General
Is TWIA a state agency?
No, TWIA is a residual market property insurance company and is not a state agency. The Association was created in 1971 by the Texas Legislature to provide wind and hail insurance in the Texas seacoast territory. TWIA operations are governed by Chapter 2210 of the Insurance Code and a Plan of Operation adopted by the Commissioner of Insurance with the advice of the Association’s Board of Directors. The Board is appointed by the Commissioner.
Who manages TWIA's day-to-day operations?
Day-to-day operations are managed by the TWIA General Manager, who is hired by the Board of Directors.
Who sits on the TWIA Board of Directors?
The nine-member Board includes three public members residing in the first tier coastal counties and representing certain regions of the catastrophe area, three non-coastal representatives residing more than 100 miles from the coast, and three industry representatives actively writing and renewing windstorm and hail insurance in the first tier coastal counties.
Is TWIA funded by tax revenue?
No, TWIA does not receive tax revenue or any other state funds for operations of the Association. Texas Insurance Code Chapter 2210 outlines the funding sources TWIA must use to pay the insured losses and operating expenses of the Association. Prior to 2009, the Association funded losses through premiums and potentially unlimited assessments on insurance companies. HB 4409, enacted in 2009, significantly changed Association funding. Current statute provides that insured losses and operating expenses be paid from the following funding sources, in order: TWIA premiums and other revenue; the Catastrophe Reserve Trust Fund (CRTF), an account held by the Comptroller containing the net gains from TWIA operations from prior years; up to $1 billion in Class 1 public securities, repaid from premiums and other revenue of the Association; up to $1 billion in Class 2 public securities, repaid 70% by surcharges to coastal policyholders and 30% by assessments to insurance companies; up to $500 million in Class 3 public securities, repaid by assessments to insurance companies. The Association is authorized to purchase reinsurance to provide additional capacity for paying losses and operating expenses.
What is a residual market for property insurance?
TWIA is one of 36 residual market property insurers in the United States. These residual markets are created by state law to provide consumers with another alternative for insurance when coverage is unavailable through traditional private sector insurance carriers. When the private sector determines the risk of loss is too great and is unwilling to write coverage voluntarily, applicants can seek coverage through the residual market mechanism.
What does a TWIA policy cover?
A TWIA policy covers wind and hail damage only.
How do I get a TWIA policy?
First, contact your insurance agent or if you don't have an agent, locate a Texas-licensed property and casualty agent. Your insurance agent will help you determine whether you are eligible for TWIA coverage. To be eligible for a TWIA policy, applicants and properties must meet certain criteria defined by the Texas Legislature:
- Applicants must have been denied coverage by at least one insurer in the private market
- Properties must be located in the designated catastrophe area
- Properties must be certified by TDI (WPI-8/WPI-8-E) or TWIA (WPI-8-C) as having been built to applicable building codes, with limited exceptions
- Properties located in specified flood zones (V zones) that were constructed, altered, remodeled, or enlarged after September 1, 2009 and that can obtain flood insurance through the NFIP must provide proof of flood insurance coverage
- Properties must be in an insurable condition as specified by the Association in the Plan of Operation
Finally, if you are eligible for coverage, your agent can submit an application for coverage to TWIA on your behalf. TWIA policyholders may choose to pay TWIA directly or through their agent. Visit our Payments webpage to learn more. Once the application is approved, TWIA will issue the policy.
Does TWIA have agents?
No, TWIA does not sell policies directly to the consumer nor does the Association have agents that sell policies on behalf of the Association.
The agent represents the consumer when placing coverage with TWIA. It is important to discuss your coverage needs and options with your agent. Consumers can find additional assistance regarding their commercial and property insurance needs through www.helpinsure.com, a free service of the Texas Department of Insurance and Office of Public Insurance Counsel.
To find an agent near you click here.
Where is the coverage area/designated catastrophe area?
TWIA policies provide coverage for residential and commercial property located within the area designated by the Commissioner of Insurance. This area currently includes all 14 first tier coastal counties and parts of Harris County east of Highway 146. The specific counties are Aransas, Brazoria, Calhoun, Cameron, Chambers, Galveston, Jefferson, Kenedy, Kleberg, Matagorda, Nueces, Refugio, San Patricio and Willacy. When the property is located inside the city limits and east of Highway 146, the following portions of Harris County are also included: La Porte, Morgan’s Point, Pasadena, Seabrook, and Shore Acres.
