It’s October, and hurricane season in Florida doesn’t end until November 30. Many homeowners wait until after a storm to look at their deductible, and that’s when they find out their policy has more than one. Knowing how they differ now can save you confusion and stress later.

Two Deductibles, Two Different Situations

Most Florida homeowners policies list at least two deductibles on the declarations page:

• The hurricane deductible applies to covered damage caused by a hurricane, as your policy defines it.
• The “all other perils” deductible applies to most other covered losses, such as a kitchen fire, a burst pipe or wind damage from a storm that doesn’t meet the policy’s hurricane definition.

The two are often calculated in completely different ways, which is why it’s worth reading both closely.

How Each Deductible Is Usually Calculated

The all other perils deductible is typically a flat dollar amount, such as a set figure that you pay before the insurance company pays for covered damage.

The hurricane deductible is usually a percentage of your dwelling coverage (often called Coverage A), not a flat amount. Florida policies commonly offer percentage options, and your declarations page will show which one you have. To estimate what it means for you, multiply that percentage by your Coverage A limit. Because it’s tied to your coverage limit, a higher-valued home generally means a larger hurricane deductible.

When Does the Hurricane Deductible Apply?

This is the part that surprises people. Your policy defines the conditions under which the hurricane deductible is triggered, and those definitions usually tie back to official hurricane watches, warnings or declarations. Not every windy storm qualifies, and not every loss during hurricane season is treated as a hurricane loss.

Here’s what to look for in your policy:

• The exact definition of “hurricane” and the period of time it covers.
• Whether the deductible applies only to wind damage or to other hurricane-related damage too.
• How the policy treats damage from a tropical storm that never reaches hurricane strength.

Florida law also contains rules about how the hurricane deductible is applied when more than one hurricane affects the same property in a single year. Details can depend on your policy, so ask your insurance company or agent to explain how it works for yours.

What Isn’t Covered by Either Deductible

A deductible only matters if the loss is covered. Standard homeowners policies generally don’t cover flood damage, including storm surge and rising water. That typically requires a separate flood policy, which has its own deductible. If you have both types of coverage, one storm could involve several different deductibles, so keep each policy’s paperwork handy.

Why the Deductible Matters When You Evaluate Damage

Whether the damage is smaller or larger than your deductible affects how you approach a claim. You don’t need to guess at it. Some practical steps:

1. Document everything. Take clear photos and video of all damage, and keep receipts for emergency repairs that prevent further loss.
2. Get a thorough, realistic scope of repairs. A careful estimate of what’s actually damaged gives you a clear picture to compare against your deductible.
3. Review the insurer’s estimate line by line. Check that it reflects the damage you found and that the correct deductible has been applied.
4. Ask questions in writing. If you don’t understand why a particular deductible was used, ask for the explanation in writing.

A claim should only be filed for real, covered damage. If the damage appears minor, it’s reasonable to get a professional assessment to understand what you’re dealing with before deciding what to do.

Check Your Policy Before the Next Storm

Take ten minutes with your declarations page and write down:

• Your hurricane deductible, as a percentage and a dollar estimate.
• Your all other perils deductible.
• Your Coverage A limit.
• Your flood policy deductible, if you have one.

It’s also smart to set aside funds for the deductible if you can, since it’s due before the insurer’s payment covers repairs. If anything is unclear, ask your agent before a storm threatens, not after.

Questions About Your Claim? We’re Here to Help

Aviva Insurance Adjusters, Corp. is a licensed Florida public adjusting firm with more than 18 years of claims experience, helping homeowners and business owners in Pasco, Pinellas, Hillsborough and Hernando counties and beyond. We represent you, the policyholder, not the insurance company, and we can help you understand your policy, your deductibles and your claim process in English or Spanish.

Call 1-877-351-1933 or visit avivapa.com to schedule a free consultation.