What is a Wind and Hail Deductible?

Most homeowners’ insurance policies have an “all peril” deductible, which applies to general claims like fire, theft, or water damage. This is usually a flat dollar amount, such as $1,000. However, insurers are now commonly adding a Wind and Hail deductible, which is separate and often much higher.

This deductible applies specifically to damage caused by windstorms, hurricanes, and hail. Unlike the all-peril deductible, which is typically a fixed amount, the Wind and Hail deductible is often calculated as a percentage of your home’s insured value. For example, if your home is insured for $300,000 and you have a 1% Wind and Hail deductible, you would be responsible for paying $3,000 before your insurance covers any damage from a wind or hail event.

In some cases, instead of a percentage, companies may assign a higher flat-dollar deductible for wind and hail claims, such as $5,000.

Why are Deductibles Increasing?

Wind and Hail deductibles as a response to rising claims from severe weather events. With more frequent and intense storms, insurers are shifting more of the financial responsibility onto homeowners to help manage their own costs. This means that even if you’ve had the same policy for years, your deductible structure may have changed without you realizing it.

How Can You Protect Yourself?

1. Review Your Policy – Don’t wait until you have storm damage to learn about your deductible. Take a few minutes to check your policy documents or contact your insurance agent to understand your current coverage.
2. Know Your Deductibles – Be aware of both your all-peril deductible and your Wind and Hail deductible. If your wind/hail deductible is a percentage, calculate how much that would be based on your home’s insured value so you’re not caught off guard.
3. Consider Your Financial Readiness – If your Wind and Hail deductible is significantly higher than your all-peril deductible, make sure you have enough savings set aside in case you need to file a claim.

Final Thoughts

Wind and Hail deductible increases are becoming more common, and if you’re not aware of them, you could face unexpected costs when filing a claim. Take the time to understand your policy, know your deductibles, and plan accordingly so you’re financially prepared for severe weather. A little preparation now can save you a lot of stress—and money—down the road.

Call us today to get more information about wind and hail deductibles.