How can I get flood insurance?
The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) was created to provide property owners with flood insurance that is typically not covered under standard homeowners policies. Visit Floodsmart for information on how to obtain coverage.
How much is a TWIA policy?
The average TWIA residential policy is approximately $1,750 per year. Individual policy premiums will vary based on the characteristics of each policy.
How are rates determined?
TWIA rates determine the amount of premium charged to each TWIA policyholder. Adequate rates help ensure TWIA can meet its financial obligations. Rates are set by the TWIA Board of Directors and subject to review by the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI). Texas Insurance Code Chapter 2210 requires that TWIA rates be reasonable, adequate, and not unfairly discriminatory. Premiums are calculated based on standard rating factors, including amount of insurance, type of construction, deductible amount, and any optional additional coverages. Premium credits are available for items certified as being built to recent windstorm building codes.
What is the amount of commission that agents earn?
For both New Business and Renewals, agents earn 16% of the premium amount for Residential and Commercial policies, and 12% of the premium amount for Manufactured Home policies. No commissions are earned on any surcharges.
How will I be paid my commission?
Agents can either be paid via an Automated Clearing House (ACH) direct deposit transaction or via check. The most efficient way to receive commission payments it through ACH direct deposit.
How do I sign up for ACH?
The enrollment forms are available on the TWIA website. Click on the Agents tab near the top of the screen, and then click on TWIA Agent Resource Center in the navigation bar. Under the heading entitled TWIA Registration, you will find a link to the ACH Authorization Form. Click on the link and print out the form for completion.
How will I be able to keep up with my commissions?
A commission statement will be emailed to the commission contact designated by the Taxing Entity for your agency. Each month TWIA will provide a detailed commission statement listing all transactions made to policies in your book of business.
When will I receive my commission statement and commission payment?
Commission statements and payments are issued on the fifth business day of the month after the monthly statement is received. For payments handled via ACH direct deposit, the statement and payment notification will be sent via email and the payment deposited directly into the account you have specified. For payments handled via check, the statement will be sent via email and payment will be mailed via USPS; please allow additional time for transit.
What is a “Taxing Entity,” and why are you sending the commission statement to that office?
The Taxing entity is the party responsible for paying taxes on the commission earned by the agent or agency, and therefore is the recipient of the statement.
I didn’t receive the ACH transactions, and I know I sent in some applications last month. What happened?
Commission will be paid on the later of: 1) the effective date of the issued policy and/or endorsement effective date, or 2) the process date (if a policy is in an issued state and not a binder).
Examples:
- Today is May 1. A policy has been issued with an effective date of June 1. The commission for this policy would be reflected on the June commission statement, and included in the June ACH payment.
- Today is June 15. A policy application was processed and effective on May 1, but put under a 60-day "binder" due to missing underwriting information, e.g., no WPI-8/WPI-8-E/WPI-8-C exists for a re-roof indicated on the application. The missing information is provided 45 days later, on June 15, and the policy is issued. The commission for this policy would be reflected on the June commission statement, and included in the June ACH payment. Note: To view your policies and their status, please log in to the TWIA Agent Portal system and select “Policy” from the menu at the top of the page. You may view your list of existing policies and their status. Policy applications that are in “Return Application” status are under binder and not in an issued status.
I lost the commission statement you emailed me, and I’ve deleted it from my emails. How do I get another copy?
You may contact TWIA Policy Services by email at agentservices@twia.org, or call them at (800) 788-8247, Option 3, for another copy of your statement.
I changed my bank account number. How do I update my ACH information?
It will be necessary for a new ACH form to be completed. Also, a voided check from the new bank account will be required. Email these documents to agentservices@twia.org.
If I have already mailed in an application with a check based on the net premium instead of gross, what is going to happen?
Whether a policy is Issued or placed under a 60 day binder, TWIA will mail your office a 30-day invoice representing the gross premium minus the net payment received (in most cases the amount invoiced will be the commission withheld by the agent when the application was submitted). If the invoice is not paid, cancellation of the binder or policy will follow.
Once a policy is issued, how would the scenario described above be reflected on the commission statement?
The commission statement will reflect the commission earned based on gross premium (even if the commission originally was withheld by the agent).
