Understanding the Texas Windstorm Certificate of Compliance

Understanding the Texas Windstorm Certificate of Compliance

The Texas Windstorm Certificate of Compliance is one of many eligibility requirements for coverage by the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA). This certificate is proof that your home measures up to the wind resistance requirements set by the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI). Generally, an inspector will need to confirm that your home is up to code and can resist powerful winds. However, the exact requirements will change depending on where you live and whether or not there are certain big home improvement projects underway.

Who Needs a Texas Windstorm Certificate of Compliance?

The TDI commissioner has designated certain coastal areas in Texas as catastrophe areas. TWIA will only offer you windstorm and hail coverage if you live within those areas, so only those homeowners are required to get a Texas Windstorm Certificate of Compliance.

Related Reading: TWIA and Windstorm Insurance Explained

If you live inside a catastrophe area but are able to use a private insurance carrier for windstorm and hail coverage, or if you live outside of these catastrophe areas but still near the coast, you might not be off the hook. Having a Texas Windstorm Certificate of Compliance will help you get the coverage you need on the private insurance market. This certificate can also help you get major discounts on your home insurance. No matter where you live, getting certified is a very good idea.

Wind Resistance Requirements

The level of wind resistance required for certification will vary slightly depending on where you live.

• Homes seaward of the intracoastal canal must be able to withstand 3 seconds of 130 mph wind.
• Homes inland of the intracoastal canal must be able to withstand 3 seconds of 120 mph wind.
• Homes further inland of the intracoastal canal that are still in a catastrophe area must be able to withstand 3 seconds of 110 mph wind.

3 Different Certificates of Compliance

The type of certificate you need depends on whether or not you have a significant in-progress home improvement project.

• WPI-8: certificate for new and ongoing home improvements.
• WPI-8-C: certificate for completed homes and/or home improvements from January 1, 2017 to May 31, 2020.
• WPI-8-E: certificate for completed homes and/or home improvements from June 1, 2020 to the present.

Source: The Texas Windstorm Insurance Association

How Can I Tell if I’m Already Certified?

The TDI provides a tool that allows Texans to search for the certification status of a certain address. However, this tool only searches for WPI-8 and WPI-8-E certificates. If you need proof of a WPI-8-C, the Texas Department of Insurance encourages you to call the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association at 1-800-231-5360.

Source: The Texas Department of Insurance

Double-Check Your Windstorm Coverage

At TGS Insurance, our expert agents are here to answer all of your questions about how much windstorm coverage you need and how to maximize your discounts. We are also a great resource for information about TWIA! If you’d like to talk through your options, or if you’d like us to help you confirm whether or not you’re certified, give us a call today.