What is a hurricane deductible?

In Florida, most homeowners insurance policies include a separate hurricane deductible for windstorm losses. Understanding how this works can help you plan ahead and avoid unexpected out-of-pocket costs after a storm.

What Is a Hurricane Deductible?

• A hurricane deductible is the portion of a covered loss you’re responsible for paying before your insurance coverage applies during a named hurricane.
• Unlike standard deductibles, hurricane deductibles are typically calculated as a percentage of your insured value, not a fixed dollar amount.

How Hurricane Deductibles Are Calculated

Your deductible is based on your policy type and coverage limits:

• Homeowners (HO3), Dwelling (DP1/DP3), Mobile Home (MH):
  Percentage of Coverage A (Dwelling)
• Renters (HO4):
  Percentage of Coverage C (Contents)
• Condo (HO6):
  Percentage of the higher of Coverage A or Coverage C

You can find your specific deductible amount on your policy Declarations Page, where the percentage is also shown as a dollar amount.

When Does the Hurricane Deductible Apply?

The hurricane deductible applies only when damage occurs during a named hurricane as designated by the National Hurricane Center.

Under Florida law, a hurricane event:

• Begins when a hurricane watch or warning is issued anywhere in Florida
• Continues while hurricane conditions exist anywhere in the state
• Ends 72 hours after the last watch or warning is lifted

What if There Are Multiple Hurricanes in One Year?

Your hurricane deductible applies once per calendar year (January 1 – December 31).

• If multiple hurricanes occur in the same year, you are responsible for meeting the deductible only once
• After it is met, future hurricane-related claims that year are subject to your All Other Perils (AOP) deductible

If the deductible has not yet been met, the remaining hurricane deductible or your AOP deductible applies, whichever is greater.

What About Emergency Repairs?

After a hurricane, you’re expected to take reasonable steps to prevent further damage. This may include:

• Tarping a roof
• Removing water
• Securing the property

Because these expenses are often less than the deductible amount, contractors may require payment at the time of service.

These costs count toward your hurricane deductible, so it is important to keep receipts.

Keep in mind that Tower Hill policyholders have access to an exclusive, credentialed contractor network for when repairs or rebuilding are necessary as part of a claim. 

Example: How a Hurricane Deductible Works

Policy Details:

• Coverage A: $280,000
• Hurricane Deductible: 2% ($5,600)
• AOP Deductible: $1,000

First Storm:
Damage totals $4,300
→ You are responsible for the full amount (deductible not yet met)

Second Storm:
Damage totals $12,000
→ You pay the remaining $1,300 of your hurricane deductible
→ The rest is covered according to your policy

Third Storm:
Damage totals $2,000
→ Hurricane deductible already met
→ You pay the $1,000 AOP deductible
→ Remaining costs are covered per policy terms

How Much Is a Hurricane Deductible?

Hurricane deductibles are commonly 2% to 5% of your home’s insured value, though options may vary.

When choosing your deductible:

• A higher percentage typically lowers your premium
• A lower percentage means less out-of-pocket cost after a storm

Your agent can help you choose the option that best fits your financial situation.

A Few Important Reminders

• Review your Declarations Page so you know your deductible amount. Note: Hurricane deductibles can only be added at renewal time.
• Keep receipts and records of all storm-related expenses.
• Understand your potential out-of-pocket costs before hurricane season begins.