06.01.2010 Hurricane Season Begins TodayTexas Windstorm Insurance Association Reminds Coastal Residents That There Is Still Time to Obtain Windstorm Insurance
This year’s hurricane season is expected to be unusually active, according to the National Hurricane Center. The Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA) reminds residents and business owners that windstorm insurance can still be purchased. Flood insurance, available through the National Flood Insurance Program, is also highly recommended.
Flood insurance does not cover wind damage and windstorm insurance does not cover flood/storm surge damage, so coastal residents need both types of insurance in order to be appropriately insured.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Hurricane Center, the 2010 Atlantic hurricane season is expected to be “active to extremely active” with a 70% probability of:
• 14 to 23 named storms (top winds of 39 mph or higher), including:
• 8-14 hurricanes (top winds of 74 mph or higher), of which:
• 3 to 7 could be major hurricanes (Category 3, 4 or 5; winds of at least 111 mph)
Texas Windstorm Insurance Assn. policies are available from local insurance agents and can be purchased during hurricane season unless TWIA has a moratorium on new policies because a hurricane is threatening the Gulf of Mexico.
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About the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association
The Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA) is the state's insurer of last resort for wind and hail coverage in the 14 coastal counties and parts of Harris County (east of Highway 146). TWIA provides wind and hail coverage when insurance companies exclude it from their homeowners and other property policies sold to coastal residents. TWIA employees are committed to promote hurricane safety and education, together with the development and enforcement of coastal building codes, in an effort to save lives and property. www.twia.org
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