How does wind damage insurance work in hurricane zones?
Short answer. In hurricane-prone areas, insurers often apply a separate hurricane or named storm deductible, typically a percentage of dwelling coverage, and some exclude wind entirely so it must be insured through a wind policy or a state plan. On the Georgia coast, homeowners who cannot get private coverage can turn to Georgia's FAIR Plan, the Georgia Underwriting Association.
What changes near the coast
- Hurricane or named storm deductibles: commonly 1 to 5 percent of Coverage A, triggered by storms the National Hurricane Center names or classifies.
- Wind exclusions: some policies exclude windstorm, requiring a separate wind policy or endorsement.
- Binding restrictions: insurers stop writing new coverage when a storm threatens.
- Mitigation credits: some insurers give credits for wind-resistant features such as roof-to-wall connections, sealed roof decks and opening protection.
- Flood: storm surge is flood, excluded from homeowners and wind policies alike.
Wind versus surge
After a hurricane, adjusters must decide what wind did and what water did. Missing roof covering and blown out windows point to wind; water lines and debris lines point to surge. With both a homeowners policy and a flood policy, you file two claims for one storm.
Inland Georgia
Hurricanes weaken over land but can still bring damaging wind and falling trees hundreds of miles inland, as Hurricane Helene showed in 2024. Inland policies typically handle hurricane wind under the regular wind and hail deductible, but check whether yours also carries a named storm deductible.
Preparing
- Know your deductible in dollars.
- Photograph the house and roof before the season.
- Clear gutters and secure outdoor items.
- Keep your policy and insurer contact information accessible offline.
See percentage deductibles and date of loss.