In most states with hurricane deductible regulations, including Florida, the hurricane deductible applies only once per calendar year. This means that if your home is damaged by a hurricane in August and another hurricane in October, you pay the full hurricane deductible for the first storm but not the second. Subsequent hurricane damage in the same year is subject only to your standard all-other-perils deductible.
Once you have paid your hurricane deductible for the first qualifying storm of the year, you have satisfied the deductible for that calendar year. For example, if your 2-percent hurricane deductible on a $400,000 home is $8,000 and you pay it after the first hurricane, the second hurricane claim would use your regular deductible—perhaps $2,500—instead of another $8,000.
Not every state handles this the same way. While Florida statute explicitly limits the hurricane deductible to one application per calendar year, other coastal states may allow it to apply per storm event. If you own property in multiple hurricane-prone states, check the rules in each state where you are insured.
The reset is based on the calendar year in Florida, not your policy term. If your policy renews in April but two hurricanes hit in the same calendar year (say, August and November), the once-per-year protection applies. However, if one hurricane hits in December and another in January, those are different calendar years, and you would pay the hurricane deductible each time.
If two hurricanes hit close together, your insurer needs to determine which storm caused which damage. Photograph damage after each event, note dates and times, and keep records of weather advisories. Clear documentation helps ensure the correct deductible is applied to each claim.
Understanding the once-per-year rule can save you thousands of dollars in a busy hurricane season. Make sure you know your state's specific rules and keep thorough documentation after every storm. A Truscott policy checkup will walk you through your deductible structure so there are no surprises. Request a review today.
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