Percentage deductibles in plain numbers
A 2% hurricane deductible on a home insured for $525,000 is $10,500 — ten times a typical $1,000 flat deductible. On beach homes in Rehoboth, Bethany or Fenwick with higher dwelling limits, the dollar figure climbs quickly.
When does the hurricane deductible apply?
That depends entirely on your policy’s definition. Some apply when the National Weather Service names a storm or issues a hurricane watch or warning for any part of the state, and remain in effect for a set period afterward. Others apply only to damage from a hurricane itself. A tornado or nor’easter may fall under the regular deductible. Read your endorsement carefully.
Why it matters for disputes
When a large deductible applies, every dollar of under-scoped damage comes straight out of your pocket. A thorough estimate is the only way to recover the amount above the deductible that you’re actually owed.
Questions about this worksheet
Is the deductible based on the loss or the coverage amount?
Percentage deductibles are usually calculated on the Coverage A (dwelling) limit, not the size of the loss.
Can I lower my hurricane deductible?
Sometimes, at renewal, for a higher premium. Talk with your agent; it can’t be changed after a loss.
Does the hurricane deductible apply to nor’easters?
Usually not, unless the policy definition is broad enough to include them. Check the wording.
More free worksheets
PlannerClaim Deadline Calendar
Map notice, mitigation, proof of loss, holdback and suit dates from your date of loss, then export to .ics.Open worksheet
ChecklistAppraisal Readiness Check
Ten yes-or-no questions that score how prepared your claim file is for an appraisal panel.Open worksheet
Estimator