If you own a home on the Texas coast, you need wind and hail coverage, and you have two main places to get it: the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA) or a private insurance company. Many homeowners assume TWIA is their only choice. Often it is not, and the private option can be simpler and sometimes less expensive. Here is how the two compare, so you can decide which is right for your home.
The short answer
- Check private carriers first. TWIA is the insurer of last resort. To qualify, you generally must be turned down for wind coverage by at least one private insurer.
- Private coverage is often one policy. Many private carriers include wind, hail and hurricane in a single homeowners policy, so you have one bill, one deductible schedule and one company to call.
- TWIA is a strong backstop. If private carriers will not write your home, or their price is too high, TWIA provides wind and hail coverage alongside a separate homeowners policy.
- Neither one covers flood. Storm surge and rising water need a separate flood policy.
TWIA vs. private windstorm insurance at a glance
| TWIA | Private carrier | |
|---|---|---|
| Who can get it | Homes in the designated coastal area that were declined for wind coverage by at least one authorized insurer | Any home the carrier is willing to insure |
| What it covers | Wind and hail only | Often wind, hail and all other homeowners perils in one policy |
| Policies you need | Usually two: TWIA for wind and hail, plus a homeowners policy that excludes wind | Often one |
| Windstorm certificate (WPI-8) | Generally required, with limited exceptions | Depends on the carrier; some do not require one |
| Flood insurance | Required for some homes in V zones built or changed on or after September 1, 2009 | Not included; may be required by your lender |
| How price is set | Rates filed with the state; no credit-based pricing | Each carrier prices differently, so quotes can vary widely |
What is TWIA?
TWIA was created by the Texas Legislature to provide wind and hail coverage for homes and businesses along the coast when private insurers will not. It covers the 14 first-tier coastal counties and parts of Harris County. A TWIA policy covers wind and hail damage only, so it sits next to a regular homeowners policy that excludes wind.
To be eligible, TWIA says applicants must have been denied coverage by at least one authorized insurer, the property must generally be certified as built to the windstorm building code (a WPI-8, WPI-8-E or WPI-8-C), and some homes in high-risk V flood zones must also carry flood insurance. You can read the full rules on TWIA's coverage and eligibility page, and our WPI-8 certificate guide explains the certificate step by step.
What is private windstorm insurance?
Private windstorm insurance is wind and hail coverage from a regular insurance company instead of TWIA. Most of the time, it comes as part of a full homeowners policy that already includes wind, hail and hurricane damage. Some carriers also write wind-only policies.
Because each company sets its own rules and prices, two carriers can quote the same home very differently. One may want a WPI-8 and another may not. One may prefer newer roofs, and another may be fine with an older home. That is why comparing several carriers matters so much on the coast.
Which is cheaper?
It depends on the home. Comparing them takes a little care, because a TWIA premium covers only wind and hail, while a private quote often covers everything.
- TWIA: TWIA reports an average residential premium of about $2,541 (as of June 30, 2026). That is for wind and hail only. You still pay for a separate homeowners policy on top of it. TWIA did not raise rates for 2026, and its board voted to file no change for 2027.
- Private: Recent all-in-one quotes we have written (wind, hail, hurricane and all other homeowners perils, no flood) include about $3,354 for a 1973 home in Lake Jackson, $3,940 for a 2015 home in Rockport and $4,322 for a 2008 home in Galveston.
To compare fairly, add your TWIA premium and your wind-excluded homeowners premium together, then compare that total with the private all-in-one quote. Also compare deductibles: wind and hail deductibles are often 1% to 5% of the dwelling amount (see hurricane and windstorm deductibles, explained). See what windstorm insurance costs in Texas for more real quotes and a deductible breakdown.
When TWIA may be the better fit
- Private carriers have declined your home, or their quotes are much higher.
- Your home has a valid WPI-8 and is in good repair.
- You want rates that are filed with the state and do not use credit-based pricing.
When a private carrier may be the better fit
- You want one policy, one bill and one claims process.
- Your home does not have a WPI-8 for all of its work. Some private carriers do not require one.
- Your home is newer or has a newer roof, which some carriers reward with lower prices.
- The total private premium comes in lower than TWIA plus a separate homeowners policy.
5 ways to lower your windstorm premium
- Compare several carriers and TWIA side by side. This is the single biggest lever. Prices for the same home can vary by thousands of dollars.
- Choose a higher wind and hail deductible if you can comfortably cover it after a storm.
- Keep your windstorm certificates. A WPI-8 for your roof and other work can open more options, and TWIA offers credits for homes built to newer codes.
- Upgrade your roof. A newer roof often lowers your price and widens your carrier choices.
- Review your coverage every year. Carriers change their appetite and pricing often on the coast, so last year's best price may not be this year's.
Do not forget flood insurance
Neither TWIA nor a private homeowners policy covers flood. During a hurricane, storm surge and rising water are flood damage, not wind damage. Flood policies usually have a 30-day waiting period, so do not wait for a storm in the Gulf. Learn more about flood insurance for Texas coastal homes and what wind and flood each cover.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get TWIA without being declined by a private insurer?
Generally no. TWIA requires that applicants have been denied coverage by at least one authorized insurer that writes wind and hail coverage in the area. We can help you get the declination you need while we shop private options.
Is TWIA cheaper than private windstorm insurance?
Sometimes, but not always. Compare your TWIA premium plus your wind-excluded homeowners premium with a private all-in-one quote. For many homes, especially newer ones, a private policy comes in close to or below that total.
Do private windstorm insurers require a WPI-8?
Some do and some do not. TWIA generally requires one. If your home is missing a certificate, a private carrier may be your best option. See Do I need a WPI-8 to get windstorm insurance?
Does windstorm insurance cover hurricane damage?
Windstorm coverage pays for wind and hail damage from a hurricane, such as a damaged roof or broken windows. It does not cover storm surge or flooding, which needs a separate flood policy.
Can I switch from TWIA to a private carrier?
Yes. Many homeowners move from TWIA to a private policy when a carrier offers a better price or simpler coverage. The best time to look is 30 to 45 days before your renewal.
Get a side-by-side comparison
We are an independent Texas agency. We compare 11 carriers plus TWIA for homes all along the coast, from Galveston and Corpus Christi to Rockport and South Padre Island, and we show you the real total cost of each option. Request your free windstorm quote or call (281) 715-7800. We are open 24/7.