Thousands of Cameron County second-home owners could be forced to find windstorm insurance elsewhere under a proposal being considered by Texas’ state-backed insurer of last resort.
The Texas Windstorm Insurance Association, or TWIA, currently provides windstorm coverage for 3,964 second homes in Cameron County, the fifth-highest number among the coastal counties it serves. Another 187 are covered in neighboring Willacy County.

Now, TWIA is considering asking state lawmakers to restrict its residential coverage to owner-occupied primary homes, which would make second homes ineligible. The proposal is scheduled for discussion Sept. 1 as the association develops recommendations for the Texas Legislature.
The financial incentive is significant.
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