What Is Windstorm Insurance?
April 7, 2023
Picture

Homeowner's insurance probably does not cover windstorm damage if you reside close to the ocean. Therefore, you will need to buy a different policy.


Windstorm insurance protects homes and companies from damage caused by high winds, such as those associated with a hurricane, tornado, or another windstorm. This policy may cover damage to the building's structure and personal belongings. Depending on the policy, windstorm insurance policies may cover additional risks like lightning.



What Does Windstorm Insurance Cover?

Windstorm insurance may cover a wide range of damages, depending on the coverage, including:


  • Damage to the foundation, walls, roof, and other structural elements of your house
  • Personal property damage, like  furniture, appliances, and clothing
  • Loss of use which pays for interim accommodation if your home is uninhabitable due to storm damage
  • Extra living expenses can cover the cost of extra expenses spent while your home is being restored or rebuilt
  • Structures on your property, including fences, sheds, and other buildings
  • Trees and landscape 

How Does Windstorm Insurance Work?

The policy defines the sorts of wind-related incidents that are covered, as well as any exclusions or limitations on coverage.


To file a claim under a windstorm insurance policy, you must show that a covered wind event caused the damage. This may entail submitting images or other documentation of the damage and a written account of the incident. 


The agency will then evaluate the claim and decide the appropriate amount of coverage depending on the policy limitations and the nature of the damage.


If the claim is approved, the insurance agency will pay the policyholder for repairing or replacing the damaged property. This may include the cost of materials and labor to restore or rebuild the structure and the expense of replacing damaged or destroyed personal goods.


Windstorm insurance contracts include deductibles, which must be paid out of pocket before the coverage is determined. The deductible may differ depending on the severity of the windstorm and the policy limits.



Example:

Suppose your windstorm insurance policy has a coverage maximum of $200,000 and a $1,000 deductible. A windstorm damages your home, and the cost of repairs is projected to be $50,000.


You, as the policyholder, will bear the first $1,000 of the deductible. The remaining $49,000 would be paid by the insurance agency to cover the cost of repairs. Any excess costs over $200,000 would be your responsibility.



Conclusion

Windstorm insurance is often not included in standard homeowners insurance policies and must be acquired separately. If you reside in a windstorm-prone location, consider obtaining windstorm insurance to safeguard your home and personal property from potential damage.


At Brad Spurgeon Insurance Agency Inc., we do our best to make sure that our clients are well-protected with affordable and comprehensive policies. We make sure to go the extra mile to help you with your needs. To learn more about how we can help you, please contact our agency at (409) 945-4746 or Click Here to request a free quote. Topics and coverage discussed in this article are not guaranteed, consult with your agents to determine what your policy does and does not cover. We are more than happy to help!

