Hurricane season is once again upon us. If you’ve looked at your Florida insurance policy, you are aware there are several types of deductibles for windstorm claims. The Hurricane deductible is always more, meaning you have to pay more out of your pocket to repair or replace your home or business. But when is the hurricane deductible applicable? Is it applicable when the storm is only a Tropical Storm?
Under Florida law, hurricane deductibles are triggered by windstorm losses resulting only from a hurricane declared by National Weather Service. Hurricane deductibles only apply to damage occurring from the time a hurricane watch or warning is issued for any part of Florida, up to 72 hours after such a watch or warning ends and anytime hurricane conditions exist throughout the state. If your property is damaged during a storm and no hurricane warning was issued, then only your regular deductible is applicable.