What Is a Hurricane Deductible?
A hurricane deductible is a separate, higher deductible that applies specifically to wind damage from named storms, hurricanes, or tropical events — depending on your policy's exact trigger language. Unlike a standard All Other Perils (AOP) deductible which is a flat dollar amount (e.g., $1,000), hurricane deductibles are typically a percentage of your home's insured value.
How the Math Works
| Home Insured Value | 2% Deductible | 5% Deductible |
|---|---|---|
| $250,000 | $5,000 | $12,500 |
| $350,000 | $7,000 | $17,500 |
| $500,000 | $10,000 | $25,000 |
| $750,000 | $15,000 | $37,500 |
What Triggers a Hurricane Deductible?
This varies by policy and state — and the exact trigger language matters enormously. Common triggers include:
- Named storm trigger — Applies any time the National Hurricane Center names a tropical system, even if it never reaches hurricane strength
- Hurricane trigger — Only applies when a storm reaches Category 1 hurricane status (74+ mph winds)
- Wind speed trigger — Applies when winds exceed a specific threshold in your county
The named storm trigger is the most common and the most expensive for homeowners — a tropical storm that never reaches hurricane strength can still trigger your percentage deductible.
State-by-State Overview
Hurricane deductibles are required or permitted in 19 states and Washington D.C. In the 13 states we cover:
- Florida — Mandatory for all policies statewide. Typically 2–5%. Citizens Insurance uses 2% minimum.
- Texas — Required for coastal counties. TWIA policies use 2% for most properties.
- Louisiana — 2–5% common. Louisiana Citizens uses 5% in high-risk areas.
- Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina — Common in coastal counties, varies by insurer.
- Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, New York — Less common but increasingly included in coastal policies.
How to Find Your Hurricane Deductible
It's on your declarations page — look for a line item that says "Hurricane," "Named Storm," or "Windstorm" with a percentage next to it. If you see "2% DWG" that means 2% of your Dwelling coverage. Call your agent if you're not sure — this is one of the most important numbers in your policy.
Can You Lower Your Hurricane Deductible?
Sometimes yes. A wind mitigation inspection that demonstrates your home is built to current hurricane standards can qualify you for reduced deductibles and premium discounts. In Florida, this is called a wind mitigation credit and can save hundreds of dollars per year.
If your hurricane deductible is higher than your estimated repair cost, filing a claim may not make financial sense — and it will likely raise your premium. Know your deductible amount before any storm so you can make an informed decision quickly.