Texas Gulf Coast Homeowners Insurance

Texas & Federal Common Questions Insurance Talk Coastal Barrier Resources Act Windstorm

click here for Texas Wind and Hail Insurance Information

Don’t Be Caught Without Windstorm Insurance Coverage! Is your home covered for hurricane or other windstorm damage?

If you live in one of the Texas' coastal counties, then you know how costly a storm can be. With the latest and most effective wind resistant construction, you will have a stronger structure and a better opportunity to obtain windstorm and hail insurance coverage through the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association or the voluntary market.

For more information about obtaining or maintaining windstorm insurance coverage when you build, remodel, add-on, repair or re-roof a structure, the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) encourages you to contact your insurance agent or the Windstorm Inspection Division of TDI at 800-248-6032 or via e-mail at Windstorm@tdi.state.tx.us

Texas Department of Insurance Storm Link Page

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
Find out how to protect Your Property, Home or Business from Disasters such as hurricanes and floods.

FEMA's mission is to prepare the nation for all hazards and effectively manage federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident.

FEMA National Flood Insurance Program

Texas is served by FEMA Region VI

Find out your relative flood risk today, online. Simply enter your property information from the link below, and we'll show you the relative flood risk to your property, links to flood insurance resources, and a list of licensed insurance agents who serve your area.
To determine your flood risk click here.

Not all coastal areas are eligible for FEMA flood insurance. Some coastal areas are excluded by the Coastal Barrier Resources Act which established the Coastal Barrier Resources System (CBRS). The links below describe the CBRS and provide maps to determine if your area is part of the CBRS and non eligible for FEMA.

Common Questions Asked by Homeowners about Insurance

If a fire, flood, earthquake, or some other natural disaster were to destroy or damage your home:

Would you have the right insurance coverage to rebuild your house?
What is covered in a standard homeowners policy?
Where gaps in coverage exist, how can you fill them?

To simplify explanations, we assume that you have a policy known as Homeowners-3 (HO-3), the most common homeowners policy in the United States. Find out what type of homeowners policy you have.

Question # 1: Am I covered for direct losses due to fire, lightning, tornadoes, wind storms, hail, explosions, smoke, vandalism and theft?

Yes. The HO-3 provides broad coverage for these and other disasters or “perils,” as they are called in the policy, including all those listed in the question. You should check the dollar limits of insurance in your policy and make sure you are comfortable with the amount of insurance you have for specific items. Also, if you live near the Atlantic or Gulf coasts there may be some restrictions on your coverage for wind damage. Ask your agent about windstorm/hurricane deductibles. In areas prone to hailstorms, you may have a specific hail damage deductible.

Question # 2: Are my jewelry and other valuables covered?

The standard policy provides only from $1,000 to $2,000 for theft of jewelry. If your jewelry is worth a lot more, you should purchase higher limits. You may wish to add a floater to your policy to cover specific pieces of jewelry and other expensive possessions such as paintings, electronic equipment, stamp collections or silverware, for example. The floater will provide both higher limits and protect you from additional risks, not covered in your normal policy.

Question # 3: If my house is totally destroyed in a fire and I have $150,000 worth of insurance to cover the structure, will this be enough to rebuild my home?

If the cost of rebuilding your home is equal to or less than $150,000 you would have enough coverage. The HO-3 policy pays for structural damage on a replacement cost basis. If the cost of replacing your home is, say, $120,000, then that is all the insurance you need. On the other hand if the cost of rebuilding your home is $180,000, then you will be short $30,000.
If you live in an area that is frequently hit by major storms, ask you insurance company about an extended or guaranteed replacement cost policy. This will provide a certain amount over the policy limit to rebuild your home so that if building costs go up unexpectedly, due to high demand for contractors and materials, you will have extra funds to cover the bill.
If you choose not to rebuild your home, you will receive the replacement cost of your home, less depreciation. This is called actual cash value. You should make sure that the amount of insurance you have will cover the cost of rebuilding your house. You can find out what this cost is by talking to your real estate agent or builders in your area.
Do not use the price of your house as the basis for the amount of insurance you purchase. The market price of your house includes the value of the land on which the house is situated. In almost all cases, the land will still be there after a disaster, so you do not need to insure it. You only need to insure the structure.

