In Texas, a WPI-8 is a Certificate of Compliance issued by the Texas Department of Insurance for new and ongoing construction of coastal properties to verify that the structure meets windstorm-resistant building codes. Homes in designated counties along Texas’s Gulf Coast need a WPI-8 inspection and certificate in order to qualify for wind and hail insurance coverage through the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA).
What does WPI-8 stand for and what does it verify?
WPI-8 stands for Windstorm Property Inspection Form 8 — the form number of the Certificate of Compliance issued by the Texas Department of Insurance when a property passes inspection. The inspection checks whether a home can hold up under high wind and hail, based on the building codes that apply in your area. The certificate applies to the entire structure of your home, although the roof is often the most closely scrutinized component.
When do you need a WPI-8 inspection?
You’ll typically need a WPI-8 inspection in coastal Texas counties when building a new home, replacing your roof, or making other major repairs or improvements to your home, such as an addition. Without this inspection, your home may not be ineligible for wind and hail coverage through the TWIA — leaving a gap in your Texas home insurance that a standard policy alone won't fill.
You may need a WPI-8 inspection for:
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New construction
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Additions
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Roof replacements, including partial re-roofs that involve the decking
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Full re-siding projects
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Garage door replacement
Note: Mortgage lenders often ask for proof of a valid certificate before closing on a new loan or refinancing an existing one, too.
WPI-8 certificates are only required in 14 coastal Texas counties, plus certain cities in Harris County, where wind and hail are a significant threat and common cause of loss (called a peril in the insurance industry) for homeowners. Impacted counties include:
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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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Harris (only east of Highway 146)
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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
Learn more: Does Texas homeowners insurance cover hurricane damage? The 3 policies you need
What's the difference between WPI-8 and WPI-8-E?
A WPI-8 certificate applies to construction that's new or already underway. Once the project is finished, you'll need a WPI-8-E instead.
Some coastal Texas homes may have a WPI-8-C certificate verifying windstorm-resistant construction. TWIA issued WPI-8-C certificates between Jan. 1, 2017, and May 31, 2020, but are no longer available. All windstorm inspection and certification is now processed through the Texas Department of Insurance.
Who can perform a WPI-8 inspection?
A WPI-8 inspection can be performed by a TDI-appointed engineer or TDI inspector. You can find a list of appointed qualified inspectors on the TDI website.
If you need an inspection after construction is completed, any professional engineer licensed in the state of Texas can complete the inspection and obtain a certificate through TDI. Be aware that this can be more costly than obtaining a TDI inspection during construction.
How do you get a WPI-8 certificate?
To get a WPI-8 certificate, you'll need to apply and get inspected while construction is underway.
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Apply before construction starts: Texas law requires you to apply for a WPI-8 through TDI's Windstorm system before any work begins.
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Find an inspector: Many homeowners arrange their inspection through the engineer or company managing their home construction project. You can also find a list of TDI-appointed inspectors on the TDI Windstorm resource hub.
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Get inspected during construction: A WPI-8 inspection has to happen while the work is visible — not before or after.
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Wait for the inspector to submit documentation: Once TDI reviews and approves the paperwork, your WPI-8 certificate is issued, and you'll be eligible for Texas windstorm coverage through TWIA.
To get a copy of a WPI-8 certificate for an existing property, you can search the TDI WPI-8 database or the TWIA WPI-8-C database.
Frequently asked questions
What is a WPI-8 form in Texas?
A WPI-8 form in Texas certifies that a property meets windstorm-resistant building codes. WPI-8s are required in certain coastal Texas counties before a home can qualify for wind and hail coverage through the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association.
Who is responsible for WPI-8 compliance?
The owner or builder of a given property is responsible for obtaining a WPI-8 certificate and verifying compliance with windstorm-resistant building codes. Only a TDI inspector or a TDI-appointed engineer can perform the WPI-8 inspection, though the property owner or builder is responsible for making sure it happens.
