What is named storm insurance coverage?
Named storm vs hurricane deductibles
- Named storm deductible: applies to any storm the National Hurricane Center names, including tropical storms that never reach hurricane strength.
- Hurricane deductible: applies only to hurricanes, under the policy's definition and trigger.
A named storm deductible can apply more often, since many tropical storms bring damaging wind without becoming hurricanes.
How the math works
Suppose your dwelling limit is $400,000 and the named storm deductible is 2 percent. Your share of a named storm claim is $8,000. If a tropical storm's winds cause $14,000 in roof damage, the insurer pays up to $6,000, adjusted for depreciation under your policy. Without the storm being named, your regular wind and hail deductible would apply instead.
Who has them
Named storm and hurricane deductibles are most common on coastal policies. Some inland policies include them too. In Georgia, the coast is the main exposure, but the deductible can follow the storm inland depending on the policy wording.
Read the trigger and the time window
The endorsement explains when the deductible starts and stops, often from the time a watch or warning is issued until a set number of hours after it ends. Damage from a separate thunderstorm outside that window may fall under the regular deductible.
What it does not cover
- Flood and storm surge.
- Wear the storm only exposed.
More: percentage deductibles and wind damage roof claims.