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Ocean Point Claims:is my hurricane deductible higher

Why is my hurricane deductible higher than my regular deductible?

Florida law (Fla. Stat. 627.701) permits separate hurricane deductibles, typically 2%, 5%, or 10% of your dwelling coverage, that apply when a loss is caused by a named hurricane.
Reviewed by Eli Goins, FL DFS License #P159790 · Last updated
By Eli Goins · FL DFS #P159790 · Reviewed: · 1 min read

Short answer: Florida law lets carriers apply a separate, higher hurricane deductible, calculated as a percentage of your dwelling coverage, that kicks in when a named hurricane causes the loss. It applies from the time a hurricane watch or warning is issued until 72 hours after it ends, and typically once per calendar year, not per event.

The math

On a $400,000 dwelling with a 5% hurricane deductible, you pay $20,000 before the carrier pays anything for hurricane damage.


When it applies

The hurricane deductible applies from the time a hurricane watch or warning is issued by the National Hurricane Center until 72 hours after it ends.


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Once per season

Most Florida policies apply the hurricane deductible once per calendar year, not per event. If multiple named storms hit, the first satisfies the deductible.


How to reduce it

At renewal, you can typically choose a lower hurricane deductible for a higher premium. Do the math.

Frequently asked questions

How is a hurricane deductible calculated in Florida?
In Florida, a hurricane deductible is usually a percentage of your dwelling coverage, typically 2%, 5%, or 10%, rather than a flat dollar amount. For example, on a $400,000 home with a 5% hurricane deductible, you pay $20,000 out of pocket before the carrier pays anything toward hurricane damage. Multiply your dwelling limit by the percentage to find yours.
When does my hurricane deductible apply instead of my regular deductible?
Your separate hurricane deductible applies only when the loss is caused by a named hurricane. It takes effect from the time the National Hurricane Center issues a hurricane watch or warning, and it stays in effect until 72 hours after that watch or warning ends. Outside that window, your standard policy deductible applies to the loss.
Does the hurricane deductible apply once per season or for every storm?
Most Florida policies apply the hurricane deductible once per calendar year, not once per event. If several named storms hit in the same year, the first storm satisfies the deductible, and later hurricane claims that year are typically not subject to it again. Confirm the exact terms on your own policy, since wording can vary.

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Reviewed by Eli Goins, FL DFS License #P159790 · Last updated

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