What is Windstorm Coverage?
- Standard home insurance may not fully cover wind damage, especially in coastal or high-risk areas.
- Many policies have a special wind or hurricane deductible that’s a percentage of your home’s value.
- If private coverage isn’t available, state-backed options like TWIA, Citizens, or FAIR Plans can fill the gap.
What is windstorm coverage in home insurance?
Wind and hail are usually covered by standard homeowners insurance since they’re common causes of damage during storms like hurricanes and tornadoes. But if you live in a high-risk area, your policy may have special rules or a separate windstorm deductible before coverage kicks in. Knowing when that deductible applies, and whether you need extra protection, helps ensure your home is fully covered.
Wind damage vs. hurricane
While most homeowners policies include wind damage, coverage can vary depending on where you live. In some coastal or hurricane-prone areas, insurers may exclude wind damage altogether, requiring a separate windstorm policy or an endorsement added to your current coverage.
A “hurricane deductible” (also called a wind or named storm deductible) applies when a hurricane or tropical storm brings damaging winds. However, flooding or storm surge from these events isn’t covered; you’d need flood insurance for that.
💡 Zebra Tip: Check your state specifics
Because insurance rules vary by state, laws can determine how windstorm deductibles work, including whether you can choose a fixed amount or a percentage-based option.
For instance, in Texas, a windstorm deductible can apply to any type of wind damage, not just hurricanes or named storms. In Florida, however, a hurricane deductible only kicks in when the National Weather Service officially declares a hurricane, and it applies to damage that happens from the start of the warning up to 72 hours after it ends.
What is a windstorm deductible?
If you live near the coast or in an area prone to strong winds, your insurance company may have a separate deductible for wind or hail damage. A hurricane deductible applies only when a hurricane hits, while a windstorm deductible can apply to any kind of wind damage, including hurricanes.
Instead of a flat dollar amount, these deductibles are often a percentage of your home’s insured value, usually between 1% and 5% (and sometimes up to 10% in coastal zones). For example, with a $300,000 home and a 2% deductible, you’d pay $6,000 out of pocket before insurance covers the rest.
Some homeowners can opt for a fixed deductible—typically $500 to $5,000—in exchange for a higher premium, though that’s less common in high-risk coastal areas. Because rules vary by state, it’s always best to check your policy’s declarations page or talk with your insurance agent to confirm what applies to you.[1]
Updating data...
| Wind Hail Deductible | Avg. Annual Premium |
|---|---|
| 1,000 | $3,955 |
| 2,000 | $3,905 |
Source: The Zebra
Home Insurance Deductibles
Find out how homeowners insurance deductibles work, including types like flat and percentage-based. Learn how to choose the right deductible for you.
How much does windstorm coverage cost?
Below are average annual rates for homeowners coverage with a $1,000 wind/hail deductible from some major insurance carriers, using a standard homeowners profile detailed in this methodology. Use these rates as a jumping-off point, as our homeowners profile likely differs from yours.
Rates can vary quite drastically depending on your location. Below are average annual rates in states that mandate hurricane and windstorm deductibles. Coastal states (especially those along the Gulf of Mexico) tend to have the most expensive premiums due to their higher-risk locations.
Updating data...
| Hurricane Deductible | Avg. Annual Premium |
|---|---|
| None | $2,274 |
| 2% | $2,541 |
| 1% | $2,559 |
Source: The Zebra
What is wind damage mitigation?
Wind mitigation is all about making your home tougher against high winds. Think of things like reinforced roofs, hurricane clips, and impact-resistant windows (all designed to keep your house secure during storms). These upgrades can also save you money on homeowners insurance since they reduce the risk of damage.
In many states, especially along the coast, insurers offer discounts for homes with strong wind-resistant features. In some, like Florida, it's likely required.[2] Getting a wind mitigation inspection can help you prove those protections and potentially lower your premiums. It’s a smart move that keeps your home safer and lowers your insurance costs.[3]
“Basic discounts come from things like smoke detectors and home security systems. But the biggest discount opportunity is wind mitigation, especially in hurricane-prone areas.
Just getting the wind mitigation inspection done usually costs $500 to $600 out of pocket. You have to pay for it yourself, but the discount can make it worthwhile.”
-Johnny Hawkins, Manager and Licensed Agent at The Zebra
Most insurance companies offer 24/7 claim support—online, through a mobile app, or by phone. When you're ready to file, be prepared to share key details like what happened, when and where it occurred, and any damage you’ve noticed. Having your policy info handy can speed things up. Remember: your insurer’s job is to help you recover. Don’t hesitate to ask questions if you’re unsure about anything.
Do premiums increase after a wind claim?
The average rate increase after a wind-related loss was 9% nationally. Catastrophic damage can cause more dramatic rate hikes. Consult the table below to see national averages for up to two wind claims.
| Number of Claims | Average Annual Premium | % Difference |
|---|---|---|
| No Claims | $1,478 | - |
| 1 Wind Claim | $1,612 | +9% |
| 2 Wind Claims | $1,701 | +6% |
If you're searching for affordable homeowners insurance after a wind claim, the best way to save is to compare multiple companies. The average rates from top home insurance companies are listed below (by state) to give you a starting point. Individual rating factors will make our specific premium unique.
