Question 1

What's the difference between wind and hurricane coverage?

Accepted Answer

In Florida, the practical distinction is the deductible. Standard wind damage (a tree falls on the house in normal weather) applies the regular policy deductible. Hurricane and named-storm wind damage applies the higher 'wind deductible' or 'named-storm deductible' — typically 2%–10% of insured value. Both perils are covered by the same homeowners policy; the difference is the size of the deductible the homeowner pays. Tornado, downburst, and other non-named windstorm damage uses the standard deductible.

Question 2

How is the named-storm deductible calculated?

Accepted Answer

Named-storm deductibles are calculated as a percentage of the insured dwelling value (Coverage A), not the loss amount. With a 5% deductible on a $500K home, the first $25K of any named-storm claim is your responsibility — even if the actual damage is only $30K, you'd net $5K. Florida law allows percentage deductibles only for hurricane damage; standard deductibles apply to non-hurricane wind. The deductible percentage is set at policy inception and applies to each named-storm event during the policy period.

Question 3

What is wind mitigation and how do I qualify for credits?

Accepted Answer

Wind mitigation refers to construction features that reduce hurricane damage: impact-rated windows and doors, hurricane shutters, hip roof shape, secondary water resistance, FBC-2002+ roof deck attachment, roof-to-wall connections (clips, single wraps, double wraps), and concrete or non-combustible exterior. A licensed inspector completes Form OIR-B1-1802 documenting your home's mitigation features. The carrier applies premium credits based on documented features — often 15%–45% off the wind portion of premium. Credits typically pay for the inspection ($75–$150) within 1–2 years.

Question 4

How does roof age affect Florida wind insurance?

Accepted Answer

Roof age is one of the primary underwriting factors for Florida wind coverage. Most carriers won't write new policies on roofs older than 15–25 years (varying by carrier). Florida's 2022 reforms allow carriers to apply roof depreciation schedules even on replacement-cost policies for roofs over 10 years old — meaning a 12-year-old roof might pay only 80% of replacement cost at claim time. Replacing roofs at end-of-life (or carrying roof replacement endorsements) is increasingly important to maintain full claim payout.

Question 5

What if my carrier non-renews after a hurricane?

Accepted Answer

Florida's market has experienced waves of carrier non-renewals after major storm seasons. If your carrier non-renews, you typically have alternatives: switch to another private market carrier (sometimes at higher premium), apply through Citizens Insurance (state-backed insurer of last resort, with strict eligibility rules), or work with a surplus lines carrier (specialty market with broader appetites but higher rates). Working with a knowledgeable independent broker is essential — placement options change quickly after major storm events.

Question 6

Should I consider higher named-storm deductibles to lower premium?

Accepted Answer

Higher named-storm deductibles produce real premium savings but increase out-of-pocket exposure. The tradeoff requires considering your savings cushion, claim probability, and risk tolerance. Moving from 2% to 5% deductible on a $500K home saves the difference in premium but increases exposure from $10K to $25K per storm. For homeowners with strong cash reserves and high deductible tolerance, higher deductibles often produce favorable economics. For homeowners stretched thin financially, lower deductibles preserve cash flow at claim time.

Question 7

How is hurricane and wind insurance priced?

Accepted Answer

Wind insurance pricing reflects location (coastal vs. inland), construction type and age, wind mitigation features, prior claim history, selected limits and deductibles, and carrier-specific factors. Coastal Florida homes can pay 60%–80% of total homeowners premium for the wind portion alone. Wind mitigation credits, hurricane shutters, and impact glass installations can reduce wind premium 30%–50%. Citizens Insurance and surplus lines markets price differently than private market carriers; comparing across all options is essential.

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