What is the amount of time allowed for paying an invoice?
In most cases, invoices are due in 30 days. There may be an occasion when a 14-day payment deadline will be enforced, specifically when you are in receipt of the “Minimum Acceptable Payment” letter.
If a net-only premium payment is received at TWIA after the end of the year, and TWIA sends a Deficient Premium notice to the agent, how long does the agent have to send in the difference in premium?
The agent must get the difference in premium to TWIA within the thirty (30) day invoice period.
How are premium refunds handled?
Premium refunds are mailed directly to the policyholder or premium financier.
Note: These frequently asked questions are related to 1) policies issued or quoted and submitted before April 18, 2022 and 2) renewals effective before July 17, 2022. Policyholders with one of these policies are eligible to make a payment through a third party payment service. Visit our Payments webpage to learn more about all policyholder payment options.
Can agents use the new online payment website?
No. This service is for policyholders only. Agents can still make electronic payments on behalf of their clients through TWIA Policy Center.
Are there any fees associated with policyholder online payments?
It depends on what payment method the policyholder chooses:
- eCheck: No fee
- Credit, debit, or ATM card: The policyholder will be charged 1.99-2.99% of the policy premium payment (see percentages here). This is a convenience fee charged by the credit card processing company and TWIA does not receive any funds from it. The fee is non-refundable.
How will agents know if their policyholder’s online payment went through?
The best way to know a policyholder’s payment status is to check their policy status in Policy Center (please refer to the New Business Submissions and Renewal Status job aids for details on how to check a policy status). As was the case before policyholder online payments, agents are not notified when TWIA receives a payment from a policyholder regardless of whether we receive it by mailed check or through the online payment website. However, agents do receive a notification when the policyholder’s Declarations page is available in TWIA Policy Center after TWIA receives the payment and issues the policy.
Where can policyholders and agents find the TWIA account number policyholders use to make their online payment?
The TWIA online account number can be found on the payment coupon mailed to policyholders in their renewal packet, on the billing statement, or on the notice of cancellation (see an example coupon here). Digital copies of correspondence to policyholders are available to agents in TWIA Policy Center.
How long after the agent submits an application until the policyholder can make an online payment? How long until TWIA receives the payment?
TWIA’s systems update the third-party online payment website three times a day: at 6:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 6:30 p.m. CT. Policy applications become available for online payment after the next file transfer time. Renewals become available for online payment 60 days before the policy expiration date.
Payments submitted after 5:00 p.m. CT will be processed the next business day according to Underwriting guidelines. Payments will be posted using the date they were submitted in the online payment website.
Will the policyholder be notified of any changes to their policy application that are made after the renewal offer is mailed?
No. If the agent makes a change to the policy application after the renewal offer is mailed, the policyholder will not be notified of the change – or how it affects the premium payment amount due. This is important because the policyholder may make a payment for the amount due in their renewal offer without realizing that additional money is still owed. And they will not know additional money is still owed until they receive a Notice of Cancellation. Please alert your policyholders if you make any such changes to their application. Agents can access the policyholder’s Billing Statement to verify any amount still owed in Policy Center and send policyholders a copy.
Renewal offer letters are mailed 60 days before the policy expiration date.
What is the maximum ACH payment amount agents can make to TWIA through Policy Center?
Effective January 14, 2021, agents can make ACH payments by eCheck or Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) up to $99,999. Before January 14, 2021, the maximum was $20,000.
Where can I find helpful information about the claims process?
Our claims process webpage has information about the TWIA claims process as well as guides on popular claims topics like: how to avoid fraud, factors that affect the claim payment amount, what to do if your claim payment isn't enough to cover repairs, what to do if your mortgage company is on your check, and more.
Are Texas FAIR Plan and TWIA the same?
Texas FAIR Plan (TFPA) is a separate company from TWIA and provides coverage for all areas of the state. For more information about TFPA, please visit their website.
How do I apply for coverage?
An agent registered with TWIA can help you complete an application for coverage. To find an agent near you click here.
How do I find a Certificate of Compliance (WPI-8, WPI-8-E, or WPI-8-C) for my property?
Any Certificates of Compliance issued by the Texas Department of Insurance (WPI-8/WPI-8-E) are searchable on the TDI online database. Property owners looking for a Certificate of Compliance issued by TWIA (WPI-8-C) between January 1, 2017 and May 31, 2020, can contact us to request a copy by emailing agentservices@twia.org or calling (800) 231-5360.
