Do I need separate wind insurance in Georgia?
Short answer. For most Georgia homeowners, no. Windstorm, including tornadoes and hail, is included in a standard homeowners policy. Separate wind coverage is mainly a question for some coastal properties where wind is excluded. What most Georgians need to check instead is the size of their wind and hail deductible and whether they need flood insurance, which is always separate.
How to confirm wind is covered
- Look for a windstorm or hail exclusion endorsement in your forms list.
- Check the declarations page for a wind and hail deductible. If there is one, wind is covered, subject to that deductible.
- Ask your agent directly: "Is windstorm covered on my dwelling, and what is my wind deductible in dollars?"
When separate wind coverage comes up
In some coastal areas, a homeowners policy may exclude wind, and coverage for it comes from a separate policy, such as a state FAIR plan or specialty market. That is uncommon inland. If you own property near the Georgia coast, ask specifically.
What most Georgia homeowners should review
- The wind and hail deductible. Often a percentage of dwelling coverage. See percentage deductibles.
- Roof settlement. Replacement cost or actual cash value. See ACV vs RCV.
- Flood insurance. Homeowners policies exclude flood, including rising water from tropical storm rains. Flood coverage is sold separately, and new policies often have a waiting period before they take effect.
- Ordinance or law coverage for code upgrades after storm damage.
Reducing wind risk
Properly nailed, wind rated shingles, sealed roof edges and well attached gutters lose far fewer shingles in thunderstorm gusts. That is cheaper than any policy. See wind damage roof claims for what happens when wind does get through.