Texas hurricane insurance is not a single policy. It's a combination of coverages that protect against hurricane-related risks like wind damage and flooding.
For inland residents, hurricane insurance usually means a Texas home insurance policy plus flood insurance, because flooding is not covered by standard homeowners insurance. For coastal homeowners, though, the picture is more complex. Wind damage may not be covered by standard home insurance either. If that’s the case, you’ll need to secure Texas wind insurance in addition to homeowners and flood coverage.
Does homeowners insurance cover hurricane damage in Texas?
Homeowners policies don't cover everything. Common causes of damage that are covered (called perils) include fire, theft, and lightning. Other causes of damage are always excluded from coverage — like flooding.
Homeowners who need financial protection from flood damage, including flooding from hurricanes, will need to purchase flood insurance from a private insurance company or the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
Wind coverage falls somewhere in between. Whether it's included depends on where you live. Standard home insurance, also called an HO-3 policy, typically covers damage from wind and rain. But for homeowners in coastal Texas, wind is commonly excluded. To be covered for hurricane-related wind damage, you'll need to purchase a separate windstorm policy.
Wind & hurricane deductibles in Texas
A deductible is the amount of damage you're responsible for covering out of pocket before your insurance coverage kicks in on a claim. Windstorm insurance in Texas often has a separate deductible for wind and hail damage, even if you have wind coverage through your primary home insurance policy.
Wind, hail, or hurricane deductibles — phrasing may differ depending on your insurer and policy details — are often percentage-based, meaning the amount you must pay out of pocket on a covered wind claim is calculated as a percentage of your home’s total insured value (known as your dwelling coverage limit), rather than a flat dollar amount.
Your specific deductible information can be found in your policy’s declarations page, which is likely accessible via your account on the insurer's online portal. Otherwise, you may have received a paper copy.
Texas hurricane deductible example
Say you choose a 2% wind deductible on a home with $350,000 in dwelling coverage. Here's how the math works out:
$350,000 x 0.02 = $7,000 deductible
Now let’s say a hurricane damages your home's siding and breaks several windows, causing $30,000 in covered damage. You're responsible for the first $7,000, and your insurance covers the balance of covered damage, up to any policy limits.
What is TWIA and who needs it?
The Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA) is the state's insurer of last resort for homeowners who can't get wind coverage in the private market. TWIA provides wind and hail coverage only — it does not cover flood or other sources of damage.
TWIA coverage is available in coastal counties, plus a portion of Harris County, including:
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Aransas
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Brazoria
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Calhoun
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Cameron
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Chambers
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Galveston
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Jefferson
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Kenedy
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Kleberg
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Matagorda
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Nueces
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Refugio
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San Patricio
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Willacy
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Harris County (east of Highway 146)
To be eligible, your home must be located in one of these areas, you must have been denied wind coverage by at least one private insurer, and your home must meet applicable building codes as certified by the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) or TWIA.
Like other insurers, TWIA enforces moratoriums — pauses on new policies or coverage changes — when a storm threatens the Gulf Coast. Securing coverage well before hurricane season is the best way to avoid being caught without protection when you need it most.
Flood coverage options for Texas homeowners
No home insurance policies cover flooding, such as damage from storm surges and rising waters from hurricanes. To get coverage, you may be able to add an endorsement (optional policy add-on) to your home insurance. If not, you can purchase a separate flood policy from your current insurer (if available), another private insurer, or the government-backed NFIP.
Private flood insurance policies are generally more customizable with higher coverage limits (the max your policy will pay out) and shorter waiting periods (the gap between purchasing coverage and the policy going into effect). However, if you’re unable to secure coverage in the private market, the NFIP is likely your best bet.
NFIP policies have a 30-day waiting period before coverage takes effect. Coverage limits are capped at $250,000 for your home's structure and $100,000 for your belongings — lower than what many private flood insurers offer. And if you file a claim, the NFIP pays out based on what your damaged belongings are worth today (called actual cash value coverage) — not what it would cost to replace them new. For that, you’d need replacement cost value coverage, which private insurers may offer.
