Check Whether Your Home Policy Covers Wind and Hail

Wind and hail do not work the same way in every home policy on the coast. Jefferson is one of 14 first-tier coastal counties in the TWIA service area. Read the policy and ask what would pay for roof or wall damage after a storm.

TWIA is a last-resort insurer, not the default coastal plan. To qualify, at least one approved company that writes wind and hail coverage in the area must turn the applicant down. The home must also meet TWIA's other rules.

A lender may require wind coverage even though Texas law does not. Ask an agent to compare a private plan with TWIA. Put the wind deductible beside the premium when you compare the two plans.