You do not have to live in the Panhandle for Hurricane Isaias to cost you money. The moment the National Hurricane Center posted a hurricane watch for any part of Florida, the hurricane deductible in nearly every homeowners policy in the state switched on.
How the Trigger Works
Most Florida policies carry two deductibles: a standard deductible for everyday claims and a separate hurricane deductible for named-storm damage. The hurricane deductible is a percentage of your home’s insured value, not a flat dollar amount. Options are usually 2, 3, 5, or 10 percent. It applies to hurricane damage that occurs while watches or warnings are in effect and for 72 hours after the last one ends.
The Math
- $300,000 insured value at 2% = $6,000 out of pocket before the insurer pays for wind damage
- $400,000 at 5% = $20,000
- $500,000 at 2% = $10,000
Under Florida law, the hurricane deductible applies only once per calendar year, no matter how many hurricanes hit.
Why It Matters Before You File
Many owners talk themselves out of filing because they assume the damage is under the deductible. Roof damage, water intrusion, and hidden structural damage often add up to far more than the first look suggests. The deductible is a reason to document carefully, not a reason to skip the claim.
Check the declarations page of your policy for your percentage. Then get the full damage measured before you decide anything.
Start with our Hurricane Isaias claim guide and a Free 21-Point Storm Inspection. Free claim review: call 800.511.2240.