Certificates issued by TWIA are not currently available on TDI’s website, nor are they available on TWIA’s website. TWIA accepted applications for WPI-8-Cs from January 1, 2017 to May 31, 2020. If you are looking for a Certificate of Compliance before or after that date range, it would have been processed and/or issued by TDI.
How can I obtain a Certificate of Compliance?
As of June 1, 2020, all Certificates of Compliance (WPI-8/WPI-8-E) are issued by the Texas Department of Insurance as part of its Windstorm Inspection Program. Please visit the TDI website to learn more about their certification process.
How can I find out more about my coverage?
The best resource to ask is your agent, they will be able to explain your policy limits and how the coverages apply to you.
What is TWIA Increased Cost of Construction (ICC) coverage?
During the property repair process, you may have to upgrade your repair method or materials to comply with local building ordinances and laws. This is especially common in older buildings that may not have kept pace with changing code requirements through the years. Increased Cost of Construction (ICC) coverage is insurance to help pay for these extra costs. It is not automatically included in TWIA policies and must be added through an endorsement: TWIA-431 for residential policies and TWIA-432 for commercial policies. For more information about ICC, visit our Increased Cost of Construction (ICC) Coverage webpage.
How can I make changes to my policy?
Your agent will assist you in making any changes to the policy.
My property has been damaged by wind or hail. How do I report a claim with TWIA?
There are three ways to report a claim: 1) through Claims Center or the Policyholder Portal; 2) by calling (800) 788-8247, option 1; or 3) by contacting your agent.
Once you’ve reported your claim, a TWIA representative will contact you as soon as possible. If necessary, please make any temporary or minor repairs to protect your property from further damage. Remember to take photos of the damage, keep receipts and records of payment for any temporary repairs. Do not begin making permanent repairs until a TWIA-assigned adjuster or representative has contacted you and inspected your property. Learn more about the TWIA claims process at www.twia.org.com/claimscenter.
How can I find out the status of my claim?
Visit Claims Center or the Policyholder Portal to check the status of your claim, payment information, send messages to TWIA, and find the names and contact info for representatives assigned to your claim. You can also reach us at (800) 788-8247.
Why is the mortgagee’s name on the check?
The mortgagee has a financial interest in the dwelling and is required to be included as the payee on any dwelling claims. Learn more here.
How long do I have to report a claim?
TWIA recommends you report your claim as soon as possible. The deadline to report a claim is one year (365 days) from the date on which the damage to the property occurred. The Texas Department of Insurance Commissioner, on a showing of good cause, may provide an additional 180 day extension. You will need to contact the Texas Department of Insurance to request a claim extension. This is done by sending a signed letter to the Chief Clerk that explains why you weren’t able to report a claim by the one-year deadline. You may email (chiefclerk@tdi.texas.gov) or mail (Texas Department of Insurance, Chief Clerk, MC 113-2A, P.O. Box 149104, Austin, Texas 78714-9104) the letter.
What should I expect after I report a claim?
Once you report your claim, a TWIA claim representative will contact you to discuss the next steps, answer any questions you may have, as well as provide you with additional information.
TWIA will send you and your agent a Claim Notice Acknowledgment and Assignment letter. This letter will include contact information for any adjuster and/or adjusting firm assigned to inspect the damages being claimed. The adjuster will contact you to schedule an inspection.
Please keep a record of any related repair expenses and receipts, and take photos of the damage prior to making any temporary repairs. Copies of these records need to be provided to your TWIA claim representative.
Learn more about the TWIA claims process at www.twia.org/claimscenter.
What is involved with the inspection of my property?
If an in-person inspection is required, the field adjuster must fully inspect the damages claimed, as well as areas around the insured property that may have been damaged. We ask that you allow the TWIA representative access to the damaged and potentially damaged property as well as the surrounding areas in order to thoroughly and accurately evaluate your claim.
Where can I make a complaint about TWIA?
You can make a formal complaint about TWIA to the Texas Department of Insurance by visiting this page: www.tdi.texas.gov/consumer/complaint-home.html.
Another resource to resolve concerns about TWIA claims is the Texas Department of Insurance’s Coastal Outreach and Assistance Services Team (COAST). Click here to learn more or visit their website at www.tdi.texas.gov/consumer/disasters.html.
