The Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) issued the final rules for House Bill 2439 which created a new two-path system to certify that a structure complies with the applicable windstorm building code requirements.

Effective January 1, 2017, 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).

To learn more about the new windstorm certification requirements, please visit our website: www.twia.org/windstorm-certification-requirements/ 

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.

Sincerely,

Texas Windstorm Insurance Association

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