How much does hurricane insurance cost in Texas?
The average cost of home insurance* in Texas is $1,798 per year for a Kin policy with $350,000 in dwelling coverage (as of May 2026). Your cost may be higher or lower based on several factors specific to you and your home, as well as the company you choose. Your claims history and chosen deductible(s) will also affect your rate — a higher deductible generally means a lower annual cost.
The median cost of flood insurance in Texas is $779 per year, according to the latest data available from the NFIP, while windstorm insurance from TWIA averages $2,877 per year.
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Policy type |
Average cost |
|
Standard homeowners insurance |
$1,798 per year (Source: Kin Insurance) |
|
NFIP flood insurance |
$779 per year (Source: NFIP) |
|
TWIA wind insurance |
$2,877 per year (Source: TWIA) |
|
Total |
$5,454 per year |
How to lower your hurricane insurance costs in Texas
Hurricane insurance rates in Texas can be daunting, but there are ways to potentially lower your coverage costs.
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Ensure your home has a WPI-8 certificate: A WPI-8 (or WPI-8-E/WPI-8-C, depending on the inspector) confirms that your home meets Texas's building code requirements for wind resistance. It's required for TWIA eligibility and may also help you qualify for lower rates with private insurers.
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Upgrade to a wind-rated roof: Installing a wind-resistant roof reduces the chance of damage and may earn you discounts with a private insurer or the TWIA.
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Review your wind deductible: Higher deductibles lead to lower rates, but make sure you can comfortably pay all your deductibles out of pocket in the event of multiple types of damage.
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Bundle your policies: Often, you can earn meaningful discounts for bundling, or purchasing multiple types of coverage from the same insurer. The most common bundle is home and auto, but you may also be able to bundle boat, motorcycle, and umbrella coverage, among other policy types.
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Shop around: Comparing quotes is the best way to find the cheapest coverage. Compare quotes at least annually to make sure you're getting the coverage you need at a competitive price.
How to prevent hurricane damage to your home in Texas
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Reinforce your roof. Inspect for damaged flashing (the metal strips that seal roof joints and prevent leaks), loose shingles, and other signs of wear. Hurricane clips and straps can make a big difference in a storm and potentially earn you insurance savings.
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Clear your gutters. Clogged gutters can let water back up under your roofline and seep into your home. Keeping gutters clear helps rainwater drain away from your house instead of pooling near your foundation.
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Secure windows and doors. Consider impact-resistant windows and storm shutters. If a storm is approaching, plywood panels and bracing kits can secure your home's most vulnerable points.
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Maintain trees. Falling limbs are a leading cause of roof and window damage during hurricanes. Trim trees regularly, and remove branches that hang over your home.
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Make a home inventory. Photograph or film your belongings. Keep receipts for high-value items when possible. Store this information in the cloud or at a secondary location so it's accessible if you need to file a claim.
Frequently asked questions
Can you get hurricane insurance in Texas?
Hurricane insurance in Texas is not a standalone policy. Instead, it consists of homeowners insurance, flood insurance, and, if applicable, a wind and hail policy. Private insurers offer all these policy types, but homeowners may have to secure flood and wind coverage from the NFIP and TWIA, respectively, if they live in a high-risk area.
How much is wind insurance in Texas?
The average cost of windstorm insurance in Texas is $2,877 per year for a TWIA policy. Your rate may be higher or lower depending on your coverage provider (private or TWIA), your home’s age and location, your roof type, and your claims history, among other factors.
How much is homeowners insurance on a $500,000 home?
Kin customers in Texas pay an average of $2,569 per year for a home insurance* policy with $500,000 in dwelling coverage (as of May 2026). Your rate may be higher or lower based on your home’s characteristics, coverage selections, credit history, and more. Adding flood and wind coverage (if excluded from your standard policy) will increase your total insurance costs substantially.
