What is a named storm deductible?
How it differs from other deductibles
- All other perils: a flat amount for most losses.
- Wind and hail: applies to any windstorm or hail, including spring thunderstorms.
- Named storm or hurricane: applies only to damage from a named tropical system, under the policy's definition.
When it is triggered
Policies define the trigger window differently. Some use the period from when a watch or warning is issued for your state until a set number of hours after it ends. Others apply it to any damage from a storm that was named at any point. A few apply it once per season rather than per storm. Read the definition in your policy, because the trigger decides whether you pay the larger deductible.
The math
On a $350,000 dwelling limit, a 2 percent named storm deductible is $7,000; at 5 percent it would be $17,500. The percentage applies to the dwelling limit, not the amount of damage.
Georgia context
Named storm deductibles are most common on coastal policies, but tropical systems do reach inland Georgia. In 2024, Hurricane Helene brought damaging winds far into the state, a reminder that inland homeowners should know whether their policy has a named storm deductible.
What to do now
- Check your declarations page for a hurricane or named storm deductible.
- Read how it is triggered.
- Price a lower option before hurricane season, since insurers generally do not allow changes once a storm is approaching.
See percentage wind and hail deductibles and wind damage claims.