Wind and hail are among the most common — and most misunderstood — homeowners claims. The damage itself is almost always covered. What surprises people is how much they pay out of pocket: many policies apply a separate, percentage-based wind or hurricane deductible, and older roofs get paid at depreciated value. Here's the full picture.
The short answer
Yes. Wind, hail, and hurricane (the wind portion) are covered perils under a standard homeowners policy — damage to your roof, siding, windows, and belongings is covered. Two big catches: many policies carry a separate wind/hail or hurricane deductible (a percentage of your dwelling limit, not a flat dollar amount), and older roofs may be settled at actual cash value. The storm's flooding — surge and rising water — is never covered (that's flood).
What's covered
Damage from windstorms, thunderstorms, tornadoes, and the wind/rain of a hurricane: torn-off shingles and roof damage, broken windows, damaged siding and gutters, a tree blown onto the house, and interior/property damage once wind or hail breaches the structure. Hail damage to the roof and exterior is covered too.
The wind/hurricane deductible — the expensive surprise
In wind- and hurricane-prone states, your policy likely has a separate deductible for wind, hail, or hurricane, expressed as a percentage of your dwelling coverage (typically 1%–5%) rather than a flat amount. On a $400,000 home, a 2% hurricane deductible is $8,000 before the policy pays a cent. These trigger on named storms (hurricane) or any wind/hail loss (wind/hail deductible) depending on your policy. Check your declarations page for the percentage and trigger.
The roof depreciation catch
Even with covered wind/hail damage, an older roof may be settled at actual cash value (depreciated) rather than full replacement — the same trap covered in the roof guide. Some policies also carry a cosmetic-damage exclusion for hail dents on metal roofs or siding that don't affect function.
What's NOT covered
- Storm surge and flooding — rising water needs a separate flood policy, even during a hurricane.
- Wear and neglect — an old roof that fails isn't a wind claim.
- Cosmetic hail damage, if your policy excludes it.
- Amounts below your wind/hurricane deductible.
What to do after a storm
- Document the date and damage — photos, and any local wind/hail reports.
- Make temporary repairs (tarp the roof) and keep receipts.
- Know which deductible applies before you file — a small claim may not clear a percentage hurricane deductible.
- Get an independent roofer's estimate and compare to the adjuster's.
Bottom line: wind and hail are covered, but a percentage-based wind/hurricane deductible and depreciated-roof payouts decide what you actually collect — and storm surge is flood, not homeowners. Know your deductible and roof settlement terms before the storm.
Frequently asked questions
Does homeowners insurance cover wind damage?
Yes — wind is a covered peril, so damage to your roof, windows, siding, and belongings is covered. But a separate percentage-based wind/hurricane deductible may apply, and older roofs may be paid at depreciated value.
Does homeowners insurance cover hail damage?
Yes, hail is a covered peril. Roof and exterior hail damage is covered, though older roofs may be settled at actual cash value and some policies exclude purely cosmetic hail dents.
What is a hurricane or wind deductible?
A separate deductible for wind, hail, or hurricane losses, usually a percentage of your dwelling limit (1%–5%) instead of a flat amount. On a $400,000 home, a 2% deductible is $8,000 before coverage applies.
Does homeowners insurance cover hurricane damage?
The wind and rain damage from a hurricane is covered (subject to your hurricane deductible). Storm surge and flooding are not — those require a separate flood policy.
Why do I have a separate deductible for storms?
Insurers in wind- and hurricane-prone areas use percentage-based wind/hurricane deductibles to manage catastrophe risk. Check your declarations page for the percentage and what triggers it.