Texas Windstorm Pool: No Policies Issued With Hurricane in the Gulf

With Tropical Storm Dolly roiling it’s way into probable hurricane status, the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association issued a reminder to agents that once a “hurricane enters the Gulf of Mexico or is within the boundaries of 80 degrees west longitude and 20 degrees north latitude,” TWIA stops accepting applications for windstorm insurance.

Details on TWIA’s “Binding Exception” rules and the association’s binding procedures during the threat of a hurricane can be found online at http://www.twia.org/pdf/uw_bulletins/Binding_Exception.pdf.

Owners of TWIA-insured property can not file claims directly with the association should that property suffer windstorm damage. Policyholders must notify their agents, TWIA said. Agents are instructed to then notify TWIA, which will have an adjuster contact the insured.

TWIA issued the following advice to insureds:
–Take reasonable steps to protect property from further damage, and keep good records.
–Do not make permanent repairs until after the adjuster has made an inspection.
–Take photographs of damage, and give them to the adjuster.

Texas Gov. Rick Perry has activated state resources, including 1,200 National Guard troops, in preparation for Tropical Storm Dolly, the governor’s office reported. The state is ready to provide assistance requested by local officials.

According to the National Weather Service, Tropical Storm Dolly is expected to strengthen before possibly making landfall on the southern coast of Texas between Corpus Christi and Brownsville.

The Texas Department of Transportation is using dynamic message signs to advise residents along the Texas coast to maintain a full tank of gas. If needed, 250 buses have been also activated and will be staged in San Antonio, fuel teams are ready to respond to an increased demand for fuel, and volunteer organizations are prepared to provide mass care support for residents. All state resources are ready for rapid deployment.

The State Operations Center is closely monitoring Tropical Storm Dolly and holding daily conference calls with federal, state and local officials, private industry partners, volunteer organizations, and the National Weather Service.

To read the latest situation report from the State Operations Center, please visit http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/dem/sitrepindex.htm. For updated information on hurricane preparedness efforts, please visit www.texasonline.com .

Source: Texas Windstorm Insurance Association, www.twia.org; Texas Governor’s Office, www.governor.state.tx.us/