Question # 4: Am I covered for flood damage?

No. So, if you live in a flood-prone area it may be wise to purchase flood insurance. Flood insurance is provided by the federal government, under a program run by the Federal Insurance Administration. In some parts of the country, homes can be damaged or destroyed by mudslides. This risk is also covered under flood policies. Contact your agent or company representative to get this insurance or call the Federal Emergency Management Agency at 1-800-427-4661 or visit the Web site at www.fema.gov.

Question # 5: A pipe bursts and water flows all over my floors. Am I covered?

Yes. The HO-3 covers you for accidental discharge of water from a plumbing system. You should check your plumbing and heating systems once a year. While you are covered for damage, who needs the mess and hassle?

Question # 6: What if water seeps into my basement from the ground, am I covered?

No. Water seepage is excluded under the HO-3. And if the water seepage is not due to a flood you will not be covered under a flood policy. Seepage is viewed as a maintenance issue and is not covered by insurance. You should see a contractor about waterproofing your basement.

Question # 7: Am I covered for earthquake damage?

No. Earthquake coverage is sold as additional coverage to the homeowners policy. To find out whether you should buy this insurance, talk to your agent or company representative. The cost of this coverage can vary significantly from one area to another, depending on the likelihood of a major earthquake.

Question # 8: A neighbor slips on my sidewalk or falls down my porch steps and threatens to take me to court for damages. Does my policy protect me?

Yes. The policy will pay for damages, if a fall or other accident on your property is the result of your negligence. It will also pay for the legal costs of defending you against a claim. Also, the medical payments part of your homeowners policy will cover medical expenses, if a neighbor or guest is injured on your property. You should check to see how much liability protection you have. The standard amount is $100,000. If you feel you need more, consider purchasing higher limits.

Question # 9: A tree falls and damages my roof during a storm. Am I covered?

Yes. You are covered for the damage to your roof. You are also covered for the removal of the tree, generally up to a $500 limit. You should cut down dead or dying trees close to your house and prune branches that are near your house. It's true that your insurance covers damage, but falling trees and branches can also injure your family.

Question # 10: During a storm, a tree falls but does no damage to my property. Am I covered for the cost of removing the tree?

Your trees and shrubs are covered for losses due to risks like vandalism, theft and fire, but not wind damage. However, if a fallen tree blocks access to your home you may be covered for its removal. Decide if you need extra insurance for the trees, plants andshrubs on your property. You may be able to purchase extra insurance, which will not only cover the cost of removing fallen trees, but will also cover the cost of replacing trees, and other plants.

Question # 11: If a storm causes a power outage and all the food in my refrigerator or freezer is spoiled and must be thrown out, can I make a claim?

The general answer is no. However, there are a number of exceptions. In some states, food spoilage is covered under the homeowners policy. In addition, if the power loss is due to a break in a power line on or close to your property, you may be covered. You should check with your agent to find out whether you are covered for food spoilage in your state. If not, you can add food spoilage coverage to your policy for an additional premium.

Question # 12: I have children away at college. Are they covered by my homeowners insurance?

If they’re full-time college students and part of your household, your insurance generally provides some coverage in a dorm, typically 10 percent of the contents limit. If they live off campus, some companies may not provide this limited coverage if the apartment is rented in the student’s name.

Question # 13: My golf clubs are stolen from the trunk of my car. Does my homeowners policy cover the loss?

Yes. The HO-3 covers your personal property while it is anywhere in the world. However, if your golf clubs are old, you will only get their current value, which may not be enough to purchase a new set. Consider buying a replacement cost endorsement for your personal property. This way you will get what it costs to replace the golf clubs, less the applicable deductible.

Question # 14: I have a small power boat. If it is stolen, am I covered? What if there is a boating accident and I get sued? Am I covered for that?

