How does a percentage deductible on my homeowner’s insurance work?

A percentage wind hail deductible is a type of insurance policy deductible that is commonly used in areas that are prone to severe weather events, such as hurricanes, tornadoes, and hailstorms. The deductible is the amount of money that the policyholder is required to pay before their insurance coverage kicks in. With a percentage wind hail deductible, the deductible amount is calculated as a percentage of the insured property’s total value (dwelling limit), rather than as a fixed dollar amount.

For example, if a homeowner has a wind hail deductible of 2% and their home is insured for $500,000, then their deductible amount would be $10,000. If their home sustains damage from a hailstorm that costs $20,000 to repair, the homeowner would be responsible for paying the first $10,000 (the deductible), and the insurance company would cover the remaining $10,000.

The percentage wind hail deductible can vary depending on the insurance policy and the location of the property. In areas that are more prone to severe weather events, the percentage deductible may be higher than in areas with lower risk. The deductible may also vary based on the type of damage that occurs. For example, there may be a separate deductible for wind damage and hail damage.

It’s important to note that the percentage deductible applies to the insured property’s value, not the amount of the insurance claim. This means that if the insured property has increased in value since the policy was purchased, the deductible will also increase. It’s also important to understand that the deductible is a separate expense from the insurance premium, so it’s important to factor in the deductible amount when choosing an insurance policy and budgeting for the cost of repairs in the event of damage from severe weather events.