October 8, 2025
If you live near the Texas Gulf Coast, you’re no stranger to high winds, tropical storms, and hurricanes . Homeowners in coastal areas like Texas City, Texas, face unique challenges when it comes to protecting their properties. One of the most common questions people ask is whether windstorm insurance can be combined with other types of coverage—like homeowners, flood, or renters insurance—for better protection and easier management. The short answer? Yes, in many cases you can combine or coordinate windstorm insurance with other policies—but it’s important to understand how each type works and what’s covered. Understanding Windstorm Insurance Windstorm insurance provides protection against damage caused by strong winds, hurricanes, hail, and tornadoes. These events can cause extensive damage to roofs, siding, windows, and other structural elements of a home. In Texas, especially along the coast, many standard homeowners insurance policies exclude windstorm and hail coverage. Instead, property owners often need to purchase separate windstorm insurance through private insurers or through the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA). Key Features of Windstorm Insurance Covers structural dam age caused by wind, hail, and flying debris Typically includes roof, windows, walls, and foundation repairs May include detached structures like garages or sheds Does not cover flood damage ca used by storm surge or rising water How Windstorm Insurance Works in Texas In coastal regions of Texas, homeowners often get windstorm coverage through TWIA, which is a state-managed program created to ensure residents can obtain insurance when private companies won’t provide it. To qualify for a TWIA policy, your property usually needs to: Be located in an eligi ble coastal county (such as Galveston County, where Texas City, Texas, is located) Meet specific building code requirements for wind resistance Be certified by the Texas Depart ment of Insurance (TDI) Can You Combine Windstorm Insurance with Other Policies? Yes—but not in the way many people expect. Windstorm insurance can be layered or coordinated with other types of coverage to create a more complete protection plan. Here’s how it typically works: 1. Homeowners Insurance + Windstorm Insurance Your homeowners policy covers general perils like fire, theft, and water leaks—but often excludes wind or hail damage if you live near the coast. Adding a windstorm policy ensures your property is protected from hurricane-force winds and other severe weather. Together, they provide a more comprehensive safety net for your home. 2. Windstorm Insurance + Flood Insurance It’s a common misconception that flood damage is covered under windstorm insurance—it’s not. Flood damage is handled through a separate flood insurance policy, typically backed by FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or a private insurer. Example: A hurricane hits Texas City, Texas, and your home suffers both roof damage from high winds and flooding from storm surge. You r windstorm policy would cover the roof and structural wind damage. Your floo d policy would cover water damage caused by rising floodwaters. To be fully protected, many coastal homeowners carry both windstorm and flood insurance in addition to their homeowners policy. 3. Renters and Condo Owners If you rent or own a condo near the coast: Renters: You can purchase a renters insurance policy for your personal belongings and add windstorm coverage if required by your lease or property manager. Condo Owners: Your condo association’s master policy may cover exterior wind damage, but you’ll likely need your own unit owner’s policy for interior damage and personal property. Benefits of Combining Coverage When properly coordinated, these policies offer: Compreh ensive protection: Covers wind, flood, and general property damage. Streamlined claims: Easier coordination between insurers when damage comes from multiple sources. Peace of mind: Confidence knowing you’re protected from Texas’s unpredictable weather. Customizable options: You can tailor deductibles and limits to fit your budget and risk level. Important Considerations Before Combining Policies Review y our exclusions: Make sure you know what each policy covers and excludes. Understand deductibles: Windstorm policies often have percentage-based deductibles, especially in hurricane zones. Keep documentation: Maintain proof of property inspections, certifications, and maintenance for claims. Work with a licensed local agent: An experienced insurance professional in Texas City, Texas, can help you compare coverage options, ensure compliance with TWIA requirements, and bundle policies where possible. Check for discounts: Some i nsurers offer multi-policy discounts when you bundle homeowners, auto, or flood insurance. The Bottom Line For homeowners along the Texas Gulf Coast, windstorm insurance is essential, but it shouldn’t stand alone. Combining it with homeowners and flood insurance creates a stronger shield against the financial fallout of hurricanes, tropical storms, and high winds. If you live in or near Texas City, Texas, talk to a local insurance professional about your options. They can help ensure your home and belongings are fully protected—no matter what the next storm season brings. At Brad Spurgeon Insurance Agency Inc., we aim to provide comprehensive insurance policies that make your life easier. We want to help you get insurance that fits your needs. You can get more information about our products and services by calling our agency at (409) 945-4746 . Get your free quote today by CLICKING HERE . Disclaimer: The information presented in this blog is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. It is crucial to consult with a qualified insurance agent or professional for personalized advice tailored to your specific circumstances. They can provide expert guidance and help you make informed decisions regarding your insurance needs.
September 22, 2025
Life insurance is often seen as a financial safety net, providing peace of mind that loved ones will be cared for in the event of a policyholder’s death. But some life insurance products go a step further by combining protection with an investment component. One of the most flexible and popular options is Indexed Universal Life (IUL) insurance.​IUL policies offer the security of a death benefit along with the potential for cash value growth tied to a stock market index. This m [...]
September 15, 2025
​Living by the coast offers stunning views, fresh air, and a lifestyle many people dream of. However, owning a coastal property also comes with unique risks—especially from floods caused by hurricanes, storm surges, and rising sea levels. Standard home insurance policies typically do not cover flood damage, which means coastal homeowners need the right flood insurance to safeguard their investment. Why Flood Insurance Is Essential for Coastal Properties1.High Flood Risk i [...]
September 15, 2025
When disaster strikes—whether it’s a fire, storm, or burglary—home insurance helps homeowners recover financially. But not all policies are the same. One of the most important features to understand is whether your policy offers Replacement Cost Coverage (RCC) or Actual Cash Value (ACV).​Replacement Cost Coverage ensures you can rebuild or repair your home and replace belongings at today’s prices, without depreciation factored in. This makes it one of the mos [...]
September 13, 2025
If you live in a coastal or storm-prone area, your home may be at risk of hurricane or windstorm damage. That’s why many insurance companies require a windstorm inspection before issuing or renewing a policy. These inspections determine how well your home can withstand strong winds and flying debris—and ultimately, how much you’ll pay for insurance.​Understanding how these inspections work and what’s involved helps homeowners prepare and possibly reduce their [...]
August 18, 2025
As cities grow and skylines rise, urbanization continues to shape our modern world. But with every paved street, high-rise development, and expansion into green space, there’s a hidden cost that many communities are starting to face more frequently: increased flooding.​Urban development dramatically alters the way water flows through the environment. Natural landscapes like forests, grasslands, and wetlands naturally absorb rainfall. In contrast, urban areas covered with concr [...]
August 11, 2025
Windstorms can strike with little warning—bringing down power lines, ripping off roofs, shattering windows, and halting operations for days or even weeks. For business owners, the consequences aren’t just physical—they’re financial. In today’s unpredictable climate, preparing for windstorms isn’t optional; it’s essential to your company’s long-term survival.​From hurricanes and derechos to severe thunderstorms and tornados, wind-relate [...]
July 28, 2025
Windstorms can strike with little warning, leaving behind costly damage to homes, vehicles, and personal property. From hurricanes and tropical storms to derechos and tornadoes, wind-related events are among the most destructive natural disasters in the U.S. That’s why having the right windstorm insurance coverage isn’t just helpful—it’s essential.​But with so many coverage options, riders, exclusions, and regional differences, choosing the right windstorm po [...]
July 21, 2025
​When it comes to protecting your biggest investment—your home—having the right insurance coverage isn’t just smart; it’s essential. Many homeowners assume their standard home insurance covers everything, but flood damage is almost never included. If you live in an area prone to storms, hurricanes, or even unexpected heavy rainfall, combining flood and home insurance into a bundled package can offer cost savings, streamlined protection, and serious peace of m [...]
July 14, 2025
In an increasingly litigious world, the protection offered by your standard home or auto insurance policy may not be enough. Accidents happen, and lawsuits can be expensive. That’s where umbrella insurance comes in—a powerful financial safety net that provides extra coverage when you need it most. Whether you’re a homeowner, landlord, business owner, or simply someone who wants added peace of mind, umbrella insurance can be a smart and surprisingly affordable solution. [...]
Show More