The Brief: Windstorm Insurance, Rates & Coastal Risk w/ Greg Smith

In this episode of The Brief, we sit down with Greg Smith — Coastal Representative on the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association Board of Directors — to break down one of the most important (and often overlooked) issues impacting the Coastal Bend: windstorm insurance.

From recent legislative changes to how insurance rates are actually determined, Greg shares insight into what’s driving costs — and why, for the first time in years, there may be less pressure for rate increases. 

We also dive into how the system works behind the scenes, including the “funding stack,” reinsurance, and how risk is shared across the state — all of which directly impact the cost of living for homeowners and businesses along the Texas coast.

Beyond policy, Greg offers practical advice for policyholders, including what to look for in your coverage, how to manage rising premiums, and why your roof may be the most important investment you make before the next storm.

Topics include:

• Why windstorm insurance is such a major cost for coastal communities
 • Legislative changes reducing pressure on insurance rates
 • How reinsurance impacts premiums (and where that money goes)
 • What policyholders should know about deductibles and valuation increases
 • Why roof quality is critical to minimizing damage and claims
 • How major storms and even localized events can impact the system

The Brief is where policy meets business — from City Hall to the state Capitol to Washington, D.C. — with a focus on jobs, infrastructure, and opportunity in Corpus Christi.

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