Texas homeowners along the coast and in wind-prone areas often hear about “windstorm inspections,” but the process itself can feel mysterious. For many, the inspection determines whether their home qualifies for affordable coverage under private insurers or through the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA). Without passing, a homeowner could be left exposed during hurricane season.
At Richey Insurance Agency, we often talk with families who are unsure what an inspection involves or why it matters. Think of it as the step that connects your property to reliable coverage. The inspection shows that your home is built or upgraded to handle high winds, and from there, you can meet the state’s requirements for a WPI-8 certificate. Having that approval is often a condition for maintaining windstorm insurance in Texas. In fact, as of mid-2024, the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association had more than 262,000 active policies, representing over $105 billion in insured value across coastal counties. That number highlights how many homeowners depend on this coverage, making inspections a key step toward protection.
A windstorm inspection isn’t just paperwork—it is a verification process. Engineers or qualified inspectors evaluate how a home is built, focusing on features that can determine whether it stands strong during hurricane-force winds. The state of Texas requires this inspection in many high-risk counties before granting eligibility for coverage.
For homeowners, that means no inspection often equals no policy. A carrier or TWIA won’t provide coverage until the home meets code. Inspections protect both the property owner and the insurer: they reduce the chance of major losses while confirming that a home can reasonably withstand storms.
Not every property in the state requires this review, but homes in areas along the coast are subject to stricter rules. If you’re unsure whether your property falls under these regulations, you can look into which Texas homes and counties need a WPI-8 certificate, since eligibility depends heavily on location.
When an inspector arrives, the focus is on structural strength and how the home would react under pressure from heavy winds. Below are the primary areas reviewed:
A roof often becomes the center of attention during the inspection, which naturally raises questions from homeowners. Some wonder if buying coverage for just the roof is possible instead of bringing the entire property up to compliance. While policies don’t usually work that way, the question of insurance for just the roof comes up often during these conversations, since roofing issues are a common reason for inspection failures.
Homeowners sometimes expect a complicated procedure, but the inspection is fairly straightforward once scheduled. The following steps outline the usual process:
The entire process links directly back to insurance eligibility. Without certification, most carriers and TWIA won’t write or renew your coverage. That’s why scheduling and completing the inspection is a priority, especially before hurricane season begins.
Failing an inspection doesn’t mean you’re out of options. It simply highlights that parts of the home need upgrades before coverage becomes available. Inspectors often see the same issues appear across many properties:
For a homeowner, the next step is deciding whether to repair or retrofit. In some cases, the cost is modest—adding clips or changing how shingles are secured. In other cases, such as replacing an entire roof covering, the expense can be larger. Builders are usually responsible for corrections in new construction, while existing homeowners cover upgrades themselves.
The key point is that coverage depends on compliance. Without passing, the property won’t qualify for insurance, leaving gaps during storm season. To see what protection could be at stake, review the scope of what windstorm insurance covers, since failing the inspection could mean losing access to those benefits.
“I just got a letter … the inspector came in and saw that it will not be renewed due to roof condition.” (source)
Situations like these show how quickly coverage can be lost, often without much warning. To see what protection could be at stake, review the scope of what windstorm insurance covers, since failing the inspection could mean losing access to those benefits.
While a failed inspection can be frustrating, homeowners have options to protect themselves while working on upgrades. Some short-term and long-term approaches include:
Storm preparedness extends beyond structural code compliance. Even if your home is in the process of upgrades, you can still reduce exposure through broader planning. For guidance on wider safety steps, consider how to protect your property from Texas storms, including vehicles, outdoor belongings, and emergency supplies.
Windstorm inspections may feel like another layer of red tape, but in practice, they safeguard both your investment and your ability to secure coverage. A passed inspection connects you directly to a WPI-8 certificate, and with it, the insurance that helps families recover from hurricanes and strong coastal storms.
At Richey Insurance Agency, we regularly help homeowners understand the inspection process and how it connects to their policies. If your property is in a high-risk county or you’re planning upgrades, now is the time to review your next steps. The sooner your home is brought into compliance, the faster you can lock in protection through windstorm insurance that matches your property’s needs.
