What does TWIA refer to as a Tier I property?

Answered by James Kissner

TWIA, which stands for Texas Windstorm Insurance Association, refers to certain properties as Tier I properties. These properties are located in the coastal counties of Texas that are most vulnerable to hurricanes and windstorms. TWIA provides windstorm and hail insurance coverage specifically for these areas to protect homeowners and businesses from the potential damages caused by these natural disasters.

The term “Tier I” is used to categorize the level of risk associated with these properties. It signifies that these properties are located in the highest-risk areas for windstorm and hail events in Texas. TWIA has identified 14 coastal counties as first-tier counties, which are particularly susceptible to the impact of hurricanes and severe weather conditions.

By providing windstorm and hail insurance coverage in these first-tier coastal counties, TWIA aims to ensure that property owners in these high-risk areas have access to the necessary financial protection in the event of a windstorm or hail damage. This coverage is essential as traditional homeowners insurance policies often do not include coverage for windstorm or hail damages in these vulnerable areas.

The 14 first-tier coastal counties where TWIA provides coverage currently include:

1. Aransas
2. Brazoria
3. Calhoun
4. Cameron
5. Chambers
6. Galveston
7. Jefferson
8. Kenedy
9. Kleberg
10. Matagorda
11. Nueces
12. Refugio
13. San Patricio
14. Willacy

These counties cover a significant portion of the Texas coastline, including popular tourist destinations and residential areas. Living in these areas comes with the constant awareness and potential threat of hurricanes and windstorms. As a resident of a Tier I county, I have personally experienced the need for windstorm and hail insurance coverage due to the frequent occurrence of severe weather events.

TWIA’s provision of windstorm and hail coverage in these first-tier coastal counties is crucial for the residents and businesses in these areas. It serves as a safety net, offering financial protection against the devastating effects of hurricanes and windstorms. Without this coverage, property owners would be left vulnerable to the significant costs associated with repairing or rebuilding their properties after such natural disasters.

TWIA refers to Tier I properties as those located in the first-tier coastal counties of Texas that are most susceptible to hurricanes and windstorms. By providing windstorm and hail insurance coverage in these high-risk areas, TWIA ensures that property owners have the necessary protection against potential damages. This coverage is vital for the residents and businesses in these coastal counties, offering peace of mind and financial security in the face of severe weather events.