Short answer: Connecticut law tightly limits when a homeowners hurricane deductible can apply: only from the time the National Hurricane Center issues a hurricane warning for any part of the state, for a storm with sustained winds of at least 74 mph in Connecticut, until 24 hours after the last warning ends or the storm is downgraded. Flood needs its own policy. If no regular insurer will cover you, the Connecticut FAIR Plan sells basic, actual-cash-value coverage. Insurers must give 60 days' notice of non-renewal.
This guide is general information for Connecticut homeowners. It isn't legal advice. Your policy wording controls.
Step 1: Know exactly when the hurricane deductible applies
The Connecticut Insurance Department's homeowners storm claims guide explains that an insurer can apply a hurricane deductible, instead of your regular deductible, only for damage during this window:
- Starts no earlier than when the National Weather Service's National Hurricane Center issues a hurricane warning for any part of Connecticut, and only if the hurricane produces maximum sustained winds of 74 mph or more in some part of the state.
- Ends at the earlier of 24 hours after the last hurricane warning for the state is ended, or 24 hours after the storm is last downgraded from hurricane status.
Damage from a tropical storm or nor'easter outside that window falls under your regular deductible. Check your declarations page for the hurricane deductible amount. See hurricane deductibles explained.
Step 2: Add flood coverage
Storm surge and flooding aren't covered by homeowners insurance. Quote a policy through FloodSmart or a private insurer.
Step 3: The Connecticut FAIR Plan
The Connecticut FAIR Plan offers basic property insurance to owners who can't get coverage in the regular market. It pays actual cash value, covers only basic named perils and excludes theft, freezing and water damage. You apply through any Connecticut-licensed producer, and coverage starts once the full annual premium is received. Read the Connecticut FAIR Plan explained.
Step 4: Non-renewal notice
Under Conn. Gen. Stat. §38a-323, insurers must give 60 days' advance notice of non-renewal, by certified mail, certificate of mailing, tracked mail or agreed electronic delivery. Details: Connecticut homeowners non-renewal rules.
Step 5: Claims
Connecticut's unfair claim settlement law (§38a-816) doesn't set a fixed number of days, but insurers must acknowledge and act reasonably promptly and decide within a reasonable time after proof of loss. You can complain to the Connecticut Insurance Department. More: Connecticut insurance claim deadlines.
See our tables: non-renewal notice rules by state, insurance claim deadlines by state and home insurance claim and lawsuit deadlines by state.
Questions? Contact Alishahi Insurance or call (877) 711-4545. See insurance in Connecticut.
Frequently asked questions
When can a Connecticut insurer apply a hurricane deductible?
Only from when the National Hurricane Center issues a hurricane warning for any part of Connecticut, for a storm with sustained winds of 74 mph or more in the state, until 24 hours after the last warning ends or the storm is downgraded.
Does the Connecticut FAIR Plan pay replacement cost?
No. It pays actual cash value and covers only basic named perils.
How much notice before a Connecticut homeowners non-renewal?
60 days under Conn. Gen. Stat. §38a-323.
Does a nor'easter trigger the hurricane deductible in Connecticut?
Not unless the damage falls within the hurricane warning window set by law. Otherwise your regular deductible applies.
Alishahi Insurance · 439 N Canon Dr, Penthouse, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 · (877) 711-4545 · CA License #4348151. General information only. This isn't legal, tax or financial advice or a coverage determination. Coverage depends on policy language and underwriting, and rules vary by state.