---
title: "Windstorm & Hurricane Coverage"
slug: "windstorm-or-hurricane"
description: "For homeowners in hurricane-prone or coastal areas, securing windstorm and hurricane coverage is essential to protect against potential damage from high winds, flying debris, and storm surges. Standard homeowners insurance policies often exclude windstorm and hurricane damage, making separate coverage crucial for comprehensive protection.   This article will explain how windstorm and hurricane insurance works, who needs it, and what to consider when selecting coverage."
updated: 2024-10-22T01:50:47Z
published: 2024-10-22T01:50:47Z
canonical: "rallybacks.loti.com/windstorm-or-hurricane"
---

> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://rallybacks.loti.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Windstorm or Hurricane

## **Windstorm & Hurricane Coverage**

![](https://cdn.document360.io/e3e6d4bd-783c-404a-ae48-078db5956f3f/Images/Documentation/Loti - Article - Windstorm Coverage.webp)

### 

For homeowners in hurricane-prone or coastal areas, securing windstorm and hurricane coverage is essential to protect against potential damage from high winds, flying debris, and storm surges. Standard Homeowners Insurance policies often exclude windstorm and hurricane damage, making separate coverage crucial for comprehensive protection.

This article will explain how windstorm and hurricane insurance works, who needs it, and what to consider when selecting coverage.

### **Why Windstorm & Hurricane Coverage is Important**

High winds and hurricanes can cause extensive damage to homes, and standard homeowners insurance often excludes this Peril, especially in high-risk areas:

- **Protects Against Wind Damage**: Windstorm coverage protects your home’s structure and roof from damage caused by high winds, hurricanes, and tropical storms.
- **Covers Structural Damage**: It includes damage from fallen trees, flying debris, and roof failures, which are common during severe storms.
- **Meets**Mortgage**Requirements**: In hurricane-prone areas, lenders often require windstorm or hurricane insurance to protect their investment in the property.

![](https://cdn.document360.io/e3e6d4bd-783c-404a-ae48-078db5956f3f/Images/Documentation/Loti - Windstorm Insurance.webp)

### **Understanding Windstorm & Hurricane Insurance**

Windstorm and hurricane insurance policies are designed to cover damage caused specifically by strong winds and hurricanes. These policies are typically offered in one of two ways:

1. **Windstorm Coverage**Endorsement
  - An endorsement can be added to a standard homeowners Policy to cover windstorm damage. This is common in areas where wind damage is a potential risk but not frequent enough to require a standalone policy.
  - Covers wind damage to the home’s structure, roof, and Personal Property.
2. **Standalone Windstorm Insurance**
  - In states where wind damage is a significant risk, homeowners may need a separate windstorm insurance policy.
  - Covers damage to the home’s structure, roof, and personal property, similar to a standard homeowners policy but specific to wind damage.
  - Policies vary by state, with some states requiring standalone coverage in high-risk zones (e.g., coastal areas).
3. **Hurricane**Deductible
  - In addition to standard deductibles, some homeowners insurance policies in hurricane-prone states include a separate hurricane deductible.
  - Hurricane deductibles are often higher than standard deductibles and are based on a percentage of the home’s insured value, ranging from 1% to 10%.

### **What Windstorm & Hurricane Insurance Covers**

Windstorm and hurricane insurance typically covers:

- **Damage to the Home’s Structure**
  - Protects against wind damage to the roof, Siding, windows, doors, and Foundation.
  - Includes damage from fallen trees, flying debris, and structural failures caused by high winds.
- **Detached Structures**
  - Covers detached structures like garages, sheds, and fences that may be damaged by high winds.
- **Personal Property**
  - Covers personal belongings, including furniture, electronics, and appliances, damaged by wind or water entering through wind-damaged openings.
- **Additional Living Expenses (ALE)**
  - Provides coverage for temporary housing and related expenses if the home is uninhabitable due to wind damage.

