes the most damage in a direct hurricane hit. You need a separate NFIP flood policy for storm surge coverage.
What is the wind vs. flood issue in TWIA claims?
After a Gulf Coast hurricane, your property may be damaged by both wind (covered by TWIA) and flooding/storm surge (covered by NFIP). Establishing which specific damage was caused by which mechanism is critical — TWIA won't pay for flood damage, and NFIP won't pay for wind damage. Each carrier's adjuster may try to attribute damage to the other's coverage. Having a restoration contractor who documents this distinction clearly from day one is critical.
What is TWIA's hurricane deductible?
TWIA hurricane deductibles are typically a percentage of insured value — commonly 2%, 3%, or 5%. On a $300,000 home, a 3% deductible is $9,000. This applies when a storm is classified as a hurricane at the time it affects your area. Check your TWIA declarations page for your specific deductible amount and trigger conditions.
Do I need both a TWIA policy and a regular homeowner's policy?
If you live in a TWIA-eligible coastal area, yes — you typically carry a TWIA policy for wind/hail and a separate homeowners policy for fire, liability, and other perils. Flood requires a third separate NFIP policy. This three-policy structure is standard for Gulf Coast Texas property owners.
How long does TWIA take to pay claims after a hurricane?
After a major hurricane, TWIA receives thousands of claims simultaneously and settlement timelines extend significantly. Texas law sets specific standards for TWIA's claims handling, including adjuster response times. After Harvey, many TWIA policyholders waited 60–120+ days for full settlement. Filing promptly, having thorough documentation, and invoking your appraisal rights when appropriate accelerate the process.
Can I use my own contractor for TWIA repairs?
Yes. TWIA cannot require you to use specific contractors. You have the right to select any licensed Texas contractor for your wind damage repairs. Be cautious of unlicensed storm chasers who appear in coastal areas after major hurricanes — always verify contractor licensing and insurance.
Why choose First Response for your TWIA (Texas Windstorm Insurance Association) claim
Coastal storm documentation is a specialty. We understand the wind/flood split issue in depth and document damage in ways that clearly support both your TWIA wind claim and your NFIP flood claim — maximizing recovery from both coverages rather than leaving money on the table by conflating the two.
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