Depopulation
Who are the insurers participating in the TWIA depopulation programs?
Insurers who are authorized to write insurance in Texas with forms approved by and rates filed with TDI are eligible to participate in the programs. These insurers must sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) and Participation Agreement to access policy data. A separate Participation Agreement must be made for each depopulation program, and as of the 2017-2018 filing, companies must re-enroll each year.
In addition, participating insurers in the Assumption Reinsurance Depopulation Program are subject to financial stress testing. A list of member companies, inclusive of both depopulation programs, is available.
What is depopulation?
Depopulation is a series of programs authorized by 2015 state law and designed to provide TWIA policyholders with alternative options for wind and hail insurance in the private market. The programs function in the following way: TWIA provides policy data to participating insurers who then make offers to assume, or transfer, TWIA policies.
What is the Voluntary Market Depopulation Program?
Authorized by the Texas Legislature in 2015, the Voluntary Market Depopulation Program allows participating insurers to make offers on TWIA policies one at a time at policy renewal. A Texas-authorized insurer must execute a NDA and Participation Agreement to access TWIA policy data and identify policies. Offers are made on an ongoing basis at the time of renewal.
The insurer works with the policyholder’s current agent, either through appointment or a limited servicing agreement, in order to present the offer to the policyholder. The policyholder and agent may accept or reject any offer.
What is the Assumption Reinsurance Depopulation Program?
Authorized by the Texas Legislature in 2015 and amended in 2019, the Assumption Reinsurance Depopulation Program allows participating insurers to make annual offers on large numbers of TWIA policies. A Texas-authorized insurer may participate in the Assumption Reinsurance Depopulation Program. The insurer must execute a NDA and Participation Agreement to access TWIA policy data and identify policies. In addition, participating insurers must submit additional documentation to TWIA and TDI for further review. As of the 2017-2018 filing, companies must re-enroll in the Assumption Program on an annual basis.
The insurer must appoint the policyholder’s current agent, or enter a limited servicing agreement, in order to present offers to policyholders. Policyholders will be notified by TWIA starting on December 1 of the program year if their agent has approved an offer. If policyholders take no action, their policy will automatically be transferred to the participating insurer, or they can indicate they want to remain with TWIA by sending in a form they receive with their offer notice, or calling their agent.
What information is available to insurers participating in the depopulation programs?
State law outlines the content that can be accessed by approved insurance companies, which includes the policyholder name, insured property address, policy number, policy effective date, coverage and premium information, and building characteristics such as construction and age of the home. TWIA is responsible for keeping other policyholder information private such as bank account and phone numbers. It is important to note that social security numbers are never collected by TWIA and are not included.
Data will be provided for all TWIA policies in-force. Policyholders who do not want their information disclosed as part of the program can complete and return the Disclosure Limitation Reply Form.
Are residential and commercial included under both programs?
Yes, both depopulation programs include commercial as well as residential policies.
If policyholders want to come back at any point, can they?
Policyholders may return to TWIA at any time after accepting an offer of coverage from a participating insurer. TWIA’s general eligibility requirements, including Certificates of Compliance (WPI-8, WPI-8-E, or WPI-8-C), will apply.
How will participating insurers handle Certificates of Compliance (WPI-8, WPI-8-E, or WPI-8-C)?
Certificates of Compliance (WPI-8, WPI-8-E, or WPI-8-C) are not a statutory requirement for insurers participating in the depopulation program, so unlike TWIA, these insurance companies may not require certification. However, TWIA recommends policyholders continue to have qualifying repairs certified to avoid potential eligibility issues if the policyholder needs to return to TWIA in the future. TWIA’s general eligibility requirements, including Certificates of Compliance (WPI-8, WPI-8-E, or WPI-8-C), will apply.
Do policyholders need to get a Certificate of Compliance even if they take the offer from the depopulation insurer?
We will be communicating to policyholders and agents that although participating insurers may not require Certificates of Compliance (WPI-8, WPI-8-E, or WPI-8-C), TWIA recommends policyholders continue to get qualifying repairs certified to avoid potential eligibility issues if the policyholder needs to return to TWIA in the future. TWIA’s general eligibility requirements, including Certificates of Compliance (WPI-8, WPI-8-E, or WPI-8-C), will apply.
