TWIA Windstorm Claim Help

Help With a TWIA Windstorm Claim

The Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA) was created by the Texas Legislature in 1971. It is a residual insurer of last resort that covers wind and hail damage only, in the 14 first-tier coastal counties and the parts of Harris County east of Highway 146. TWIA had 288,676 policies in force as of June 30, 2026.

A public adjuster works only for you, the policyholder, never for the insurance company. Insurance Claim Consultants can step in at any stage of a TWIA claim: before you report it, while it is open, after a payment you think is too low, or after a denial. Because TWIA follows its own rules in Chapter 2210 of the Texas Insurance Code, the deadlines below are different from those for most Texas insurers.

How to Report or Follow Up on a TWIA Claim

• Phone: (800) 788-8247, available 24/7.
• Text: send “Hello” to (512) 645-2846.
• Online: log in to the TWIA Policyholder Portal. General claim information is on the TWIA claims page.

Keep your claim number, the name of each adjuster you speak with, and the date of every call, email and inspection. That record helps if you later need to dispute the outcome.

What TWIA Must Do and When

• You must give notice of your claim within 1 year of the date of damage. The Texas commissioner of insurance can extend this by up to 180 days for good cause (Tex. Ins. Code 2210.573).
• TWIA may request information from you within 30 days of the claim (Tex. Ins. Code 2210.573).
• TWIA must accept, partly accept or deny the claim in writing by the later of 60 days after the claim or 60 days after receiving the information it requested (Tex. Ins. Code 2210.573).

Each of these dates starts a clock. The date you receive TWIA’s written decision matters most, because it starts the 60-day window to demand appraisal and the 2-year window to file suit. Write down when each letter or email arrives and keep a copy of every notice TWIA sends you.

If Your TWIA Claim Is Denied or Underpaid

TWIA’s dispute process depends on whether you disagree with the amount paid or with a coverage denial. Deadlines are short, so act quickly:

• Ask for the estimate and the written explanation: compare TWIA’s written decision and estimate line by line with the damage you see.
• Document everything: photos, video, repair bids, receipts and any damage found after the first inspection.
• Appraisal for a dispute over the amount: you must demand appraisal within 60 days after you receive TWIA’s notice on the claim. You can get 30 more days for good cause if you ask in writing within 15 days after the 60 days end. Appraisal costs are split equally, the award is binding, and missing the deadline waives your right to dispute the amount (Tex. Ins. Code 2210.574). Learn more about our insurance appraiser services.
• Denied coverage: a notice of intent to sue is required, and TWIA may require mediation or a moderated settlement conference (Tex. Ins. Code 2210.575).
• Time limit for suit: a lawsuit must be filed within 2 years of receiving TWIA’s decision (Tex. Ins. Code 2210.577).
• Regulator complaint: file a complaint with the Texas Department of Insurance through its TWIA complaint page, or call the TDI Help Line at 800-252-3439.

How a Public Adjuster Helps

A public adjuster inspects and documents the wind and hail damage, prepares a detailed estimate, files and supports the claim, tracks TWIA’s deadlines, and handles the back and forth with TWIA for you. With a 60-day appraisal window, having the estimate and documentation ready early makes a difference. Because a TWIA policy covers wind and hail only, a public adjuster can also help you separate wind and hail damage from other damage and identify which policy each part of the loss belongs under.

Texas public adjuster fees are capped at 10% of the claim payment, and you can cancel a public adjuster contract within 72 hours of signing, according to the Texas Department of Insurance.

• No recovery, no fee. If we do not win you more, you owe us $0.
• Free claim review, in person, by phone or on site.
• Available 24/7, including during and right after storms.
• Helping property owners since 1990, with more than 11,000 people helped.

We serve the Texas coast and the Houston area. Learn more about our Houston public adjusters, and about roof damage claims and hail damage claims.

Insurance Claim Consultants is an independent public adjusting firm and is not affiliated with the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association. Information current as of October 2026; always check your own policy.