When hurricane season rolls around, many homeowners wonder if their property is protected. While there’s no single policy called “hurricane insurance,” coverage does exist; it just comes from a combination of different policies that work together to protect your home and belongings from wind and water damage.
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What Hurricane Insurance Actually Is
Hurricane insurance isn’t one policy but a mix of coverage types:
- Homeowners insurance generally covers wind damage caused by hurricanes. This includes things like roofs ripped off or trees falling on your home.
- Flood insurance covers water damage caused by storm surge, heavy rain, or flooding after the storm, which homeowners insurance doesn’t.
- Windstorm insurance is sometimes sold separately in high-risk coastal areas where standard homeowners insurance excludes wind damage altogether.
The Hurricane Deductible
If you live in a hurricane-prone area, your homeowners policy likely includes a special hurricane deductible. Instead of a flat amount like $1,000, this deductible is a percentage of your home’s insured value — typically 1% to 5%.
For example, if your home is insured for $300,000 and you have a 3% hurricane deductible, you’d pay $9,000 out of pocket before your coverage kicks in.
What’s Covered (and What’s Not)
Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Covered: Wind damage, fallen trees, flying debris, and roof damage.
- Not Covered: Flooding, storm surge, or water entering from the ground. You’d need a flood insurance policy for that.
How To Get Hurricane Coverage
- Check your current homeowners policy for hurricane or wind exclusions.
- Ask about hurricane deductibles and how much you’d owe if a storm hit.
- Add flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or a private provider.
- Consider a windstorm policy if your area excludes wind damage entirely.
How Much Does Hurricane Insurance Cost?
The cost varies widely depending on your location, home value, and risk level. On average:
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Homeowners insurance with hurricane coverage: $1,500–$3,000 per year.
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Flood insurance (NFIP): around $800–$1,200 per year, though rates can be higher in high-risk zones.
If you live in coastal states like Florida, Louisiana, or the Carolinas, expect to pay more.
Pros and Cons of Hurricane Insurance
Pros:
- Protects your largest asset from catastrophic loss
- Provides peace of mind during hurricane season
- Helps you recover faster after a storm
Cons:
- Can be expensive in high-risk areas
- Deductibles are higher than normal claims
- Flood coverage must be purchased separately
The Bottom Line
There’s no one-size-fits-all hurricane policy, but you can protect yourself by combining homeowners, flood, and windstorm coverage. Review your insurance each year before hurricane season starts to ensure you’re fully protected, and know exactly what’s covered if disaster strikes.