Whether or not you are covered for either theft or liability depends on the size of the boat, the horsepower of the engine and your insurance company. Coverage for small boats under homeowners policies varies significantly. Ask your insurance representative whether you need a Boatowners policy.

Question # 15: My house is close to the ocean. I’ve heard that if it is destroyed by the wind, the town's new building code requires me to rebuild the house on stilts. This will add $30,000 to the cost of rebuilding my house. Am I covered for this extra cost?

No. The HO-3 excludes costs caused by ordinances or laws that regulate the construction of buildings. You can purchase an Ordinance or Law endorsement. This will cover the extra costs involved in meeting new building codes.

Question # 16: Am I covered for “Acts of God”?

Sometimes. The term “Acts of God” is not specifically mentioned in homeowners insurance policies. It usually refers to natural disasters like hurricanes and tornadoes, as opposed to man-made acts, like theft and auto accidents. Some natural disasters, such as damage from windstorms, hail, lightning and volcanic eruptions, are covered under homeowners insurance. Damage from floods and earthquakes is not.

Question # 17: What should I do if my policy provides less coverage than the HO-3?

Review your coverage with your agent. Some older policies provide less coverage than the HO-3. They may not provide coverage for water damage, theft, or liability. They may also provide coverage for the house on an actual cash value basis, rather than a replacement cost basis.
Actual Cash Value means replacement cost less depreciation. For example, if your roof is destroyed in a storm, the insurance will only pay for the cost of a new roof less the amount of depreciation of the old roof. If your roof was in great shape, this deduction will not be large. However, if the roof was old and worn out, the deduction for depreciation may be significant. You should try to get an HO-3.

As Some Private Insurers are leaving the Coast, State Taxpayers pick up the tab to preserve the economic benefits of coastal home ownership

Private insurers have been fleeing the shoreline, wary of costly storms and often fed up with government regulations that prevent them from pushing rates higher. In more than a dozen states, including Texas, state supported (public) carriers known as "insurers of last resort" are filling the void.

These public insurers, which cover people the private sector won't, issued more than two million policies to homeowners and businesses in hurricane-prone states last year, about twice as many as in 2001. Over that same five-year period, their total liability for potential claims has increased roughly threefold, topping $650 billion. Meanwhile, a separate federal flood-insurance program has seen its liability jump by two-thirds since 2001 to just over $1 trillion.

[The sum effect: Much of the risk associated with hurricane coverage is shifting to the broader public and away from private companies and coastal homeowners.]

It's unusual for several reasons. At a time when financial markets are becoming increasingly adept at spreading risk, states and the federal government are concentrating it on a massive scale. The shift contrasts starkly with the federal government's effort to make individuals assume more risk and costs in other areas, such as retirement and health-care plans.

Last-resort insurers are created by state governments, although they operate much like other insurance companies. Many of them are set up as associations, which actually write policies that cover hurricane damage from wind, among other standard threats. Any insurer that sells property insurance in the state must also be a member of the association.

But these insurers also differ in significant ways. They often don't have deep financial reserves, leaving other private insurers, and sometimes taxpayers, to help foot the bill for huge claims. In a catastrophic situation, for instance, the associations are often authorized to impose assessments on all their member insurers. That can translate to rate increases or surcharges for policyholders throughout the state -- not just in places hit by a storm. And after recent hurricanes in Florida and Louisiana, lawmakers tapped state coffers -- and hence taxpayers -- to help defray losses incurred by last-resort insurers.

The system "shifts the risk literally from those who are most at risk...to individuals who are at less risk or even at no risk," says Robert Hartwig, president of the Insurance Information Institute, an industry trade group that plans to release a report detailing the growth of last-resort insurers.

States have a strong economic incentive to make coverage available, since most banks require insurance before they write a mortgage. If policies are tough to obtain, states could miss out on the revenue that comes with development -- particularly on choice coastal property. Moreover, the states face political pressures from homeowners who want to be sure they have affordable insurance

The government's role in homeowners insurance has long been a hodgepodge. Each state has its own regulator which typically sets or approves the rates insurers can charge. Many insurers of last resort were established starting in the late 1960s, when urban riots led private insurers to shun some inner-city properties. Today, they cover a broad spectrum of homes. Generally, they aren't backed by state budgets.

