Texas Windstorm Insurance Blog

Hurricane and Windstorm Deductibles in Texas, Explained

Wed, 30 Sep 2026 16:45:32 GMT

Many Texas coastal homeowners are surprised by their deductible after a storm. Wind and hail deductibles along the coast often work differently than the flat deductible you may be used to. Understanding how yours works before a hurricane can save you from an unpleasant surprise.

Flat vs. percentage deductibles

A flat deductible is a set dollar amount, such as $1,000 or $2,500, that you pay before insurance covers the rest of a claim.

A percentage deductible is based on your dwelling coverage amount, not on the size of the claim. Along the Texas coast, wind and hail deductibles are often 1%, 2%, or 5% of your dwelling coverage.

How the math works

Suppose your home is insured for $300,000:

1% deductible: you pay the first $3,000
2% deductible: you pay the first $6,000
5% deductible: you pay the first $15,000

If a storm causes $20,000 in wind damage and you have a 2% deductible, you pay $6,000 and your policy pays the remaining $14,000, subject to your policy's terms.

Wind, hail, and named storm deductibles

Some policies have a separate deductible for wind and hail, while others apply a special deductible only to named storms or hurricanes. Your policy may have one deductible for a fire or theft claim and a much larger one for a hurricane. Read your declarations page carefully, or ask us to walk you through it.

How to choose the right deductible

Start with your savings. Choose a deductible you could pay out of pocket right after a storm, when you may also have evacuation and living costs.
Compare the premium savings. A higher deductible lowers your premium. Look at how much you save each year compared with the extra risk you take on.
Check your lender's rules. Some mortgage lenders limit how high your deductible can be.
Think about your roof. Roof damage is the most common wind claim. If your roof is older, a lower deductible may be worth more to you.

Deductibles on TWIA and private policies

Both TWIA and private carriers offer different deductible options, and the choices available depend on the policy and your property. When we quote your home, we show you the premium at different deductible levels so you can pick the balance that makes sense.

Get help comparing your options

If you are not sure what your current deductible would cost you after a hurricane, send us your declarations page. We will explain it in plain dollars and compare options from private carriers and TWIA. Learn more about Texas windstorm insurance or request a windstorm quote.

Wind vs. Flood: What Your Texas Coastal Insurance Actually Covers

Wed, 30 Sep 2026 16:45:05 GMT

When a hurricane hits the Texas coast, it usually brings both high winds and flooding. But wind damage and flood damage are covered by different insurance policies. Knowing the difference before a storm helps you make sure you are fully protected.

What windstorm insurance covers

Windstorm insurance covers damage caused by wind and hail. Common examples include:

Shingles or roofing torn off by high winds
Windows broken by wind or flying debris
Trees blown onto your house or garage
Siding, fences, and other structures damaged by wind
Rain that enters through an opening created by wind damage, such as a hole in the roof, depending on your policy

On the Texas coast, wind coverage may be part of your homeowners policy or a separate policy from a private carrier or TWIA. Learn more about Texas windstorm insurance.

What flood insurance covers

Flood insurance covers damage from rising water, including:

Storm surge pushed ashore by a hurricane
Heavy rain that overwhelms drainage and floods your home
Overflowing rivers, bayous, and creeks

Flood insurance is always a separate policy. It is available through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and some private flood insurers. NFIP policies cover up to $250,000 for the building and $100,000 for contents, and they usually have a 30-day waiting period unless purchased in connection with a mortgage.

Where the line falls

The key question is what caused the damage. If wind tore a hole in your roof and rain poured in, that is generally a wind claim. If water rose from the ground up and came through your doors, that is a flood claim. After a hurricane, many homes have both, and you may need to file with more than one insurer.

Why you need both on the coast

Storm surge and flooding cause some of the most expensive damage in Texas hurricanes, and you do not need to live in a high-risk flood zone to flood. Hurricane Harvey in 2017 flooded thousands of homes outside mapped flood zones. Having wind coverage without flood coverage, or flood coverage without wind, can leave a major gap.

A note on TWIA and flood insurance

TWIA requires proof of flood insurance for certain properties in V flood zones that were built, altered, remodeled, or enlarged on or after September 1, 2009. If your home is in a V zone, having flood coverage may be required to keep your TWIA policy.

Make sure there are no gaps

We help Texas coastal homeowners line up homeowners, windstorm, and flood coverage so each policy does its job. See how we approach coastal Texas home and windstorm insurance, or request a windstorm quote.

What to Do After Hurricane Damage to Your Texas Home

Wed, 30 Sep 2026 16:44:07 GMT

After a hurricane, it is hard to know where to start. Taking the right steps in the first days after a storm can make your insurance claims go more smoothly and help you avoid costly mistakes. Here is what Texas coastal homeowners should do after hurricane damage.

