What You Need To Know About Hurricane Deductibles In Florida
As another hurricane season approaches here in Florida, it is a good idea for all homeowners to review their insurance coverage and understand what damages may–or may not be–covered by a storm. All insurance policies contain some form of deductible. But many policies that cover windstorm damage will also include a separate “hurricane deductible.” What Is a “Hurricane” for Insurance Purposes? Typically, a hurricane deductible applies separately from other deductibles applied to coverage for wind damage. A “hurricane” in this context means a storm system that has been declared as such by the National Weather Service. Typically, if the storm is named–e.g., Hurricane Irma–it will likely meet the legal definition of “hurricane” for insurance purposes. Under Florida law, an insurance company can only enforce a hurricane deductible for such named storms. Specifically, the hurricane deductible may only be applied during a period beginning when the National Weather Service issues a “hurricane watch” or “hurricane warning” for the affected area, and ending 72 hours after the final warning or watch for any part of Florida terminates. The amount of the hurricane deductible itself is also governed by state law. The general rule is that the insurer must offer hurricane deductible options of: $500; 2 percent of the policy dwelling or structure limits; 5 percent of the limits; or 10 percent of the limits. The percentage limits must still be expressed in dollar terms for the policyholder. There are also some exceptions. For example, if a house is insured for $250,000 or more, the insurer is not required to offer a $500 deductible option. What If There Are Multiple Hurricanes in a Season? Most Florida residential insurance policies include “single season” hurricane deductibles. This essentially means that the hurricane deductible is only applied to wind damage from the first named store during a given calendar year. If there is a second storm, the insurer may apply only the remainder of the hurricane deductible leftover from the first storm or the “all peril” deductible in the policy. Note that the single-season rule applies to the calendar year itself, not the period of a given policy. For example, let’s say a given homeowner typically renews their policy every 12 months in August. Their home was damaged by two hurricanes, the first in July and the second in September. The single-season hurricane deductible applied to wind damage from the July storm. If any of the deductible went unused, it would then be applied to wind damage from the September storm. But the hurricane deductible did not “reset” in August. Speak with an HD Law Partners Attorney Today It is also important to note that hurricane coverage and hurricane deductibles only apply to windstorm damage to a property. These rules do not apply to any flood damage that may arise from a hurricane. The homeowner must purchase separate flood insurance to cover such contingencies. If you are involved in a dispute over coverage obligations arising under a homeowner’s policy and need legal advice from a qualified Tampa insurance attorney, contact HD Law Partners today to schedule a consultation. Source: https://myfloridacfo.com/Division/Consumers/FloridasHurricaneDeductible.htm Posted in Insurance Litigation | No Comments » Connect with us Archives May 2026 April 2026 March 2026 February 2026 January 2026 December 2025 November 2025 October 2025 September 2025 July 2025 June 2025 January 2025 January 2024 December 2023 November 2023 October 2023 September 2023 August 2023 July 2023 June 2023 May 2023 April 2023 March 2023 February 2023 January 2023 December 2022 November 2022 October 2022 September 2022 August 2022 July 2022 May 2022 April 2022 March 2022 November 2021 October 2021 September 2021 August 2021 July 2021 May 2021 April 2021 March 2021 February 2021 January 2021 December 2020 November 2020 October 2020 August 2020 July 2020 June 2020 May 2020 April 2020 March 2020 February 2020 January 2020 December 2019 November 2019 October 2019 September 2019 August 2019 July 2019 June 2019 May 2019 April 2019 March 2019 February 2019 January 2019 December 2018 November 2018 October 2018 September 2018 August 2018 July 2018 June 2018 May 2018 April 2018 March 2018 February 2018 January 2018 December 2017 November 2017 October 2017 September 2017 August 2017 July 2017 June 2017 May 2017 April 2017 March 2017 February 2017 January 2017 December 2016 November 2016 October 2016 November 13 Categories Alimony Appellate Arbitration Auto Accidents Auto Insurance Business Corporate Business Insurance Law Child Custody Child Support Criminal Law Divorce Family Law FEMA Insurance Payments Florida’s Mandatory 2‑Hour Legal Professionalism CLE: Foreclosure Defense Fort Myers Hurricane Insurance Attorney General Guardianship HD Law Partners Service HOA/Property Management Homeowners Association Homeowners Insurance Hurricane Claims Hurricane Insurance Insurance Bad Faith Insurance Claims Insurance Defense Insurance Litigation Landlord Tenant Law Enforcement Liability Loan Modifications Mold Water Damage Parental Rights Paternity Personal Injury Premises Liability Law Prenuptial Agreements Private Security Property Distribution Property Owner Law Sarasota Insurance Litigation Attorney Slip Fall Tampa Business and Corporate Attorneys tampa family attorney Tampa Insurance Attorneys Timeshare Timesharing Uncategorized HD Law Partners is proud to be your trusted full-service law firm Quick Links Property & Casualty Business & Corporate Litigation Family Law Contact Us Careers Get In Touch 2002 North Lois Avenue Suite 510 Tampa, FL 33607 813-253-5333 Contact Us