Hurricane Deductibles

The Florida statute makes it clear that the trigger for applying these deductibles is the National Hurricane Center. Any claim for wind damage that results from the time a hurricane watch or warning is issued for any part of Florida, up to 72 hours after a watch or warning ends and anytime hurricane conditions exist throughout the State will be subject to these deductibles.
The actual application of these deductibles is based on a percentage amount of the insured value in the property policy. For example: If the homeowner (this also applies to commercial policies if they have hurricane coverage with percentage deductibles) insures their home for $250,000.00 and elects a 5% hurricane deductible, the deductible that will apply to the loss will be $12,500.00. This is the amount the homeowner will have to pay assuming there are no other exclusions or limitations such as exterior paint damage or other non-covered items or events in a loss that the insured will have to pay out-of-pocket before their insurance begins to pay for the loss. It should be clear that a wind loss from a wind storm not declared a hurricane by the National Hurricane Center may result in a standard deductible which in most cases would be a great deal less.