Texas Home and Auto Insurance: Hail, Wind and Windstorm Coverage

Texas requires minimum auto liability limits of 30/60/25:

• $30,000 bodily injury per person
• $60,000 bodily injury per accident
• $25,000 property damage

Those limits can be used up quickly in a serious accident, so many Texas drivers choose higher limits. In hail country, comprehensive coverage is what typically pays for hail damage to your car.

When comparing DFW homeowners policies, look closely at:

• Wind and hail deductibles. Many Texas policies use a separate deductible for wind and hail, often a percentage of your dwelling coverage.
• Roof coverage. Some policies pay roof claims on an actual cash value basis, which subtracts for age and wear, instead of replacement cost. Ask how your roof is covered.
• Roof age and material. These can affect eligibility and price.
• Flood. Standard homeowners policies don't cover flood. It needs a separate policy.

If you own or are buying a home on the Texas coast, many private policies there don't include wind and hail. The Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA) offers wind and hail coverage in a designated area: the 14 first-tier coastal counties (Aransas, Brazoria, Calhoun, Cameron, Chambers, Galveston, Jefferson, Kenedy, Kleberg, Matagorda, Nueces, Refugio, San Patricio and Willacy) and parts of Harris County east of Highway 146.

To qualify for TWIA, generally:

• You must have been denied coverage by at least one private insurer writing wind and hail in the area.
• The property needs a windstorm Certificate of Compliance (WPI-8 or WPI-8-E from the Texas Department of Insurance, or a WPI-8-C issued by TWIA) showing it meets building codes, with limited exceptions.
• Certain homes in V flood zones built or changed after September 1, 2009 must show proof of flood insurance.
• The home must be in insurable condition.

According to the Texas Department of Insurance, an insurer must give you 60 days' notice of non-renewal for policies bought or renewed in 2024 or later, and for decisions after January 1, 2026, insurers must give you a written reason. If at least two companies refuse to insure your home, you may be able to buy coverage through the Texas FAIR Plan Association. For the full steps, see our guide to Texas home insurance non-renewal.