Is there a maximum number of policies that can be taken out?
While there is not a maximum number of policies which can be taken out, TWIA will consider its contractual debt covenants and need to maintain its financial standing in determining how many policies can be taken out of TWIA.
How do the depopulation programs work with regard to policy changes?
Regarding the Voluntary Market Depopulation Program, the new policy is written by the new insurer and that insurer is responsible for policy changes. For the Assumption Reinsurance Depopulation Program, TWIA is responsible for policy changes until the new insurer issues the policy.
Do agents have to participate?
No, depopulation is completely voluntary for all parties. Senate Bill 900 in the 2015 Legislative Session, which authorized the two current depopulation programs at TWIA, does not require that agencies or insurance companies participate in the program.
How do I know if my customers have offers?
Agents will receive notification from TWIA by mail and by email to let them know if their customers have offers. Any communications to policyholders during the policyholder period (such as reminders of the ability to remain with TWIA) will be copied to the agent by email.
What if I want the policies to stay with TWIA?
No action is required if agents wish for policies to remain with TWIA. The policy will continue with TWIA without interruption, unless you select a participating company in Policy Center by May 31 of the program year.
Who are the insurers participating in the TWIA depopulation programs?
Insurers who are authorized to write insurance in Texas with forms approved by and rates filed with TDI are eligible to participate in the programs. These insurers must sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) and Participation Agreement to access policy data. In addition, participating insurers in the Assumption Reinsurance Depopulation Program are subject to financial stress testing. You can see the list of participating companies on TWIA's website for links to individual companies' information.
What is the process for agents contracting with depopulation companies?
- Can I make contracts with multiple depopulation companies? Yes, but if you have multiple offers on a specific policy, you are only able to select one company per policy.
- How do I contact the carriers? If a carrier has identified your policies for depopulation, they will be contacting your agency. Here is our list of participating carriers.
- I have received an offer from only one company. Does that mean I cannot go to other companies participating in the programs? You are always free to place business with any company that you are authorized to write with.
- I am a captive agent. Can I participate? It depends. Please contact your company regarding your ability to participate.
- What is TWIA's role in the contracts we make with companies? TWIA is not involved in the contracting process. All contracts are between agents and companies.
What are next steps after we choose a carrier?
Once you have a contract with a carrier, select the policies you want to approve. Beginning in December of the program year, both the depopulation company and TWIA will be contacting the policyholder with additional information.
Will agents receive the same commissions with insurers participating in depopulation?
State law outlines that offers under the Assumption Reinsurance Depopulation Program be executed under the prevailing terms, conditions, and commissions of the agent. Under statute, these terms are required to be protected for a period of three years.
Can policyholders that transfer to another insurer through depopulation come back to TWIA?
Policyholders may return to TWIA at any time after accepting an offer of coverage from a participating insurer. TWIA’s general eligibility requirements, including Certificates of Compliance (WPI-8s, WPI-8-Es, or WPI-8-Cs), will apply.
Do policyholders need to sign off for us to approve offers?
No. Policyholders will have the ability to indicate they would like to remain with TWIA after you approve the offers.
How do policyholders remain with TWIA?
During the policyholder phase of the program (starting in December each year), policyholders can indicate they wish to remain with TWIA, and not participate in the Assumption Reinsurance Depopulation Program. Policyholders can remain with TWIA by calling their agent or returning the detachable form in the postage paid envelope that is delivered with their notice of an offer.
Will the policy be automatically taken out?
No. Under the Assumption Reinsurance Depopulation Program, policy offers must be approved by the agent of record to be transferred to the new insurer. If the policyholder takes no action, the policy will transfer to the new insurer on March 1 of the program year. Policyholders are able to indicate they want to remain with TWIA from December 3 to January 31 of the program year, which would mean they would remain with TWIA without interruption.
What happens to policies that renew during this process?
Policies effective prior to May 1 of the program year will renew with TWIA through the standard renewal process. Policies effective on or after May 1 of the program year will renew with the depopulation company through their renewal process.
What happens if I approve an offer with one company but the policyholder wants to move to a different company?
Policyholders and agents always have the freedom to place business with the company of their choice.
When will we know the premium amount?