Keep in mind that as weather events continue to increase, so do rates for insurance. From 2021 to 2024, Americans saw an average increase of 24% in their home premiums.[4]
Updating data...
| Company | Avg. Annual Premium |
|---|---|
| Allstate | $2,000 |
| Farmers | $3,068 |
| State Farm | $3,259 |
| USAA | $3,837 |
| Nationwide | $3,886 |
Source: The Zebra
Alternative windstorm insurance options
If you live in a high-risk area, windstorm insurance can be expensive—or even unavailable—from private insurers. In those cases, you may need to turn to state-backed programs designed to help homeowners who can’t find coverage elsewhere.
In Texas, residents who aren’t eligible for standard wind and hail coverage can apply through the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA). In Florida, homeowners can explore the Citizens Property Insurance Corporation (CPIC) for similar protection.
Many states also offer FAIR Plans (Fair Access to Insurance Requirements Plans), which serve as a last-resort option for those who can’t get coverage on the private market. FAIR Plans usually cost more and cover less than standard policies, but they ensure access to essential protection.[4]
Some coastal states also provide Beach Plans, which work much like FAIR Plans but specifically cover wind and hurricane damage in designated coastal zones.
If you can’t find homeowners insurance coverage for your high-risk home, look into your state’s insurance offerings. Get a quote by contacting your state’s FAIR Plan, listed below.
| State | Phone Number |
|---|---|
| Alabama Insurance Underwriting Association | 334-943-4029 |
| California FAIR Plan Association | 213-487-0111 |
| Connecticut FAIR Plan | 860-528-9546 |
| Insurance Placement Facility of Delaware | 215-629-8800 |
| District of Columbia Property Insurance Facility | 202-393-4640 |
| Citizens Property Insurance Corporation | 866-411-2742 |
| Georgia Underwriting Association | 770-923-7431 |
| Hawaii Property Insurance Association | 808-531-1311 |
| Illinois FAIR Plan Association | 312-861-0385 |
| Indiana Basic Property Insurance Underwriting Association | 317-264-2310 |
| Iowa FAIR Plan Association | 515-255-9531 |
| Kansas All-Industry Placement Facility | 785-271-2300 |
| Kentucky FAIR Plan Reinsurance Association | 502-425-9998 |
| Louisiana Citizens Property Insurance Corporation | 504-831-6930 |
| Maryland Joint Insurance Association | 410-539-6808 |
| Massachusetts Property Insurance Underwriting Association | 617-723-3800 |
| Michigan Basic Property Insurance Association | 313-877-7400 |
| Minnesota FAIR Plan | 612-338-7584 |
| Mississippi Windstorm Underwriting Association | 601-981-2915 |
| Missouri Property Insurance Placement Facility | 314-421-0170 |
| New Jersey Insurance Underwriting Association | 973-622-3838 |
| New Mexico Property Insurance Program | 505-878-9563 |
| New York Property Insurance Underwriting Association | 212-208-9700 |
| North Carolina Joint Underwriting Association - FAIR Plan | 919-821-1299 |
| Ohio FAIR Plan Underwriting Association | 614-839-6446 |
| Oregon FAIR Plan Association | 503-643-5448 |
| Insurance Placement Facility of Pennsylvania | 215-629-8800 |
| Rhode Island Joint Reinsurance Association | 617-723-3800 |
| South Carolina Wind and Hail Underwriting Association | 803-737-6180 |
| Texas FAIR Plan Association | 512-899-4900 |
| Texas Windstorm Insurance Association | 800-788-8247 |
| Virginia Property Insurance Association | 800-899-7973 |
| Washington FAIR Plan | 425-745-9808 |
| West Virginia Essential Property Insurance Association | 215-629-8800 |
| Wisconsin Insurance Plan | 414-291-5353 |
One marketplace for top providers
Windstorm coverage FAQs:
Background on: Hurricane and windstorm deductibles. III
Wind Mitigation Inspections: What are they & the Importance of Receiving One. Disaster-Smart
Alabama study reveals hurricane resilience programs are paying off for homeowners and insurers. AP News
What if I can't get coverage? III
About The Zebra
The Zebra is not an insurance company. We publish data-backed, expert-reviewed resources to help consumers make more informed insurance decisions.
- The Zebra’s insurance content is written and reviewed for accuracy by licensed insurance agents.
- The Zebra’s insurance editorial content is not subject to review or alteration by insurance companies or partners.
- The Zebra’s editorial team operates independently of the company’s partnerships and commercialization interests, publishing unbiased information for consumer benefit.
- The auto insurance rates published on The Zebra’s pages are based on a comprehensive analysis of car insurance pricing data, evaluating more than 83 million insurance rates from across the United States.