A severe storm in Galveston, Texas, could cost the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association, the state's insurer of last resort, as much as $8 billion, officials there say. The association and its member insurers would be able to cover about $700 million in losses. Beyond that, it would need to ask all its member insurers -- even those who don't write coastal coverage -- to make up the huge shortfall. If insurers did have to chip in at that point, they would be permitted to recoup the funds through years of tax credits -- a potentially big hit on the state budget.

Some believe the federal government might be called upon in the event of severe losses. Washington is already taking on additional risk through the National Flood Insurance Program. Under that program, insurance agents sell special government-backed policies that cover water damage from floods, including from hurricanes. (Flood damage is generally excluded from policies issued by private insurers, which typically only cover wind damage from storms.)

Last year, the number of federal flood-insurance policies rose by 12% from 2005, when Katrina hit, mostly due to double-digit growth in hurricane-prone states such as Mississippi, New York, Louisiana and Texas.

Tom Lasater, a retired high-school principal in Galveston, has separate insurance policies to cover both flood and wind damage. He's got reason for caution. In 1900, a storm drove tides 8 to 15 feet high and inundated Galveston. Today, Mr. Lasater pays about $1,000 a year for $225,000 worth of wind coverage from the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association on his two-story brick house, which he says is 13 feet above sea level and sits behind a 14-foot-high seawall. His former insurer said it would not renew his policy after Hurricane Rita ravaged the area in 2005. With the windstorm association, he says his premium is lower, though he'll have to pay more out of pocket through his deductible before coverage kicks in. As for flood insurance, Mr. Lasater says he pays roughly $200 a year for his policy from the federal program. He says he only decided to buy it after Hurricane Katrina, when he saw insurers trying to deny claims by arguing that damage was caused by water, not wind. "It was affordable, and I figured, 'Why take a chance?' " he says.

A number of states, including Texas, are concerned about what could happen if their last-resort insurers face a significant deficit. Like officials in Florida, lawmakers in some states are also facing deep public anger about the rising cost of insurance on the coast.

As natural disasters threaten to drive up property losses in many parts of the country, insurers increasingly are requiring homeowners to better protect their houses as a condition of staying insured.

These moves reflect efforts by the insurance industry, including Allstate Corp. and State Farm Insurance, to place more responsibility on homeowners to reduce the risk of loss when disasters occur. In hurricane prone areas of Eastern and Gulf states, some insurers are requiring that certain properties have storm-resistant window shutters in order to be insured.

Some insurers are enforcing the rules with stepped up inspections, either in person or by using satellite images such as Google Earth. Homeowners typically are given some time to fix any problems, after which they face losing their insurance when the term is up.

"Insurers are becoming more aggressive about inspecting homes before insuring them and making recommendations to the policyholder about what they can do to reduce the likelihood of certain types of loss," says Robert Hartwig, president of the Insurance Information Institute, an industry-sponsored research group.
But some consumer groups and politicians complain that the new disaster-mitigation rules place too great a financial burden on some homeowners, especially requirements for retrofits like shutters, which can cost about $6,000 for a modest-size house. Stricter enforcement also comes at a time when the property-insurance industry has recorded three consecutive years of record profits.

To be sure, it's generally a good idea for homeowners to make their houses safer from disasters. Even if you carry insurance, hurricanes and wildfires can destroy irreplaceable belongings and cause financial distress and even loss of life. What's more, some homeowners who might not be required by their insurer to take extra precautions often can get a discount on their insurance if they do.

Homeowners in new developments on the coast have much less to worry about

State Officials and Developers on the Texas Coast have answers to reduce losses with newer homes.
Several Texas Coastal areas now require that living spaces be 17ft above sea level and that any structures below that height are made with break-away walls, which allows the most damaging effect of rushing water to simply flow under the new home.

