Policy confusing? Ask Poli.
Does homeowners insurance cover hurricane damage?
Most homeowners forms cover hurricane wind, but not hurricane flooding, and many apply a separate, larger hurricane deductible. Here's where each piece lives in your policy.
See your own storm deductible and exclusions in about a minute.
Free · no account · nothing stored. Poli quotes the exact wording.
What filed forms generally say
A hurricane is not a single peril in most filed homeowners forms. The policy looks at what actually did the damage: wind, rain, or rising water.
Wind damage — shingles torn off, a tree blown onto the house, a window broken by debris — is generally covered under Windstorm or Hail, unless an endorsement removes wind (common in some coastal areas, where wind is written through a state wind pool instead).
Storm surge and flooding are generally excluded under the water exclusion. That water is normally covered only by a separate flood policy, such as one from the National Flood Insurance Program.
Many coastal policies apply a hurricane or named-storm deductible, often a percentage of the dwelling limit (for example 2% or 5%) rather than a flat dollar amount, which can make it far larger than the everyday deductible.
Rain that got in only because wind first made an opening is usually treated as part of the wind loss. Rain through an old, worn roof usually isn't.
Most forms also set deadlines for reporting a loss and for filing suit, and some states set special deadlines for hurricane claims.
Why your policy can still say something else
Whether wind is included, how the hurricane deductible is worded and triggered, and which state amendments apply are all specific to your own policy and your state.
Clauses to look for in your own document
- Perils Insured Against — Windstorm or Hail
- Exclusions — Water Damage
- Hurricane or Named Storm Deductible endorsement
- Windstorm Exclusion endorsement
- Duties After Loss
Policies differ. Upload yours and Poli will show you the actual clause.
Free · no account · nothing stored.
More questions
PoliSays explains document wording. It is not an insurer, broker, or law firm, and nothing here is advice.