Cameron County Homes May Need Special Windstorm Insurance

Cameron County is one of 14 first-tier coastal counties. It is covered by the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA). Regular home insurance usually will not cover hurricane wind damage here. If you cannot get windstorm coverage from a normal insurer, you can apply to TWIA. To do that, you first need a denial from at least one insurer that sells windstorm coverage in the TWIA area.

Your home must also meet coastal building rules. The Texas Department of Insurance issues a WPI-8 certificate when a home passes inspection. If your home is in a coastal flood zone (V, VE, or V1-30) and was built, changed, or enlarged on or after September 1, 2009, TWIA requires flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program. Check twia.org for current rates and rules. These can change.