Also the newer structures are built to much higher standards that can withstand hurricane force winds with only minor damage to the structure. Crown Team of Bolivar Texas has even come up with an innovative way to build such fortified homes that is also faster and makes the homes stronger; and, since the homes are built in sections off-site, makes the creation of new developments easier on the initial homeowners, as the new neighborhoods are developed in a way that makes them less like a construction zone as new homes are delivered to the site in sections.

Read the article on new fortified homes to find out more.

The Coastal Barrier Resources Act (CBRA) of 1982 established the John H. Chafee Coastal Barrier Resources System (CBRS), comprised of undeveloped coastal barriers along the Atlantic, Gulf, and Great Lakes coasts.

The law encourages the conservation of hurricane prone, biologically rich coastal barriers by restricting Federal expenditures that encourage development, such as Federal flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program.

CBRA is a free-market approach to conservation. These areas can be developed, but Federal taxpayers do not underwrite the investments. CBRA saves taxpayer dollars and encourages conservation at the same time. CBRA has saved over $1 billion and will save millions more in the future. Approximately 3.1 million acres of land and associated aquatic habitat are part of the CBRS. The Fish and Wildlife Service maintains the repository for CBRA maps enacted by Congress that depict the CBRS. The Service also advises Federal agencies, landowners, and Congress regarding whether properties are in or out of the CBRS, and what kind of Federal expenditures are allowed in the CBRS.

What is an “Undeveloped Coastal Barrier”?
The Coastal Barrier Resources Act (CBRA) of 1982 defines an “undeveloped coastal barrier” as a depositional geologic feature that is subject to wave, tidal and wind energies; and protects landward aquatic habitats from direct wave attack. CBRA further defines a coastal barrier as all associated aquatic habitats, including the adjacent wetlands, marshes, estuaries, inlets and nearshore waters, but only if such features and associated habitats contain few man-made structures and these structures, and people’s activity associated with them, do not significantly impede geomorphic and ecological processes.

The Coastal Barrier Reauthorization Act of 2000 specifies that a coastal barrier area is considered undeveloped if (1) the density of development is less than one structure per five acres of land above mean high tide; and (2) there is not a full suite of existing infrastructure consisting of a road with a reinforced road bed, wastewater disposal system, electric service, and fresh water supply to each lot or building site in the area.
Federal Spending Prohibitions

The Coastal Barrier Resources Act and its amendments prohibit most new Federal expenditures that tend to encourage development or modification of coastal barriers. The laws do not restrict activities carried out with private or other non-Federal funds and only apply to the areas that are within the defined John H. Chafee Coastal Barrier Resource System (CBRS).

Examples of prohibited Federal assistance within System units include subsidies for road construction, channel dredging, and other coastal engineering projects. Federal flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program is available in a CBRS unit if the subject building was constructed (or permitted and under construction) before the CBRS unit's effective date. If an existing insured structure is substantially improved or damaged, the Federal flood insurance policy will not be renewed.

Federal monies can be spent within System units for certain exempted activities, after consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Examples of such activities include emergency assistance, military activities essential to national security, exploration and extraction of energy resources, and maintenance of existing Federal navigational channels.
The only Federal funding prohibition within OPAs is Federal flood insurance.

CBRA Map

Modification of Boundaries
Only Congress has the authority to modify boundaries of the John H. Chafee Coastal Barrier Resources System (CBRS) through legislation. The one exception to this rule is a five-year review of the CBRS conducted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service that modifies boundaries only to reflect changes due to natural processes (i.e., accretion and erosion).
Congress designated the initial CBRS units in 1982 and modified and expanded the CBRS in 1990. Subsequent modifications to the CBRS have been made since 1990 via Congressional action. If the Service finds a technical mapping error that warrants a change in one part of a CBRS map, it reviews all adjacent areas to ensure the entire map is accurate. This comprehensive approach to map revisions treats all landowners who may be affected equitably, and it also ensures that Congress and the Administration will not have to remap the same area in the future. This approach is a lengthy process but it allows the Service to improve the integrity of the entire CBRS by looking at boundary revisions in a holistic fashion instead of pursuing incremental fixes for individual areas on a single map.