The depopulation company will begin renewing policies effective May 1 of the program year. You will receive renewal information, including specific premium amounts, from the depopulation company as each policy renews. Please note that the policy’s premium may be different than TWIA's premium but must not be more than 15% higher than the current premium on the TWIA policy. Agents should communicate directly with depopulation insurers about premiums when entering into contracts with these companies, including any underwriting requirements that could affect premiums. For information about depopulation insurers, please follow links from our website.
What will new coverage and service look like?
Depopulation companies are required to offer comparable coverage. Specific information about underwriting rules and payment plans is available from the companies.
Are there any restrictions on the depopulation carriers about offering non-wind coverage?
Depopulation carriers must offer wind coverage for three renewals. They may also offer other products outside of the depopulation programs.
How do I learn more about insurers participating in the depopulation programs?
TWIA has communicated to participating insurers to strongly recommend they send any marketing website they may have to TWIA. When we receive such website details, they will be available on the TWIA website. You can see the list of participating companies on TWIA's website for links to individual companies' information.
Will there be additional depopulations after this round?
Yes, the Assumption Reinsurance Depopulation Program will repeat annually.
How do I authorize a policy offer?
Agencies will receive a notice that they have offers and that they can review and approve them through TWIA Policy Center. Please note that before authorizing offers, the agency will need to enter into an agreement with participating insurers. Once the agency is contracted with the participating insurers, agents can select the carrier offer that they want to authorize for each policy.
Will policyholders be contacted by the participating insurer?
Yes and no. No; participating insurers will not contact policyholders directly to make offers, since all offers will go through you, their agent. Yes; if your policyholder receives an offer and you approve it, the policyholder will begin receiving information and paperwork from the participating insurer. Policyholders will have 60 days to indicate they want to remain with TWIA, from December 3 to January 31 of the program year.
Will TWIA be contacting policyholders about depopulation?
Yes, but only if you approve the offer on that policy in Policy Center by May 31 of the program year. The policyholder will begin receiving information from TWIA and the depopulation company beginning December 1 of the program year, including information about how to remain with TWIA.
How about policies that have more than one offer?
For policies with more than one offer, agency users are encouraged to review any coverage information and company information that is made available to them, as well as discuss the various options with their policyholder. (If the companies provide a website with this information to TWIA; see the list of participating companies on TWIA’s website for links to individual companies’ information.) In Policy Center, agents will be able to view a list of policies identified for offers and can toggle between companies to select the one they wish to authorize per policy.
Who do I contact for policy changes?
For the Assumption Reinsurance Depopulation Program, TWIA is responsible for policy changes until the new insurer issues the policy. The agent is responsible for identifying whether a policy is being transferred through the Voluntary Market Depopulation Program or the Assumption Reinsurance Depopulation Program and then deciding whether to contact TWIA or the new insurer.
How will losses be handled?
Under the Assumption Reinsurance Depopulation Program, any claims with a date of loss prior to March 1, 2022 will be handled to completion by TWIA. Losses reported after the assumption but with a date of loss prior to March 1, 2022 will also be handled by TWIA with monthly transfers of losses to the participating insurer.
What if agents have other questions?
For any agent questions not answered here, you can contact TWIA at (800) 788-8247.
How does depopulation affect TWIA policyholders?
Depopulation encourages more insurers to write wind and hail coverage on the coast with the intention of increasing the adequacy of the market for coastal residents. The program will affect policyholders by providing more freedom of choice, although not all policyholders will receive offers of coverage through the program.
Am I going to get an offer?
Maybe. Depopulation will not affect all TWIA policyholders, as the participating insurers determine which policies to identify for offers. For some TWIA policyholders, options may increase, and for some, there will be no change.
Will my information be included in the depopulation programs?
Your information will be included unless you have taken action to limit the disclosure of your information. All new TWIA policies and policy renewals receive a copy of TWIA’s privacy policy and have the opportunity to keep their information from being disclosed. You can complete and return the Disclosure Limitation Reply Form at any time.
If you are not sure whether you are eligible to receive offers, you can check the status of your account by calling TWIA or your agent. You should say that you are checking whether you have signed a Disclosure Limitation Reply Form, and you want to know whether or not your policy information is being included in the depopulation programs.
If I get an offer, what are my options?
Upon receiving an offer through the Assumption Reinsurance Depopulation Program, you can allow your policy to transfer to the new insurer by taking no action. Or, you can indicate you want to remain with TWIA by calling your agent or sending the detachable form in a pre-paid envelope (sent by TWIA with your offer notice starting on December 1 of the program year). Remaining with TWIA means your policy will stay with TWIA without interruption.
