The purpose of this bulletin is to make you aware of the changes made by Senate Bill 365 enacted by the 77 th Legislature which amends Article 21.49 §6A of the Texas Insurance Code regarding eligibility for windstorm and hail insurance coverage through the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association. SB 365 requires that "After January 1, 2002, a person must submit an Application for Windstorm Building Inspection, Form WPI-1, to Windstorm Inspections at the Texas Department of Insurance before beginning to construct, alter, remodel, enlarge or repair a structure. Failure to submit a timely application may result in a Certificate of Compliance, Form WPI-8, not being issued unless plans and calculations, testing information, manufacturer's installation instructions, or any other documentation required by the Commissioner is submitted to the Windstorm Inspections Unit as may be requested."
While the Windstorm Inspection Program is voluntary, certification of structures is required if an individual is seeking or may later seek wind and hail coverage through the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association.
New Windstorm Inspection rules are being drafted and will be published in the Texas Register and made available on the Texas Department of Insurance's website at www.tdi.state.tx.us for your review and comments.
Questions regarding this notice should be directed to Welch Watt, Manager, Windstorm Inspections at 512-322-2203, Fax 512-305-7428.
Alexis Dick
Deputy Commissioner
Inspections Division