Windstorm Insurance

Wind Coverage in Florida: What You Need to Know

The powerful winds of hurricanes, tornadoes and other severe weather events can inflict devastating damage on your home and property. While the right insurance can help insulate you from subsequent financial losses and limit your out-of-pocket needs when conducting repairs, coverage can be complicated. Without ample understanding of how wind coverage works, you could face an unpleasant surprise at an inopportune time.

Is Wind Damage Included in Home Insurance?

You can generally rely on standard home insurance policies in Florida to include coverage for wind-related losses. In fact, all homeowners insurance carriers are legally required to offer windstorm insurance within such policies. However, many policyholders can decline this part of their coverage should they want to reduce their premiums. You should check your policy and verify with your agent that your home insurance policy includes windstorm coverage.

How Does Wind Coverage Work?

Now that you’ve verified that you have wind insurance, you’ll still need to understand how to file a claim and what to expect in the wake of losses. While wind coverage can sometimes function the same way as other named perils within your home insurance policy, certain situations may trigger different proceedings. For example, a different deductible may apply if heavy winds damage your home in a named storm, such as a hurricane. These amounts are often calculated as a percentage of your home’s total rebuild cost rather than a flat amount. For instance, if your home’s estimated rebuild cost is $500,000 and your named storm deductible is 2%, you’d be responsible for contributing $10,000 out of pocket.

Who Needs Wind Insurance?

Although no sweeping laws require Florida homeowners to opt in for wind coverage, some mortgage lenders may require it, especially if you live in a coastal area. Even in the absence of such mandates, retaining this type of coverage is highly advisable to limit potential out-of-pocket losses.

Get the Right Coverage

Contact Florida Insurance Group today to learn more or compare personalized quotes.