For more information about the Coastal Barrier Resources System contact:
Katie Niemi
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Division of Habitat and Resource Conservation, Room 400
4401 N. Fairfax Drive
Arlington, VA 22203
Phone: (703) 358-2161

Texans living and working along the Gulf Coast should review their homeowners and commercial insurance policies prior to hurricane season to ensure they are adequately covered against losses caused by wind and hail. Some insurance companies provide wind and hail coverage, while others do not.

If your company has excluded wind and hail coverage from your policy, shop around. You may be able to find another company that offers wind and hail coverage in your area. If you can't find a company providing the coverage, ask your insurance agent about purchasing insurance from the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA). TWIA is the state’s insurer of last resort for wind and hail coverage when homeowners and business owners are denied coverage in the 14 coastal counties and parts of Harris County on Galveston Bay.

TWIA Structure Eligibility Requirements
• Located in TWIA’s coverage territory. TWIA’s coverage territory includes Aransas, Brazoria, Calhoun, Cameron, Chambers, Galveston, Jefferson, Kenedy, Kleberg, Matagorda, Nueces, Refugio, San Patricio, and Willacy counties; and the following communities east of State Highway 146 in Harris County: Pasadena, Morgan's Point, Shoreacres, Seabrook and La Porte.

TWI Map

• Meet Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) building specifications. New structures, alterations, additions, or repairs to existing structures, including re-roofs or roof repairs must be inspected by a TDI inspector or an engineer who has been appointed by the Commissioner of Insurance. There is no fee for any inspection conducted by TDI. All inspections must be made during the construction phase. For questions or to find out if your home was previously inspected, contact your agent or TDI's Windstorm Inspection Division at 1-800-248-6032.

Shopping for Insurance
• Use an insurance agent to help you shop. Some agents represent only a single company or company group. Independent agents may represent several companies. Including independent agents in your search can help you get quotes from multiple companies with a single call. To find an agent near you, use your local yellow pages or visit www.helpinsure.com, a free service of the state and TDI that helps people shop for homeowners insurance.
• Make sure your insurance agent and company are licensed. To verify whether an agent or company is licensed, call the Consumer Help Line or use the Agent and Insurer Search features on the TWI website.
• Use TDI’s Homeowners Insurance Price Comparisons. The price comparisons list most companies writing homeowners insurance in your area and provide contact information and premium estimates. Call the Consumer Help Line for a free copy of the price comparison for your area or view the price comparisons on the TWI website
• Understand homeowners policy types and coverages. Insurance companies may sell several types of homeowners policies in Texas, each with a different level of coverage. Make sure you compare policies with similar coverages. Visit the Texas Office of Public Insurance Counsel (OPIC) website, www.opic.state.tx.us, to compare coverages for policies sold in Texas.
• Decide whether you need other coverages. Homeowners policies do not cover damage caused by rising waters. You can buy a separate policy to cover most types of flooding from the National Flood Insurance Program. Call NFIP at 1-800-427-4661 or visit its website, www.floodsmart.gov.
• Consider factors other than price. A company’s complaint history and financial rating can indicate the level of service you will receive. Call the Consumer Help Line or use the Insurer Search feature on the TWI website.
• Ask about payment options. Some insurance companies offer payment plans that allow you to pay your premium in installments. For example, you may be able to make monthly payments, rather than paying your entire annual premium at once.
• Ask about discounts. Some companies offer discounts. The discounts offered and their amounts vary by company.
• Answer questions truthfully. Giving incorrect information when you apply for insurance could lead to an incorrect rate quote or a denial or cancellation of coverage. An insurance company may cancel your policy within the first 60 days if it gives you 30 days’ notice.
• Choose the highest deductible you can afford. Higher deductibles will lower your premium, but you’ll have to pay more out of pocket if you have a claim.
• Know how your credit score affects you. Insurance companies may consider your credit score when deciding whether to sell you a policy and the price to charge you. They cannot deny you coverage or refuse to renew your policy solely because of your credit score, however.

