Short answer: most Oklahoma homeowners policies have a separate wind and hail deductible, often a percentage of your dwelling coverage instead of a flat dollar amount. Check your declarations page, because this number decides how much of a storm claim you pay.
What is a wind and hail deductible?
Many policies have one deductible for fire, theft, and water losses and a separate one for wind and hail. The wind and hail deductible may be a flat dollar amount or a percentage. Percentage deductibles are calculated on your dwelling coverage limit, the insured value of the home's structure, not on the size of the repair.
How do you calculate a percentage deductible?
Multiply your dwelling coverage by the deductible percentage. Percentage deductibles are commonly in the 1% to 5% range, depending on the insurer and policy. Example: with $300,000 in dwelling coverage and a 2% deductible, you would pay the first $6,000 of covered hail damage.
Where do you find your deductible?
Look at the declarations page of your policy, usually the first page or two. It lists each deductible. If you cannot find it, call your agent or insurer and ask for the wind/hail deductible in writing.
Is it worth filing a small storm claim?
If the repair estimate is close to or below your wind and hail deductible, a claim may pay little or nothing. Get an estimate first. Some insurers also offer a higher premium option to lower your wind and hail out-of-pocket cost, and availability varies by insurer.
What if the storm also caused water damage inside?
Storm damage often has two parts: wind or hail breaking the roof or windows, then rain entering the home. Interior water damage may fall under a different deductible than the roof. Ask your adjuster how each part of the loss is being treated. Stop further damage first: tarp, extract water, and start drying. Document everything with photos before cleanup, and keep receipts.
How can ASAP Pro Services help?
We respond to storm related water damage across the OKC metro, document the loss, and work directly with your insurance company. Call (405) 992-4111. Note: we are not an insurance advisor, and your policy language controls.
Is the wind and hail deductible the same as my regular deductible?
Often not. Many Oklahoma policies set a separate wind and hail deductible, so check your declarations page.
What does a 2% wind and hail deductible mean?
It is 2% of your dwelling coverage. With $300,000 in dwelling coverage, that is $6,000 you pay before the insurer pays on a covered hail or wind loss.
Should I wait for the adjuster before stopping water damage?
No. Policies generally require you to protect the property from further damage. Start mitigation and document it, and tell your insurer.
For the restoration work discussed here, see water damage restoration, storm damage repair, commercial restoration.