In this guide

A hurricane or windstorm deductible is a separate deductible, usually a percentage of your home's insured value, that applies to wind damage from named storms or hurricanes. According to the Insurance Information Institute (Triple-I), these deductibles typically run 1% to 5% of insured value, so on a $300,000 home a 5% deductible means you pay the first $15,000 of a covered storm claim before insurance pays.

Key takeaways

  • A percentage deductible is applied to your dwelling coverage amount, not to the size of the claim, so it rises with your home's insured value.
  • Triple-I says typical hurricane deductibles are 1% to 5%, with higher levels in some high-risk coastal areas.
  • Nineteen states and the District of Columbia have hurricane deductibles, per Triple-I.
  • When the deductible applies depends on "triggers" set by your state or insurer, such as a hurricane watch, warning or named storm.
  • Flood from a storm is not covered by homeowners insurance, so a wind deductible does not change your flood protection needs.

How a percentage deductible works

With a standard flat deductible, you choose a dollar amount such as $1,000. A hurricane or windstorm deductible is different. It is written as a percentage, and the insurer multiplies it by a coverage limit on your policy, generally your dwelling coverage (Coverage A). The result is the dollar amount you absorb on a covered wind loss.

Dwelling limit1% deductible2% deductible5% deductible
$200,000$2,000$4,000$10,000
$300,000$3,000$6,000$15,000
$500,000$5,000$10,000$25,000

These are our own calculations to illustrate the formula, not quotes. Triple-I's example, a $300,000 home with a 5% deductible, produces the $15,000 figure above. Florida also allows 10% in some cases, which would be $30,000 on the same house.

A worked example

Say your dwelling limit is $400,000 and your hurricane deductible is 2%. That is an $8,000 deductible. A hurricane tears off part of your roof and damages the interior, and the covered repairs are estimated at $30,000. The insurer would pay $22,000, and you would cover $8,000. If repairs came to only $6,000, the claim would be below the deductible and you would receive nothing.

Watch out: Because the deductible is tied to your dwelling limit, raising your coverage to match rebuilding costs also raises your deductible in dollars. Plan for the dollar figure, not just the percentage.

Which states have them

Triple-I lists these places as having hurricane deductibles: Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia and the District of Columbia.

Rules differ. Florida sets its hurricane deductible and triggers by state law. In other states, insurers set the levels subject to review by the state insurance department. Some states let you choose a traditional flat deductible for a higher premium, and in some coastal areas the percentage deductible is mandatory. Outside coastal states, many policies instead have separate wind or hail deductibles. Our roof damage guide touches on those.

When the deductible kicks in

A hurricane deductible does not apply to every windstorm. It applies only when the event meets a "trigger" defined in your policy or state rules. Triple-I notes that triggers can involve:

  • A named tropical storm or hurricane.
  • A hurricane watch or warning issued by the National Weather Service for your area.
  • Time windows, such as the period from a watch or warning until a set number of hours after it ends. In Florida, for example, it applies from the watch or warning until 72 hours after it ends. Maine's period ends 24 hours after the last warning.
  • Wind speeds. Connecticut's trigger is a hurricane with winds of 74 mph or more, and New Jersey's requires sustained winds of 74 mph measured in the state.

Louisiana is an example of a state that uses separate deductibles for named storms (tropical storm strength, 39 mph) and hurricanes (74 mph), according to Triple-I.

The details matter. Damage from a storm that does not meet the trigger would normally fall under your regular "all other perils" deductible, which is often much smaller. Your policy should spell out the definition. Look for terms such as "named storm," "hurricane" and the period of coverage.

What the deductible applies to

  • Which coverages: some policies apply the percentage to the dwelling only, while others apply it to the whole property claim. Ask whether it is calculated on Coverage A alone.
  • Per storm or per season: policies can differ on how the deductible resets if more than one storm hits in a season. Ask your insurer how yours works rather than assuming.
  • Related damage: wind-driven rain entering through a wind-created opening is commonly part of a wind claim. Flood and storm surge are separate risks. See our flood insurance guide.

Planning for a percentage deductible

  1. Find it on your declarations page. Look for "hurricane," "named storm" or "windstorm" deductible, and write down the dollar equivalent.
  2. Build a storm fund. Keeping the deductible amount accessible can reduce stress after a loss. Some people use a dedicated savings account.
  3. Ask about choices. Some insurers and states let you choose between percentage levels such as 2%, 5% or 10%, or a flat option for a higher premium. A higher deductible may reduce your premium, but it increases what you pay after a storm.
  4. Consider mitigation. Wind-resistant roofs, shutters and other upgrades may earn discounts in some states. Availability and amounts vary by insurer.
  5. Know your other policies. If you live in a flood-prone area, flood insurance is separate and has its own deductible, and coverage usually has a waiting period.
  6. Keep records. Photos before a storm and a home inventory help prove the condition of your property.

Comparing quotes from several insurers helps you see how deductible choices, triggers and premiums differ, and a licensed agent in your state can explain local rules. For a broader look at how deductibles fit with premiums, see our guide to home insurance deductibles. If you are wondering why costs have risen in storm-exposed states, our article on why home insurance is going up adds context.

Questions to ask your insurer or agent

  • What is my windstorm or hurricane deductible, as a percentage and in dollars?
  • What exactly triggers it: a named storm, a watch or warning, or a wind-speed threshold?
  • Does it apply only to the dwelling, or to all property coverages on the claim?
  • Can I choose a different percentage or a flat-dollar option, and how does the premium change?
  • If my deductible is a percentage and I raise my dwelling limit, how does my dollar deductible change?

Write the answers down next to your policy. A few minutes of questions before storm season is far easier than learning the answers after a claim, and it gives you a realistic figure to plan around.

Frequently asked questions

Is a hurricane deductible the same as a regular deductible?

No. A regular deductible is usually a flat dollar amount that applies to most claims. A hurricane deductible is typically a percentage of your insured dwelling value and applies only to storms that meet its trigger.

Can I choose a lower hurricane deductible?

In some states and with some insurers, yes, for a higher premium. In some coastal areas the percentage deductible is mandatory. Options depend on your state and insurer.

Does the deductible apply to flood damage from a hurricane?

Homeowners insurance does not cover flood. If you have a flood policy, it has its own deductible and rules.

What if the storm is downgraded or does not hit my area directly?

That depends on the trigger. Some triggers rely on a watch or warning for your county, a named storm, or measured wind speeds in your state. Your policy language governs.

Do I need a hurricane deductible if I live inland?

Policies in inland areas often have other wind or hail deductibles instead. Check your declarations page.

Sources

General information only. This guide explains general concepts and is not insurance, legal or financial advice. Rules and prices vary by state and insurer. Check your policy documents and speak to a licensed insurance professional or your state insurance department about your situation.