Hurricane and Wind Damage Claims: How to File and Get Paid

A standard homeowners policy usually pays for damage caused by hurricane winds, such as a torn-off roof, broken windows, or rain that blows in through those openings. It does not pay for flood or storm surge damage, which is covered only by a separate flood policy (Insurance Information Institute ↗).

This guide walks you through filing a hurricane or wind claim, from the first photos to the final check. If your main problem is the roof, also see our roof, hail and wind damage claim guide.

Wind vs. flood vs. storm surge: which policy pays?

After a hurricane, the cause of each piece of damage decides which policy pays.

• Wind damage (roof, siding, windows, fallen trees on the house) is generally covered by your homeowners or windstorm policy.
• Flood damage (rising water from rain, rivers or overflowing drains) is not covered by most homeowners and renters policies. You need a separate flood policy (FloodSmart ↗).
• Storm surge (ocean water pushed ashore) is treated as flood. Homeowners policies don't cover it, but a flood policy does (III ↗).

Many people buy flood coverage through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), run by FEMA. NFIP homeowner policies cover up to $250,000 for the building and $100,000 for contents (FloodSmart ↗).

If you have both wind and flood damage, file with both insurers. Expect each one to argue about which damage belongs to the other. If your homeowners insurer blames flood for damage you believe wind caused, that is a coverage dispute. A public adjuster, an engineer's report, or an attorney may help.

NFIP deadline: FEMA says to submit your signed Proof of Loss within 60 days of the date of loss, even if you disagree with the adjuster's estimate (FEMA ↗). FEMA sometimes extends this after large disasters, so check for your storm.

FEMA disaster aid is not insurance. If you're insured, file your insurance claim, but don't wait for it to finish before applying for FEMA help. FEMA can't pay for the same need your insurance already covered (FEMA ↗).

How hurricane and named-storm deductibles work

Many coastal policies have a separate hurricane, named-storm or windstorm deductible. Instead of a flat dollar amount like $1,000, it's often a percentage of your home's insured value, usually 1% to 5% (III ↗).

On a home insured for $300,000, a 2% deductible means you pay the first $6,000. A 5% deductible means $15,000. That's why some smaller hurricane claims pay little or nothing.

According to the III, 19 states and Washington, D.C. have hurricane deductibles: Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas and Virginia (III ↗).

What triggers the deductible varies by state:

• Florida: only a hurricane declared by the National Weather Service.
• Texas: windstorm deductibles can apply to any windstorm, not just named storms.
• Others: some insurers use a named tropical storm, or a hurricane watch or warning.

Find your exact deductible on your declarations page (III ↗). Check Florida, Texas, New Jersey or Massachusetts state pages for local details.

Step 1: Stay safe, then prevent further damage

Your policy expects you to take reasonable steps to protect your property from more damage (III ↗). Don't wait for the adjuster to make temporary repairs (III ↗).

• Tarp the roof and board up broken windows and doors.
• Remove standing water and run fans or dehumidifiers to slow mold.
• Move undamaged belongings to a dry spot.
• Keep every receipt. Insurers typically reimburse reasonable emergency repairs.

Hold off on permanent repairs until the adjuster has seen the damage. Temporary repair payments come out of your total settlement (III ↗).

Step 2: Document everything

Good proof is the strongest part of any claim.

• Take photos and video of every room, outside walls, the roof (from the ground), fences, and outbuildings, before cleanup.
• Photograph water lines on walls. A clear line helps separate flood from wind-driven rain.
• Make an inventory of damaged belongings. Don't throw anything out until the adjuster has seen it (III ↗).
• Keep a log of every call, email and visit with your insurer.

Step 3: Report the claim before the deadline

Report as soon as you safely can. Deadlines vary by state and policy:

• Florida: a new or reopened claim must be reported within 1 year of the date of loss. A supplemental claim (more damage from the same event) must be reported within 18 months (Fla. Stat. § 627.70132 ↗).
• Texas (TWIA): if you have a Texas Windstorm Insurance Association policy, you have 1 year from the date of damage to file a claim (TDI ↗).
• NFIP flood claims: Proof of Loss within 60 days, unless FEMA extends it.

