Most homeowners know their deductible. Fewer know they probably have two. On the Mississippi Gulf Coast, the one that matters most during hurricane season is usually the wind, hail, or named storm deductible, and it’s often much bigger than people expect.
Two deductibles on one policy
- All other perils deductible: a flat dollar amount, like $1,000 or $2,500, that applies to most claims, such as fire, theft, or a burst pipe.
- Wind/hail or named storm deductible: applies to damage from wind and hail, or from a named tropical storm or hurricane. Near the coast, it’s commonly a percentage of your dwelling coverage, not a flat amount.
What a percentage deductible really costs
The percentage is applied to your dwelling coverage (Coverage A), not to the size of the claim. Here’s what that looks like on a home with $250,000 of dwelling coverage:
| Deductible | You pay first |
|---|---|
| 1% | $2,500 |
| 2% | $5,000 |
| 5% | $12,500 |
If a storm causes $9,000 of roof damage and you have a 5% deductible, insurance pays nothing. That surprises a lot of people after their first storm.
Named storm, hurricane, or wind and hail?
The label matters, because it decides when the bigger deductible applies. A named storm deductible usually applies to damage from any storm the National Weather Service has named. A hurricane deductible may apply only to hurricanes, sometimes triggered by a watch or warning. A wind/hail deductible can apply to any wind or hail damage, including a spring thunderstorm. Read the definition in your policy or ask your agent to walk you through it.
When wind is excluded entirely
Some policies on coastal property exclude wind and hail altogether. In that case, you need a separate wind policy, sometimes through the Mississippi Windstorm Underwriting Association, the state’s wind pool. If you see a wind exclusion on your declarations page, confirm that a separate wind policy is actually active.
How to choose your deductible
- Pick a deductible you could actually pay the week after a storm. Keep that amount set aside in savings.
- A higher percentage lowers your premium, but compare the yearly savings to the extra amount you’d owe after a storm.
- Ask about discounts for a FORTIFIED roof, impact-rated windows, or other wind-resistant features. They can lower premiums and, more importantly, reduce damage.
Before the next storm season
- Find both deductibles on your declarations page.
- Do the math: your dwelling limit times your storm percentage.
- Confirm whether wind is covered or excluded.
- Make any changes before a storm forms. Insurers typically pause changes once one is threatening.
Want a second set of eyes on your coverage?
A licensed local agent can compare rates from multiple carriers, explain your options in plain English, and tell you if something important is missing. It’s free, and there’s no obligation.