What Does Wind Insurance Cover for a Home?

Wind insurance protects homes from damage caused by high winds, a specific peril often associated with severe weather events. Understanding this coverage is important for properties in frequently impacted areas. This specialized insurance addresses risks that may not be fully covered by a standard homeowners policy.

Covered Damages and Property

Wind insurance covers physical damage to a home’s structure caused by high winds. This includes roofs, siding, soffits, gutters, and windows. Structural components of the dwelling, such as exterior walls and attached garages, are also included.

Coverage extends to other detached structures on the property, such as garages, sheds, and fences. Personal property inside the home is also covered if damaged by a wind event that creates an opening in the structure. Policies also cover debris removal and provide for additional living expenses if the home becomes uninhabitable.

Common Exclusions

While wind insurance covers many wind-related damages, it does not cover water damage unless wind directly causes an opening that allows water intrusion. Flood damage, including storm surge and rising water, is a common exclusion, requiring a separate flood insurance policy.

Damage from wind-driven rain is covered only if wind first creates a breach, like a broken window or damaged roof, allowing rain to enter. If water enters through pre-existing issues or negligence, such as a poorly maintained roof, the damage is excluded. Policies also exclude damage from general wear and tear or a lack of maintenance, as these are not considered sudden and accidental perils.

Understanding Deductibles and Limits

Wind insurance policies feature deductibles, the out-of-pocket amounts a policyholder pays before coverage begins. Unlike standard flat-dollar deductibles, wind deductibles are percentage-based, commonly ranging from 1% to 5% of the home’s insured value. These are referred to as hurricane or wind/hail deductibles. For example, a 2% deductible on a $300,000 home means a $6,000 out-of-pocket expense.

Deductibles are triggered by defined events, such as a named hurricane or any windstorm, depending on the policy. Policy limits define the maximum amount the insurer will pay for covered damages to the dwelling, other structures, and personal property. Payouts can be based on Actual Cash Value (ACV), which considers depreciation, or Replacement Cost (RC), which pays the cost to repair or replace without deducting for depreciation.

How Wind Insurance Relates to Homeowners Coverage

A standard homeowners insurance policy includes some coverage for wind damage. However, in regions prone to severe windstorms, wind and hail coverage is excluded or limited from the standard policy. This separation occurs due to the high risk and potential for substantial claims.

To secure adequate protection in high-risk locations, homeowners acquire wind coverage through a separate endorsement added to their homeowners policy or by purchasing a standalone wind-only policy. Some states with high wind exposure have established state-specific insurers of last resort, such as the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA) or Citizens Property Insurance Corporation in Florida, which provide coverage when private insurers are unavailable.