Hurricane Deductibles vs. Regular Deductibles: Common Confusions

Two different deductibles

Most Florida homeowners policies carry a regular deductible for things like a kitchen fire or a fallen tree on a calm day, and a separate hurricane deductible that applies to damage from a declared hurricane.

Percentage, not a flat amount

Hurricane deductibles are commonly a percentage of your dwelling coverage — for example 2%, 5%, or 10% — rather than a flat dollar amount. On a home insured for $400,000, a 2% hurricane deductible is $8,000. Your declarations page shows your actual figure.

Seasonal, not per storm

In Florida, the hurricane deductible generally applies per hurricane season rather than per storm, so a second hurricane in the same year may be handled differently. Confirm how your own policy applies it.

Your deductible is your responsibility

The deductible is the homeowner's share of a covered loss. Florida law prohibits contractors from offering to pay, waive, or rebate a deductible. If anyone offers that, treat it as a warning sign.

Questions to ask your agent

• What is my hurricane deductible, in dollars?
• Do I have separate coverage for flood?
• What documentation would help if I ever file a roof claim?
• Are there wind mitigation credits I am not receiving?