Contact TDI
For answers to general insurance questions or for information on filing an insurance-related complaint, visit the TWI website or call the Consumer Help Line between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Central time, Monday-Friday
www.tdi.state.tx.us
1-800-252-3439
463-6515 in Austin

Questions to Ask Your Realtor BEFORE You Buy

1. Is Windstorm Insurance mandatory? Do I really need it?
Mortgage companies typically require full coverage. In the event you decide to sell your home the Certificate of Compliance (WPI-8) is an excellent selling point which proves code compliance and provides eligibility for windstorm coverage.

2. If I have flood insurance, isn’t that all I need?
No. A flood policy does not cover ANY damage to a structure due to wind and hail.

3. Are all counties affected by Windstorm requirements? Is this house in a windstorm (high wind) area (First Tier County)?
Just the counties which border the Gulf of Mexico (First Tier Counties). Chambers, Jefferson, Galveston, Brazoria, Matagorda, Calhoun, Refugio, San Patricio, Aransas, Nueces, Kleberg, Kenedy, Willacy, and Cameron. And portions of the following cities east of SH 146 in Harris County; Pasadena, Shoreacres, Morgan’s Point, La Porte, and Seabrook.

4. Is the house currently insured for wind and hail insurance?
The Certificate of Compliance (WPI-8) if “proof of eligibility” for wind and hail insurance coverage through the State’s catastrophe pool, the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA). Homeowners may contact TDI at 1-800-248-6032 or search www.tdi.state.tx.us for more information about the Windstorm Inspection Program or search for the Certificate online.

5. What is the claims history on this house? What repairs have been made?
The current insurance agent should have answers to all questions concerning the coverage on this structure. Including any claims filed.

6. Can I insure just the roof?
No. The entire structure must be insured to meet applicable code standards.

7. Who can conduct windstorm inspections?
An employee of TDI’s Windstorm Inspections Division, or an engineer who has been appointed by the Commissioner of Insurance.

8. What if the house does not pass inspection? What is my alternative/next step?
Completed structures can be certified by appointed engineers once deficiencies are corrected and code compliance met.

Questions to Ask Your Contractor BEFORE You Build or Repair
Questions to Ask BEFORE Construction

1. Is the construction being done to meet the Windstorm Building Code?
It is very important to make sure that all construction be compliant with the TDI Building Code in order to receive a WPI-8 Certificate of Compliance, which acknowledges eligibility for windstorm and hail coverage through the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA).

2. Are the products that are going to be used on my house approved by the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI)?
This information can be obtained by contacting your local field office or a listing of Product Evaluations is available on the TDI website.

3. Am I going to get a windstorm inspection on this project?
Inspections must be performed in order to determine compliance with Windstorm requirements.

4. If so, will the inspection be made by a TDI inspector or by an engineer appointed by the Commissioner of the Texas Department of Insurance?
Either party may make the inspections. However, it is to your advantage to know who you will be able to discuss your inspections with.

5. Who will coordinate the inspections and when will they be performed?
Normally, it is the contractor who should coordinate the inspection dates and times. It is essential for the inspections to occur during the construction phase.

6. Will I be kept informed as to the status of the inspections?
Each inspector should leave documentation outlining the findings of each phase of the project. Being kept informed of inspection times will also allow you to personally meet with the inspector and discuss any issues which may be present.

7. What are my options if my project is disapproved?
You should discuss with your inspector AND builder/roofer what corrective measures are necessary for the project to be compliant.

8. If my project is approved, when do I receive my WPI-8?
Once the inspector submits the appropriate documentation to the Austin Windstorm office, it is checked and processed. If everything is in order, a WPI-8 will be posted on the TWI website (please allow three (3) working days). A hard copy of the WPI-8 is also mailed to the submitter (please allow one (1) week to receive).

