Texas Windstorm Process
Between the Texas Board of Professional Engineers
and the Texas Department of Insurance
To find an inspector, apply for a certificate or apply to be an inspector,
refer to the TDI Windstorm Program Homepage.
Effective January 1, 2017, The Windstorm inspector appointment process changed. Under HB 2439 passed by the 84th Texas Legislature (2015), the TBPE "Roster of Qualified Engineers" which was required by the Texas Engineering Practice Act was eliminated. Applying to the TBPE for inclusion on the TBPE windstorm roster is no longer required.
Any individuals wanting to be Appointed Qualified Inspectors must apply through the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI).
- All current appointed inspectors must re-apply for new appointments.
- The application is on the TDI website: http://www.tdi.texas.gov/wind/index.html
- TDI is exclusively responsible for establishing and maintaining the list of appointed qualified inspectors.
HB 2439 also created a process for certification of completed improvements through the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA).
- List of TWIA resources compiled by TDI: http://www.tdi.texas.gov/commercial/pctwia.html
- TWIA has established a process described on its website: https://www.twia.org/windstorm-certification-requirements/
- Certification of completed improvements through TWIA does not require a Texas Licensed Professional Engineer to be appointed by TDI as an Appointed Qualified Inspector.
A person may now apply to the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA) for a certificate of compliance (WPI-8-C) for a completed improvement. TDI will continue to issue certificates of compliance (WPI-8s) for ongoing improvements.
What is considered a completed improvement?
A completed improvement is defined as:
(A) an improvement in which the original transfer of title from the builder to the initial owner of the improvement has occurred; or
(B) if a transfer under Paragraph (A) is not contemplated, an improvement that is substantially completed. Substantially completed is defined as: An improvement for which the final framing stage, including attachment of component and cladding items and installation of windborne debris protection, has been completed. If the improvement's windborne debris protection consists of wood structural panels, all the panels must be present at the improvement's location but need not be installed.
How do I get a completed improvement certified?
A person lacking a WPI-8 for a completed improvement may apply to TWIA for a WPI-8-C. A Texas-licensed engineer may certify that the completed improvement complies with the applicable windstorm building code. The engineer will need to submit certain information to TWIA about the completed improvement in order for TWIA to issue the certificate of compliance (WPI-8-C).
Agents can also download a helpful job aid to learn about the steps to certify a completed improvement through TWIA, or contact our Agent Services Team at AgentServices@TWIA.org or 1-800-231-5360.