Your Deductible Isn’t Always a Dollar Amount: Understanding Percentage Deductibles for Wind & Hail

Wind and hailstorms can happen with little warning, and when they do, most homeowners want to know one thing: "Am I covered?"

The answer often depends on more than just having homeowners’ insurance. Understanding your wind and hail deductible, and whether it's a flat amount or a percentage, can help you know what your policy covers and what your financial responsibility may be after a storm.

What is a percentage deductible?

A percentage deductible is based on a percentage of your home’s insured value rather than a set dollar amount.

For example:

• Your home is insured for $400,000

• Your wind and hail deductible is 2%

• Your deductible would be $8,000

  
  

That means you would be responsible for the first $8,000 of covered wind or hail damage before your insurance coverage applies.

A 2% deductible does not mean you would pay 2% of the repair costs. Instead, it is calculated based on your home’s insured value, which can make a significant difference when a severe storm causes damage.

 

Does a percentage deductible apply to all homeowners’ claims?

A percentage deductible may not apply to every type of homeowners insurance claim.

Other common homeowners’ claims, such as fire, theft, or certain types of water damage, typically have a traditional fixed-dollar deductible, such as $1,000 or $2,500.

Are percentage wind & hail deductibles your only option?

Not necessarily. Deductible options vary by insurance carrier, your home's location, and other risk factors.

Some carriers offer a choice between a flat-dollar deductible and a percentage deductible for wind and hail claims, while others may only offer a percentage option.

As an independent insurance agency, we work with multiple insurance carriers and can help you compare deductible options to find the coverage that best fits your needs and budget.

 

What should you do if you have wind or hail damage?

After a severe storm, it’s important to take a few steps to help protect your home and document any potential damage.

Start by safely checking your property for visible signs of damage, such as missing shingles, damaged siding, dented gutters, broken windows, or other storm-related issues. If you’re able, take photos or videos of what you find, these details can be helpful during the claims process.

If you believe your home has sustained wind or hail damage, contact your account manager as soon as possible. We can help guide you through the next steps, answer questions about your coverage, and help you understand how your deductible applies.