Other states and policies have their own notice rules. Read the "duties after loss" section of your policy and check your state's page.

Wind-driven rain: is it covered?

Often, yes, if wind opened the house first. Homeowners policies generally cover rain that enters through a hole in the roof or a broken window when a covered storm made that opening (III ↗).

Rain that seeps in where there's no storm-created opening, or rising water from outside, may be excluded. Wording differs by policy, so ask your insurer in writing how they're classifying your water damage. Our water damage claim guide covers this in more detail.

Additional living expenses (ALE)

If wind damage makes your home unlivable, your policy may pay for hotels, rent, meals above your normal costs, and other extra expenses. The III says ALE is generally about 20% of your dwelling coverage, though some policies cap it by dollar amount or time (III ↗). TDI notes it may be limited to 10% to 20% of dwelling coverage, and you pay anything past the limit (TDI ↗).

Some policies also pay evacuation costs if authorities issue a mandatory evacuation order (III ↗). Keep receipts and compare them to your normal monthly costs.

Beware of post-storm solicitors and contractors

Storm-chasing contractors and solicitors show up fast. States have rules to protect you:

• Florida: contractors may not offer gifts, rebates or deductible waivers to get you to file a roof claim, and may not interpret your policy or adjust your claim unless they're a licensed public adjuster. Roof contracts signed within 180 days after a declared emergency can be canceled within 10 days (Fla. Stat. § 489.147 ↗). Public adjusters may solicit residential owners only Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Fla. Stat. § 626.854(5) ↗).
• Texas: a contractor may not act as a public adjuster on a property it's repairing (Tex. Ins. Code § 4102.163 ↗). It's illegal for a contractor to waive or rebate your deductible (TDI ↗).

Get written, itemized bids from licensed contractors. Be wary of big upfront payments (III ↗). Read anything you sign carefully, especially documents that hand over your claim rights.

When a public adjuster helps

A public adjuster works for you, not the insurer, and is paid a percentage of your settlement. After a hurricane, one may help when:

• The damage is large or complex, such as a mix of wind and flood
• The insurer is blaming flood, wear or old damage for wind losses
• The offer seems low (see our lowball offer guide)
• Your claim was denied (see our denial guide)
• You don't have time to manage the claim while displaced

Some states cap fees after disasters:

• Florida: 10% of claim payments for claims made in the year after a governor-declared emergency, and 20% otherwise (Fla. Stat. § 626.854(11)(b) ↗).
• Texas: 10% of the settlement on any claim (Tex. Ins. Code § 4102.104 ↗).

A public adjuster may not be worth it for a small claim, a claim near your hurricane deductible, or one the insurer is already paying fairly. The fee comes out of your payout. See our public adjuster fees guide. For lawsuits, bad-faith concerns or disputes over policy wording, talk to an attorney. You can also browse adjusters in your area.

Get matched with a licensed public adjuster if your hurricane claim is large, disputed or stuck.

Frequently asked questions

Does homeowners insurance cover hurricane damage?

It usually covers wind damage and rain that enters through storm-made openings. It does not cover flood or storm surge, which needs a separate flood policy (III ↗).

How much is a hurricane deductible?

It's often 1% to 5% of your home's insured value, not a flat dollar amount (III ↗). Your declarations page shows your exact amount.

How long do I have to file a hurricane claim?

It depends on your state and policy. In Florida, it's 1 year for new or reopened claims and 18 months for supplemental claims (Fla. Stat. § 627.70132 ↗). TWIA policyholders in Texas have 1 year (TDI ↗).

Can I make repairs before the adjuster comes?

Yes, make temporary repairs to prevent more damage and keep receipts. Wait on permanent repairs until the adjuster has inspected (III ↗).

Should I apply for FEMA aid if I have insurance?

You can. File your insurance claim and apply without waiting for it to finish, but FEMA won't pay for needs your insurance already covered (FEMA ↗).

What if I find more damage after my claim is paid?

You can usually file a supplemental claim. In Florida, the deadline is 18 months from the date of loss (Fla. Stat. § 627.70132 ↗). Check your policy and state rules for other deadlines.