Texas Dept. Says Verify Wind Coverage

The Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) is reminding consumers that windstorm insurance inspections, which are required for properties to be eligible for wind and hail coverage through the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA), must be conducted by either a TDI inspector or an engineer who has been appointed by the TDI Commissioner. A complete list of appointed engineers is available on the TDI Web site at: http://www.tdi.state.tx.us./wind/engaprv.html. The Department is currently investigating several cases of inspection documents reportedly submitted under false pretenses by parties who were not authorized to perform windstorm inspections. TDI urges consumers to use caution and verify that the inspector is indeed on the list of appointed engineers. Failure to use a qualified inspector will result in the loss of eligibility for insurance coverage through TWIA. While not required for all construction, a windstorm insurance inspection is typically required for new structures, additions, alterations, re-roofs and repairs. Windstorm inspections are required at various stages of the building, renovation or repair process, prior to the completion of construction.