1. Put safety first

Do not return home until officials say it is safe. Watch for downed power lines, gas leaks, standing water, and structural damage. If you smell gas or suspect electrical damage, leave and call the utility company. Wear sturdy shoes and gloves when you inspect your property.

2. Document everything before you clean up

Take photos and video of every damaged area, including the roof, siding, windows, fences, and each room inside. Capture water lines on walls if there was flooding. Make a list of damaged belongings. This documentation is the foundation of your claims.

3. Prevent further damage

Most policies expect you to take reasonable steps to protect your property from more damage, such as tarping a roof, boarding broken windows, and removing standing water. Keep receipts for supplies and emergency repairs, since these costs are often part of your claim. Avoid permanent repairs until your adjuster has seen the damage.

4. File the right claims with the right companies

On the Texas coast, hurricane damage can involve up to three policies:

Windstorm claim: for wind and hail damage, such as a damaged roof or broken windows. File with your windstorm insurer, which may be TWIA or a private carrier.
Flood claim: for rising water and storm surge. File with your flood insurer.
Homeowners claim: for other covered losses under your homeowners policy.

If you are not sure which policy applies, report to each insurer and let the adjusters sort it out. Report claims promptly. TWIA generally requires claims to be reported within one year of the date of loss, and other insurers have their own deadlines, so check your policy and don't wait.

5. Watch out for contractor scams

Storm chasers often show up right after a hurricane. Be cautious of anyone who asks for large payments up front, pressures you to sign immediately, or offers to waive your deductible. Get written estimates, check references, and read the Texas Department of Insurance tips on avoiding contractor scams.

6. Make sure repairs get a windstorm inspection

If you are in the Texas coastal area, roof replacements and major repairs generally need a windstorm inspection and certificate of compliance. Skipping it can make your home ineligible for TWIA coverage later. Ask your contractor how they will handle the inspection before work starts. Our WPI-8 certificate guide explains the process.

7. Review your coverage after the claim

A storm is a good time to find out whether your coverage was enough. If your limits, deductibles, or flood coverage fell short, we can help you compare options before the next storm. Learn more about Texas windstorm insurance or request a windstorm quote.

Texas Hurricane Season Checklist for Coastal Homeowners

Wed, 30 Sep 2026 16:43:16 GMT

Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30, and every year Texas coastal homeowners face the same question: are we ready? The best time to prepare is before a storm is in the Gulf. Once a hurricane threatens the coast, insurers, including the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA), can stop writing new policies until the threat passes. Use this checklist to get your insurance, paperwork, and home ready early.

1. Review your insurance before the season starts

Confirm you have wind and hail coverage. Many homeowners policies in the Texas coastal counties exclude wind and hail. Check your declarations page for a windstorm exclusion. If you see one, you need a separate windstorm policy. Learn more about Texas windstorm insurance.
Buy flood insurance now. Neither homeowners nor windstorm insurance covers flooding or storm surge. A National Flood Insurance Program policy usually has a 30-day waiting period, so waiting until a storm forms is too late.
Check your coverage amounts. Rebuilding costs have risen. Make sure your dwelling coverage would actually rebuild your home today.
Know your deductibles. Coastal wind deductibles are often a percentage of your dwelling coverage. On a $300,000 home, a 2% deductible is $6,000. Set aside savings to cover it.

2. Gather your important documents

Policy numbers and claim phone numbers for your homeowners, windstorm, and flood insurers
Your home's WPI-8 certificates for the original construction and any roof replacement or addition
A home inventory with photos or video of each room, closets, the garage, and the roof
Receipts for major purchases and recent improvements

Store copies in the cloud and in a waterproof bag you can take with you if you evacuate.

3. Protect your home

Have your roof inspected and fix loose shingles, flashing, or damaged decking. If you replace the roof, make sure the contractor arranges the windstorm inspection.
Trim trees and remove dead limbs near the house.
Install or test storm shutters or impact-rated window protection.
Reinforce garage doors, one of the most common failure points in high winds.
Clean gutters and downspouts so heavy rain can drain.
Plan where you will secure patio furniture, grills, and yard items when a storm approaches.

4. Make a family plan

Know your evacuation zone and route.
Build an emergency kit with water, food, medications, flashlights, batteries, chargers, and cash.
Plan for pets and for anyone who needs extra help.
Keep your car's gas tank at least half full during the season.

5. When a storm is coming

Take fresh photos of your home inside and out, bring in outdoor items, close shutters, and follow local officials' evacuation instructions. After the storm, report damage as soon as it is safe and take reasonable steps to prevent further damage.

Get your coverage in place before the next storm

We help homeowners across the Texas coast compare private windstorm carriers and TWIA, and make sure homeowners, wind, and flood coverage work together. Don't wait until a storm is in the Gulf. Request a windstorm quote today.