Will I need to change insurance agents?
No, policyholders are always free to work with the agent of their choice.
Can I come back to TWIA?
Policyholders may return to TWIA at any time after accepting an offer of coverage from a participating insurer. TWIA’s general eligibility requirements, including Certificates of Compliance (WPI-8, WPI-8-E, or WPI-8-C), will apply.
Do I need to get a Certificate of Compliance even if I take the offer from the participating insurer?
Although participating insurers may not require Certificates of Compliance (WPI-8, WPI-8-E, or WPI-8-C), TWIA recommends you continue to get qualifying repairs certified in the event that in the future you need to come back to TWIA for your windstorm policy. TWIA’s general eligibility requirements, including Certificates of Compliance (WPI-8, WPI-8-E, or WPI-8-C), will apply.
Will insurance companies be contacting me directly?
Not initially. Companies will not contact you directly to make offers, since all offers will go through your agent. If your agent approves the company’s offer, then, yes, you will begin receiving information and paperwork from the participating insurer starting on December 1 of the program year. You will have 60 days to decide whether to remain with TWIA, or whether to participate in the Assumption Reinsurance Depopulation Program.
Will my rates go up if I switch insurance companies?
Insurers participating in the Assumption Reinsurance Depopulation Program are required to offer rates comparable to TWIA (not more than a 15% higher premium) for a period of three years. After the three years, the participating insurer is able to charge any rate filed with the Texas Department of Insurance.
What if I need to make a change to my policy?
If you allow your policy to be transferred to a participating insurer, you may wonder who to contact about policy changes. Your agent is the best resource to help inform you whether the policy changes should be sent to TWIA or the new company. Contacting your agent is the appropriate first step whether you are participating in the Voluntary Market Depopulation Program or the Assumption Reinsurance Depopulation Program.
How do I report a claim after my policy has been assumed by the new carrier?
When reporting a loss, please verify the date of loss to determine the option to use.
- For claims with a date of loss before 12:01 AM on March 1, 2022, call the TWIA Call Center at (800) 788-8247.
- For claims with a date of loss on or after 12:01 AM on March 1, 2022, identify the name of your new insurance company below, and follow instructions about how to report a claim.
For policyholders who have decided to move to a new insurer, click the following link to read more about the claims process.
Why did I receive the TWIA Privacy Notice and Disclosure Limitation Reply Form?
TWIA updated its Privacy Policy as part of a new initiative to give TWIA policyholders more options for windstorm and hail coverage through private-market insurers. As required by federal and state law, TWIA notified policyholders about our updated Privacy Policy, and gave policyholders an opportunity to opt out of certain disclosures by completing and returning a Disclosure Limitation Reply Form.
Why was the Privacy Policy updated?
TWIA has created a voluntary market depopulation program to give policyholders more options for windstorm and hail coverage. This program will allow private market insurance companies to access certain TWIA policyholder information via a password-protected web page. Insurance companies can then use this information to determine if they want to offer insurance to TWIA policyholders (through the policyholders’ current agents).
What information is available to carriers through the Voluntary Market Depopulation Program?
Available content will include policyholder name, address, policy number, policy effective date, coverage and premium information, and building characteristics. Social Security numbers, bank account information, and phone numbers will NOT be provided through the program.
How will TWIA share my information with third parties?
The information will only be available to insurance companies authorized by the Texas Department of Insurance to write property insurance in Texas. TWIA does not give or sell your information to non-affiliated third parties except as required by law.
You may opt out of the process and exclude your information from disclosure by completing the Disclosure Limitation Reply Form and returning it to TWIA.
When did the new Privacy Policy go into effect?
The new Privacy Policy went into effect July 15, 2014.
I opted out. When is the opt out effective?
Policyholders who completed and returned their Disclosure Limitation Reply ("Opt Out") Form during the initial opt out period will not have their information included in the program.
Following TWIA’s receipt of an Opt Out Form, the policyholder’s information will be excluded from the next month’s program data.
I opted out but would like to receive offers of insurance from other insurance companies—what should I do?
Complete the attached Disclosure Limitation Release Form (Opt In) and return to TWIA by email at compliance@twia.org