Weathering the Storm: Windstorm Damage and Homeowner Insurance

The Price Tag: How Much Damage Do Windstorms Cause?

Windstorms cause billions of dollars in damage every year, affecting homes, cars and infrastructure. Homeowners, insurers and governments all shoulder the burden of these costly weather events.

• Damage from windstorms averages around $2.5 billion annually in the U.S. but can exceed $10 billion.
  
  
• Severe wind events often rank among the top causes of property damage claims.
  
  
• Hurricanes alone can bring tens of billions in destruction in a single season. In 2024 alone, the U.S. experienced 27 billion-dollar disasters^[3]
  
  
• Localized storms like tornadoes or derechos also cause billions in claims each year.
  
  
• Recovery costs often include not just property repair but also cleanup, temporary housing and business disruption.

There are different levels of windstorm threat. Ranging from "Non-Threatening" to "Extreme." Extreme wind threat levels mean sustained gusts over 58 mph and can cause significant damage to homes and businesses. However, "High" threats, which are sustained gusts between 40 and 57 mph, can still cause branches to break off from trees and loose objects to be flown about, which can still cause property damage.^[4]

Areas Most Prone to Windstorm Damage

Certain regions are more vulnerable to windstorm damage than others. Knowing if you live in one of these high-risk areas can help you plan ahead.

• Coastal regions in the Southeast and Gulf Coast states (Florida, Texas, Louisiana) are at high risk from hurricanes and tropical storms.
  
  
• The Midwest and Plains states are known as “Tornado Alley,” where severe thunderstorms and tornadoes occur frequently.
  
  
• The Northeast faces nor’easters and strong coastal winds that can cause property damage.
  
  
• Western states may see powerful windstorms associated with atmospheric rivers and winter storms.
  
  
• Areas with high population density in at-risk regions often see higher claim volumes and greater insurance challenges.

Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Windstorm Damage?

Many homeowners assume that their standard policy covers all types of damage, but that’s not always the case. Windstorm coverage can vary significantly depending on where you live.

• Most standard homeowners policies cover wind damage in moderate-risk areas.
  
  
• In high-risk coastal areas, standard policies may exclude wind and hail, requiring separate windstorm policies.
  
  
• Some insurers offer windstorm endorsements you can add to your base policy for extra protection.
  
  
• Deductibles for windstorm coverage can be higher, often a percentage of your home’s insured value.

Always check your policy carefully to understand what’s covered and what’s not.

What Happens If You Don’t Have Windstorm Coverage?

Without windstorm insurance, homeowners face significant financial exposure if their property is damaged in a storm. Here are some other potential consequences. 

• You could be responsible for paying out of pocket for repairs and replacements.
  
  
• Mortgage lenders may require windstorm coverage as a condition of the loan; not having it could put you in default.
  
  
• Even if you have homeowners insurance, if windstorm damage is excluded, you’ll have no compensation for wind-related losses.
  
  
• The costs of repairs can be substantial, especially for roof damage, siding replacement and interior repairs from water infiltration.
  
  
• Lack of coverage can also mean paying for temporary housing and debris removal on your own.

Is Windstorm Insurance Required by Law?

Unlike flood insurance in some high-risk areas, windstorm insurance is not mandated by federal law, but that doesn’t mean you can skip it altogether.

Some states have programs that help homeowners find coverage, but they don’t require it by law. Additionally, some states require windstorm deductibles. This is a separate deductible triggered by any source of wind damage. Currently, 19 states have windstorm insurance deductibles: Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas, and Virginia.  

Mortgage lenders may require windstorm coverage if you live in a high-risk area. Even when not required, insurance experts recommend coverage for financial protection. Having windstorm insurance can help you rebuild faster and avoid financial devastation after a major storm.

When Should You Buy Windstorm Insurance?

Timing is everything when it comes to buying windstorm insurance. Waiting until a storm is on the horizon could leave you without coverage.

• Buy windstorm insurance when you purchase your home, especially if you live in a high-risk area.
  
  
• If your homeowners policy excludes wind damage, shop for separate windstorm coverage right away.
  
  
• Purchase before storm season starts; insurers may place moratoriums on new policies once a storm is forecasted.
  
  
• Reevaluate your coverage needs each year, especially if the value of your home has increased or you’ve made improvements.
  
  
• Consider adding coverage if you move to a new area with higher windstorm risks.

How to Buy Windstorm Insurance

Securing the right windstorm insurance policy involves several steps. A little preparation can save you time and money.

• Review your current homeowners policy to see if windstorm damage is covered or excluded.
  
  
• Contact your insurer or shop around for standalone windstorm policies in your area.
  
  
• Compare deductibles—some policies use a flat deductible while others use a percentage of your dwelling limit.
  
  
• Look for discounts if you’ve added wind-resistant features to your home, like hurricane shutters or impact-resistant roofing.
  
  
• Make sure your policy limits match the cost to rebuild your home in the event of a total loss.

How to File a Claim if Your Home Suffers Windstorm Damage

If the wind causes damage to your home, knowing how to file a claim will help you get the compensation you need to recover.

Wrapping Up

Windstorms can be financially devastating, but having the right insurance coverage helps protect your home and peace of mind. Review your policy, understand what’s covered, and be proactive in securing the protection you need. When the winds blow, you’ll be glad you did.