Strong winds, hurricanes, and tornadoes are not rare events in Texas. For many homeowners, standard homeowners insurance does not provide enough protection against the damage these storms can leave behind. That’s where windstorm coverage comes into play. At Richey Insurance Agency, we help families across Texas understand how these policies work so they know exactly what protection they have in place.
Windstorm insurance is designed to step in when high winds tear at roofs, break windows, or send debris flying through siding and fences. For coastal residents, especially, this added protection is often just as important as fire or theft coverage. In fact, many Texas homeowners purchase windstorm coverage as an add-on or separate policy to protect against hurricane and storm damage.
Windstorm insurance focuses on losses caused directly by strong winds. That may sound simple, but in practice it covers a wide range of scenarios.
The goal is to help restore a property to its pre-storm condition as quickly as possible. Coverage levels vary depending on the policy, but the foundation always centers on damage caused by high winds.
To see how this type of policy applies, it helps to break it down by sections of the home and property:
| Area | What’s Covered Under Windstorm Insurance | Examples of Damage |
|---|---|---|
| Roof & Exterior | Repairs to shingles, siding, brickwork, gutters, doors, and windows | Shingles blown away, cracked siding, broken windows |
| Interior | Damage caused once wind creates an opening | Rain entering through a broken window damaging drywall and floors |
| Detached Structures | Outbuildings, garages, sheds, carports, fences | Fence blown over, shed roof lifted |
| Personal Property | Belongings affected after wind forces entry | Electronics ruined after rain enters through storm-damaged roof |
Each of these areas has its own limits and conditions. For example, personal property coverage usually comes with sub-limits for certain categories, while roof coverage often depends on the roof’s age and condition before the storm.
The most relatable way to think about coverage is to imagine everyday situations Texas homeowners face after a major storm.
We’ve seen these scenarios play out first-hand while working with families across Texas. In our experience, roof and window claims create some of the most stressful situations, since damage in those areas can quickly affect the entire home. What often surprises homeowners is how much faster recovery moves forward when windstorm coverage is already in place — without it, the cost of repairs can linger for years.
These are exactly the moments when windstorm coverage provides peace of mind. Of course, there are limits, and not every type of damage falls under the policy. It’s equally important to recognize what isn’t covered under a windstorm policy, since gaps in protection can surprise homeowners.
Windstorm insurance takes on a unique role in Texas because of the state’s exposure to both Gulf Coast hurricanes and inland tornadoes. Coastal counties in particular often face stricter requirements for coverage. In some areas, homeowners cannot close on a mortgage without proof of protection against wind damage.
Texas law and regional regulations play a big part in determining who needs this type of policy. For example, residents in certain coastal zones may find that state regulations and coastal zone requirements determine whether coverage is optional or required.
Homeowners often express frustration about these requirements and how they affect premiums. On a Texas community forum, one Galveston County resident explained that while their long-time carrier had covered them for over 15 years, rates “continue to get ridiculously high,” and they were asking others what companies they used and whether claims had been handled smoothly.
That type of discussion reflects what many Texans feel in high-risk areas — even with steady coverage, costs can rise sharply, and options may appear limited. Working with an independent agency can help identify alternatives and clarify which requirements apply before purchasing or refinancing, preventing delays and gaps in protection.
Having a policy in place is one piece of the puzzle. For many Texans, especially along the Gulf Coast, homes must also meet windstorm construction standards. The state requires a WPI-8 certificate to show that a home has been built or remodeled to withstand hurricane-force winds.
That means if you’ve recently replaced your roof, added a new deck, or built a garage, your property may need to pass a windstorm inspection before coverage is issued or renewed. Failing to meet those standards could mean limited or denied coverage when it’s needed most.
Unlike traditional homeowners insurance deductibles, which are often set at a flat dollar amount, windstorm deductibles are frequently based on a percentage of the home’s insured value. This structure can have a significant impact on out-of-pocket costs.
For example:
On top of that, these deductibles are not always triggered by every storm. Policies often specify certain conditions — such as a named hurricane or a storm reaching a particular wind speed — that activate the higher deductible. Policies with unique deductible structures tied to hurricane or windstorm triggers can feel complicated, which is why reviewing details before storm season is so important.
Every year, from June through November, Texas faces the possibility of a hurricane making landfall. Even homeowners far from the coast can experience damaging winds during this time. Having protection in place before storm season begins makes a major difference in recovery.
Rainfall, flooding, and high winds often combine to create widespread property damage. While flood insurance addresses rising water, windstorm insurance responds to the structural and personal property losses caused by the force of the wind itself. Preparing policies early is vital, since insurers typically issue restrictions on binding new coverage once a storm has entered the Gulf.
Many families review their coverage in the spring so they are ready before Texas hurricane season officially arrives. This way, they know their deductibles, policy limits, and inspection requirements are up to date.
Windstorm insurance is shaped not only by what it covers, but also by the sheer scale of losses caused by severe weather. Studies show that hurricane winds account for over 40 percent of storm-related residential losses, adding up to more than $14 billion each year. That level of financial impact explains why insurers apply stricter guidelines for coverage in Texas, particularly along the coast.
Older roofs or those with existing wear may be covered differently from newer ones. Some insurers apply depreciation, meaning reimbursement may not fully cover replacement costs unless the policy includes replacement cost coverage.
Every policy has maximum payouts. If repairs exceed those amounts, the remaining cost becomes the homeowner’s responsibility. That’s why many families choose higher limits for structures and personal property in hurricane-prone regions.
It’s common for homeowners to think windstorm insurance covers all storm damage, but flooding from storm surge requires separate flood insurance. To avoid surprises, it’s wise to review both coverages together.
Living along the Texas Gulf Coast often means stricter building standards. Properties built or renovated under these codes may be more likely to qualify for coverage and premium discounts.
Windstorm coverage rarely stands alone. In most cases, it acts as an extension of or supplement to a standard homeowners policy. The combination provides a broader safety net:
Together, these policies create a more complete shield against the wide range of risks Texas families face. Missing even one piece can leave a significant gap.
Insurance is most valuable when it has been arranged before a storm develops. Once a hurricane is tracking toward the Gulf, carriers often place binding restrictions on new or adjusted policies. That means waiting until the last minute can make it impossible to secure coverage.
Families that prepare in advance know their deductible amounts, understand how inspections affect eligibility, and have confidence that their home and belongings are financially protected. The key is reviewing details in the off-season, rather than scrambling after the forecast turns serious.
Windstorm insurance provides a clear layer of protection against one of the most damaging forces in Texas: high winds. From roofs and siding to personal belongings and detached structures, these policies give homeowners the support needed to recover after a storm. At the same time, coverage depends on inspections, deductibles, and policy limits — details that can affect how claims are handled in real-world situations.
If you’re reviewing your current policy or considering adding coverage before the next hurricane season, our team at Richey Insurance Agency is here to help. We work with top-rated carriers across Texas to find coverage that matches your property, location, and budget.