### **What Windstorm & Hurricane Insurance Does Not Cover**

While windstorm and hurricane insurance covers a broad range of wind-related damage, there are some exclusions:

- **Flood Damage**
  - Does not cover flood damage, including storm surge or flooding caused by rising water. Separate Flood Insurance is required for this protection.
- **Wind-Driven Rain**
  - Some policies may exclude wind-driven rain unless it enters through an opening caused by wind damage (e.g., broken windows).
- **Landscaping**
  - Damage to landscaping, such as fallen trees, shrubs, or gardens, may not be covered unless it damages a covered structure.

### **Who Needs Windstorm & Hurricane Coverage?**

Homeowners who should consider windstorm and hurricane insurance include:

- **Coastal Residents**
  - Homeowners in coastal areas, particularly in states like Florida, Texas, Louisiana, and the Carolinas, where hurricanes are common.
- **Residents in Windstorm-Prone Areas**
  - Those living in areas prone to tornadoes or strong winds, such as parts of the Midwest and Great Plains, may need windstorm coverage.
- **New Homebuyers**
  - Buyers of new homes in high-risk areas should ensure windstorm or hurricane coverage is in place, as lenders may require it as part of the mortgage agreement.

![](https://cdn.document360.io/e3e6d4bd-783c-404a-ae48-078db5956f3f/Images/Documentation/Loti - Hurricane by Florida.webp)

### **State-Specific Windstorm & Hurricane Programs**

In high-risk states, there are specific programs and policies designed to provide windstorm and hurricane coverage:

#### **1. Florida Citizens**Property Insurance**Corporation**

- Florida’s state-backed insurer of last resort offers windstorm and hurricane coverage to homeowners who cannot obtain it from private insurers.
- Policies cover wind and hurricane damage, including damage from wind-driven rain if it enters through storm-created openings.

#### **2. Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA)**

- TWIA provides windstorm and hail coverage to homeowners in designated coastal areas of Texas where private insurance is not available.
- Covers structural damage, personal property, and additional living expenses.

#### **3. North Carolina Joint Underwriting Association (NCJUA)**

- The NCJUA offers windstorm and hail insurance for homeowners in coastal areas of North Carolina, including the Outer Banks.
- Provides coverage for structural damage, personal belongings, and ALE.

#### **4. Louisiana Citizens Property Insurance Corporation**

- Louisiana’s state program provides windstorm and hurricane insurance for homeowners who cannot obtain coverage through the private market.
- Covers wind damage, including structural failures and personal property damage.

### **Factors That Affect Windstorm & Hurricane Insurance Costs**

The cost of windstorm and hurricane insurance depends on several factors:

1. **Location**
  - Coastal properties, homes in high-risk wind zones, and areas frequently impacted by hurricanes will have higher premiums.
2. **Home Construction & Materials**
  - Homes built with hurricane-resistant features (e.g., impact-resistant windows, reinforced roofs) may receive discounts.
  - Building codes may also influence rates, with newer homes often receiving lower premiums due to improved construction standards.
3. **Coverage Limits & Deductibles**
  - Higher coverage limits will increase premiums, while higher deductibles (e.g., hurricane deductibles) can lower costs.
  - Consider the balance between coverage needs and deductible affordability when selecting a policy.
4. **Home’s Elevation**
  - Elevated homes may have lower premiums, as they are less susceptible to storm surges and flooding.

### **How to Mitigate Windstorm & Hurricane Risk**

Implementing wind-resistant features can help reduce premiums and protect your home (see our book about Hardening Your Home for a more extensive list of ideas):

- **Install Impact-Resistant Windows & Doors**
  - Upgrade to impact-resistant windows, doors, and garage doors to prevent wind-driven debris from entering the home.
- **Reinforce the Roof**
  - Use hurricane straps or clips to secure the roof to the walls, reducing the risk of roof failure.
- **Create a**Windbreak
  - Plant wind-resistant trees or install fences that act as windbreaks to reduce wind impact on the home.
- **Seal the Roof Deck**
  - Apply a waterproof membrane under the roof covering to prevent water intrusion from wind-driven rain.