9. What should I do when the WPI-8 arrives?
The WPI-8 should be stored in a safe place along with your other valuable papers. Always inform your insurance agent when you have construction projects and make them aware that you did get the WPI-8. Your agent will most likely want to add a copy of the WPI-8 to your file, which can be printed from the TDI web-site.

Are These Items Included?

1. Is the house built to the windstorm building code and eligible for wind and hail insurance?
In the first tier counties along the Texas coast, it is in the best interest of a homeowner to require the builder to furnish a Certificate of Compliance upon completion of the home. The Certificate of Compliance is “proof of eligibility” for wind and hail insurance coverage through the State’s catastrophe pool, the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA). Homeowners may contact TDI at 1-800-248-6032 or search www.tdi.state.tx.us for more information about the Windstorm Inspection Program or search for the Certificate online.

2. Wind-resistant roofing material conforming to ASTM D 3161 (or better) requirements.
Choose products that have been tested to ASTM D 3161 and have a 110 mph wind resistance or higher.

3. Class 4 impact-resistant roofing material.
Roofing products are tested for impact resistance using the UL 2218 impact resistance test. Approved products are classified 1 through 4, Class 4 being the most resistant. In an area where windborne debris is likely, Class 4 would be the better choice.

4. A secondary water barrier under the roofing material.
A secondary water barrier provides protection if the roof covering is damaged. This is achieved by installing self-adhering flashing tape or modified polymer bitumen strips on top of the joints in the roof deck. The underlayment should be a 30# roofing felt, which is thicker and heavier than 15# felt.

5. Are gable ends adequately braced to withstand severe windstorms?
Collapse of a gable end wall is a common failure during hurricanes. To accommodate the strong pressures of hurricane force winds, gable ends need additional bracing. Information on this procedure is available from the Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (www.flash.org).

6. Truss-to-wall connectors and wall-to-foundation connectors.
The only way to create a wind-resistant home is to secure all connections – roof-to-wall, floor-to-floor, and wall-to-foundation. This is accomplished by installing hurricane clips at those intersections.

7. Impact-resistant windows or hurricane shutters.
Impact-resistant windows are designed to resist a combination of impact and continuous wind pressure. Always use products that have been tested to one of these standards – ASTM E 1886 or ASTM E 1996 – and have been designated as such through a recognized product approval system.

8. Garage door/doors that impact resistant.
Garage doors are particularly vulnerable to high winds, because of the long span of the opening they cover and the relatively lightweight material they are made of. Two options are available for strengthening garage doors: replace the door and track with a system that is designed to withstand high winds and wind-borne debris; or use a tested and approved impact resistant covering. In Texas, garage doors must be tested in accordance with ASTM E 330. Glass panels should be rated with ASTM E 1996 standards.

9. Skylights that are impact-resistant.
Skylights are extremely vulnerable to wind borne debris and hail. Skylights should be tested in accordance with ASTM E 1886 and ASTM E 1996 or other approved standards.

10. The required upgrades to qualify for all insurance credits or discounts offered.
Investigate possible construction credits and discounts available through your insurance company and then review with your builder.

11. A safe room.
A safe room, or storm shelter, provides the highest degree of protection for you and your family from the dangerous forces of extreme winds and debris impacts. Safe rooms can be site-built or manufactured and can be installed in new or existing homes.

12. Continuous load path construction.
When a house is being constructed, it is an opportune time to build in a continuous load path, creating a structure highly resistant to extreme wind force. Balloon framing and the use of hurricane straps or clips connecting all intersections including the foundation can easily be designed into the structure at this time.

13. 5/8” thick plywood decking attached with 10d common nails spaced 4” O.C. at the edges and gable ends and 6” O.C. in the field of panels.
Use this method to make your roof more impact-resistant.

14. Impact-resistant exterior wall surfacing.
Some siding manufacturers market their products as impact-resistant, but at this time a safer choice might be a hard surface such as brick, stone, or stucco.

15. Porch exterior walls properly connected to the foundation.
Porch walls should be treated as any other exterior wall and anchored to the foundation. If blown loose it can be a threat to the main house in high wind situations.