[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/www.agilerates.com\/advice\/home\/hurricane-deductible\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/www.agilerates.com\/advice\/home\/hurricane-deductible\/","headline":"How Your Hurricane Deductible Works","name":"How Your Hurricane Deductible Works","description":"Hurricane season runs from June to November each year, with September and October being the most active months. While hurricanes occur outside this period, 97% of tropical activity falls from June to November. Let\u2019s look at what the season involves, how it poses a risk to your home, and how your hurricane deductible works. How […]","datePublished":"2022-08-15","dateModified":"2023-07-06","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.agilerates.com\/author\/mark-romero\/#Person","name":"Mark Romero","url":"https:\/\/www.agilerates.com\/author\/mark-romero\/","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.agilerates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Mark-Romero-150x150.png","url":"https:\/\/www.agilerates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Mark-Romero-150x150.png","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Agile Rates","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/dev.agilerates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/unnamed.png","url":"https:\/\/dev.agilerates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/unnamed.png","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.agilerates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Florida-Hurricane-Season.jpg","url":"https:\/\/www.agilerates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Florida-Hurricane-Season.jpg","height":879,"width":1600},"url":"https:\/\/www.agilerates.com\/advice\/home\/hurricane-deductible\/","about":["Home","Insurance Advice"],"wordCount":1140,"articleBody":"Hurricane season runs from June to November each year, with September and October being the most active months. While hurricanes occur outside this period, 97% of tropical activity falls from June to November. Let\u2019s look at what the season involves, how it poses a risk to your home, and how your hurricane deductible works.How your hurricane deductible worksHomes in hurricane-risk areas are subject to hurricane deductibles. A hurricane deductible is an amount you must pay for damage to your home before the insurance company pays. Unlike other insurance policy types with flat-rate deductibles, deductibles for hurricane damage are a percentage of your home\u2019s value. These rates range from 2% to 10%, depending on where you live.This typically applies to hurricane damage sustained during a hurricane watch or warning and lasts up to 72 hours after the watch or warning ends.Hurricane insurance coverageA typical policy covers wind damage and rain associated with a hurricane. Coverage for your home may vary according to your area, but your policy will include dwelling coverage and personal property coverage.Flood insurance coverageStandard policies don’t cover flood damage. So it’s important to purchase a separate policy for flooding that occurs during a hurricane. In many cases, you can do this directly through your insurance company. However, smaller companies may not offer flood insurance policies. In that case, you can purchase one directly from FEMA. Windstorm insurance coverageSome policies, typically those for people located closer to the coast, don’t automatically cover hurricane damage. If this is the case, you need to purchase additional windstorm coverage.You can determine whether you’re covered for hurricane wind damage by contacting your insurance company or reading through your policy details. If you’re reading your policy, be sure it specifically states that it covers hurricane and windstorm damage.Understanding hurricane seasonWhen the waters of the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean are warm, it creates an ideal environment for hurricane activity. The warm waters combine with moist air in a low-pressure area, becoming clouds of the storm. Hurricanes start as tropical disturbances.When a tropical disturbance increases in strength, it becomes a tropical depression, a tropical storm, and finally, a hurricane. Even a tropical storm may bring severe weather and storm surges. The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale uses wind speeds to classify storms.Category 1: 74 mph to 95 mphCategory 2: 96 to 110 mphCategory 3: 111 to mphCategory 4: 130 to 156 mphCategory 5: Winds greater than 157 mphCommon types of hurricane damageWhen hurricanes strike, four types of damage often occur. The wind is one of the most destructive parts of a hurricane, as are tornadoes. For coastal areas, a hurricane\u2018s storm surge may pose a threat. Flooding from rain is also possible, with typical hurricane rainfall ranging from 6 to 12 inches.Exterior and roof damageExterior damage from hurricanes can range from a few blown shingles to ripping off the entire roof. Your gutters might also blow away and could cause damage to your property or your neighbor\u2019s home. High winds may cause a tree or debris to fall into your roof.Interior damageAs the storm hits your home, its windows or doors may break or blow away. Various debris and rain may fly into your home and ruin your belongings.Structural damageHurricanes are brutal to the home structure. They may cause shifted or cracked foundations or weaken other structural supports.How to prepare your home for a hurricaneStart your hurricane preparedness routine by looking at your home\u2018s exterior. Clear the yard of loose objects such as:Patio FurnitureGrillsOutdoor toysPotted plantsTrash cansYard ornamentsPool equipmentWhen hurricane winds increase, it may create flying projectiles that can break your windows. Remove these objects from the outside and bring them inside, or place them safely in a garage.Heavy sustained winds may blow out windows or doors. If your home doesn\u2019t have wind shutters, board up your windows and doors with thick plywood. Trim any loose limbs, dead branches, and other weaknesses. Tree branches are also potential projectiles, so remove them properly if twisted, loose, or broken.If you have a shed, gazebo, or pergola, ensure it\u2018s securely anchored.Don\u2019t neglect your pool during hurricane preparedness. Turn off the power sourceRemove covers, blankets, and toysDon\u2019t drain the water completely, only a bit to accommodate rainSecure pool equipment with plastic covers or disconnect them if there\u2019s a high risk of floodingAdd extra chlorine to your poolWeather alertsWhen a hurricane is in the area, officials may issue a hurricane watch. This means hurricane conditions may be possible. Hurricane warnings are more severe as officials expect hurricane conditions.What month has the most hurricanes?Historically, September brings the most hurricanes. Conditions in the Atlantic are highly favorable for storms thanks to warm waters, low winds, and moist air. The average hurricane season sees four named storms during September.Does home insurance cover hurricane damage?Yes. A standard policy isn\u2019t a one-size-fits-all approach to covering hurricane damage, so that it may have exclusions. Your policy will specify coverage. A standard policy does not cover flood damage. You will need a separate flood policy, and your area may require a wind policy.Is there such a thing as hurricane insurance?Insurance companies don\u2019t offer a policy for \u201churricane insurance,\u201d and a homeowners standard policy won\u2019t always apply to hurricane damage. Destructive winds and water pose the most threat to your home.FAQsHow much is a hurricane deductible?Hurricane deductibles are typically between 2% and 10% of your home’s replacement cost. However, this can vary between insurance carriers so it’s important to review your policy for specific details.What month has the most hurricanes?Historically, September brings the most hurricanes. It also sees more Cat 5 hurricanes than any other month during the hurricane season. Research shows the first two weeks of September mark the peak of the Atlantic Hurricane Season.What part of Florida gets hit the most by hurricanes?Hurricanes hit the Florida Panhandle, or Northwest Florida, the most. This region includes cities such as Panama City, Fort Walton Beach, and Pensacola.What\u2019s the difference between a hurricane and a tropical storm?Hurricanes have winds greater than 74 mph, and tropical storm winds range from 39 to 73 mph. A tropical storm develops into a hurricane as it grows in strength and size.How to get home insurance for hurricane seasonEven a low-grade tropical storm can pose a dangerous risk to your home. As we move into hurricane season, look over your policy and ensure you\u2019re well-protected against hurricane damage. Add the right protection to your home with flood insurance and other policy options from a home insurance company. Request your free home insurance quote today."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Advice","item":"https:\/\/www.agilerates.com\/advice\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/www.agilerates.com\/advice\/\/home\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"How Your Hurricane Deductible Works","item":"https:\/\/www.agilerates.com\/advice\/home\/hurricane-deductible\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]