### **How to Purchase Windstorm & Hurricane Insurance**

Follow these steps to secure windstorm and hurricane coverage:

1. **Consult with an Insurance Agent**
  - Work with a licensed insurance agent to determine whether your existing policy includes wind coverage or if you need a separate policy.
2. **Compare Coverage Options**
  - Review coverage options, deductibles, and costs from different insurers to find the best fit for your needs.
3. **Consider Bundling**
  - If available, bundle windstorm coverage with other policies (e.g., homeowners, flood) to potentially reduce premiums.
4. **Prepare Documentation**
  - You may need to provide documentation of the home’s construction features, location, and elevation to determine coverage eligibility and cost.

### **How Windstorm & Hurricane Coverage Impacts Homeowners Insurance**

Windstorm and hurricane coverage can work alongside homeowners insurance to provide complete protection:

- **Supplementary Coverage**
  - Windstorm and hurricane insurance fills the coverage gap for wind-related damage, which is often excluded from standard homeowners policies.
- **Reduces Financial Exposure**
  - By covering structural and personal property damage from wind and hurricanes, it reduces out-of-pocket expenses after a storm.
- **May Be Required by Lenders**
  - For homes in hurricane-prone areas, lenders typically require proof of windstorm or hurricane insurance as part of the mortgage agreement.

### **Additional Resources**

- **Insurance Information Institute (III)**: Offers resources on windstorm and hurricane insurance options and mitigation strategies. Visit [III](https://www.iii.org/) for more information.
- **FEMA Hurricane Preparedness Guide**: Provides tips on preparing your home for hurricanes and reducing windstorm damage. Visit FEMA for guidance.
- **Florida Division of Emergency Management**: Offers resources for Florida homeowners on hurricane insurance and preparation. Visit [Florida DEM](https://www.floridadisaster.org/) for details.

### **Wrap-Up**

Windstorm and hurricane coverage is essential for homeowners in coastal or wind-prone areas. Understanding the coverage options, state-specific programs, and mitigation strategies can help you make informed decisions about protecting your home.

Consult with an insurance agent to explore the best coverage for your location and risk level, ensuring comprehensive protection in the event of severe storms or hurricanes.

An insurance policy that provides financial protection iin the event of a disaster which covers damages to your home, personal property and other assets. These policies can also provide liabiltiy insurance, cost of living expense reimbursements and more.

In homeowner's insurance, a peril is an event, accident or circumstance that results in damage. There are 16 Basic Named Perils (15 in Texas) such as fire, freezing or even riots. Otherwise known as the "Cause of Loss"

A mortgage is a type of loan to purchase your home or other types of real estate. The property itself is collateral for an agreement where the borrower pays the lender over time. In a claims process, checks for repairs in coverage A & B may be written out to both your lender as well as yourself. In addition, your lender will typically require a final inspection (just like when you initially opened your mortgage / purchased your home) before releasing final funds.

An amendment to your policy that adds, deletes, excludes or changes coverages and takes precedent over the general contract. Also referred to as "riders" these can vary wildly from policy to policy and can address everything from flood coverage to jewelry to canine liabilties. Check our Endorsements section to see dozens of examples.

This is the legal contract between you (the insured) and your insurance company (the insurer). The primary purpose of this contract is to make your accidental loss financially palatable in exchange for a pre-determined fee (your premium).

Also sometimes referred to as Coverage C in your policy. This bucket of coverage includes everything NOT permanently attached to your home or other buildings on your property. This generally includes items such as clothing, furniture, toys, jewelry, household appliances and artwork as well as some more subtle things such as cash, food and even your identity.

The portion of the covered loss that you have to cover on your own. Basically, if you have a $5,000 deductible and your overall claim is $100,000 then your insurance company is repsonsible for $100k - $5k = $95,000 and you have to cover the remaining $5,000.

Material applied to the exterior of a building to protect it from the elements and enhance its appearance.

The base structure of a building, typically made of concrete, that supports the entire building.

Separate insurance policy covering dwellings and personal property and generally used when flooding is not covered by a homeowner's primary policy.

Refers to a broad set of policies covering real and personal property coverage. This includes homeowners insurance, flood insurance, renters insurance and more.

A row of trees or shrubs planted to protect an area from wind.