When the home policy leaves out wind.
On parts of the coast a homeowners policy can exclude wind and hail, and a separate wind-only policy fills the gap. Elsewhere wind stays in the policy with its own percentage deductible. I work out which setup you have and what it costs you after a storm.
Quick answer Wind and hail insurance is a separate wind-only policy that covers wind and hail damage and nothing else, bought alongside a home policy that excludes those perils, as some coastal home policies do.
- In most places homeowners insurance does cover wind and hail, often with a separate wind/hail deductible.
- A percentage wind/hail deductible is figured on dwelling coverage, not the damage: a 1% deductible on $200,000 of coverage is $2,000 per claim.
- The NAIC says percentage wind and hurricane deductibles run from 1% to as high as 15% of insured value.
- A wind policy doesn't cover storm surge; flood and storm surge damage is covered only if you bought a separate flood policy, from the NFIP or a private insurer.
- In North Carolina and Texas, coastal wind coverage comes from state-created associations and is sold through agents.
By Sam Alishahi · CA Insurance License #4348151 · Reviewed October 2026 · How this page is researched
Two policies, or two deductibles
In some coastal areas the regular home policy excludes windstorm and hail, and a separate policy covers that peril alone. North Carolina's coastal pool, an association of insurance companies, writes separate wind and hail policies for owners whose primary policy from a North Carolina carrier excludes wind. On the Texas coast, the Department of Insurance warns that a home policy might not cover wind and hail, and that the state's windstorm association may require flood coverage or an inspection before it sells you a policy.
Where wind stays in the home policy, it usually brings its own deductible. A wind/hail deductible applies to any wind or hail event, while hurricane and named-storm deductibles wait for a storm trigger. The NAIC says these percentage deductibles run from 1% to as high as 15% of insured value, so I turn the percentage into dollars before you pick one.
- Wind exclusionCoastal home policies may leave out wind and hail, depending on location and underwriting.
- Wind-only policyA separate policy for wind and hail alone, with its own deductible, alongside the home policy.
- Percentage deductibleFigured on the dwelling limit: 1% of $200,000 in coverage is $2,000 per claim.
- Storm surgeFlood and storm surge are paid only under a separate flood policy, not a wind policy.
What underwriters will ask
Having these ready means I can go to market on the first call. The quote form asks for the same things, and anything you don’t know yet can wait.
- Address: county and distance to the coast.
- Current policy: declarations page showing any wind exclusion and every deductible.
- Roof: material, age and whether it's impact-resistant.
- Mortgage: your lender's wind and flood requirements.
- Inspections: any windstorm inspection or engineer's report on the house.
- Claims: wind or hail losses in the last five years.
Wind and hail insurance, answered
Does homeowners insurance cover wind and hail?
In most places, yes, often with a separate wind/hail deductible. In some coastal areas wind and hail may be excluded from the home policy, depending on location and underwriting, and a separate wind policy covers them.
What is a wind-only policy?
A policy that covers wind and hail damage and nothing else, bought alongside a home policy that excludes those perils. In North Carolina and Texas, for example, coastal wind coverage comes from state-created associations and is sold through agents.
Who handles the claim if I have two policies?
It depends on the state. North Carolina's Department of Insurance tells homeowners to report wind or hail damage to their primary insurer, which investigates and adjusts the claim even when a separate coastal wind policy is in place. Photograph the damage before temporary repairs and keep every receipt.
How does a percentage wind/hail deductible work?
It's a percentage of your dwelling coverage, not of the damage. North Carolina's Department of Insurance gives the example of a 1% deductible on $200,000 of coverage, which is $2,000 per claim.
Can I drop wind coverage to lower my premium?
In Florida, an insurer must make a windstorm exclusion available, but you have to write out, sign and date a statement that you will pay for wind damage yourself, and if there's a mortgage your lender must agree in writing. Other states set their own rules.
Does a wind policy cover storm surge?
No. The NAIC notes that flood and storm surge damage is covered only if you bought a separate flood policy, from the NFIP or a private insurer.
Does an impact-resistant roof help?
The Texas Department of Insurance lists an impact-resistant roof among possible home insurance discounts, and each insurance company decides which discounts it offers and how much they are.
Do you offer wind and hail insurance outside California?
Yes. Clients across the country send the same quote form. California policies are placed directly; outside California the request is handled together with a partner agency in your state, and the shopping across carriers works the same way. Rules, minimums and markets differ by state — see insurance requirements by state or high-value home insurance by state.
Send your declarations page. I'll find the wind terms.
The address and your current home policy are enough to start.
Alishahi Insurance · Saman Alishahi, independent insurance broker, California License #4348151. General information, not a quote or a promise of coverage; coverage depends on underwriting and the terms, conditions and exclusions of the policy actually issued.
Tell me how to reach you. I’ll take it from there.
Takes about 30 seconds. I review every request personally and call you back, usually the same day.
(424) 552-4545Answered 24/7 · CA License #4348151
Get a reminder before your renewal.
Tell me when your policy renews and I’ll email you about six weeks before, when it’s worth comparing. One email, no calls.