Property · Insurance Term
Wind and Hail Deductible (Windstorm or Hail Deductible)
Definition
A wind and hail deductible is a separate, usually larger deductible that applies only to damage caused by windstorm or hail. In Texas it is often a percentage of the building's insured value, such as 1%, 2% or 5%, rather than a flat dollar amount.
In Plain English
Most policies have an all other perils deductible for things like fire or theft, plus a separate wind and hail deductible. A percentage deductible is calculated on the insured value, often per building or per location, not on the size of the loss.
Some policies also have a separate named storm deductible for hurricanes and tropical storms, which can be larger.
Owners can sometimes reduce exposure with a deductible buy-down policy that covers part of the deductible.
Not sure how your policy handles this? Have us review it, or get a quote.
Example
Hypothetical: a building insured for $3,000,000 has a 2% wind and hail deductible, or $60,000. A hailstorm causes $90,000 of roof damage. The policy may pay $30,000 after the deductible.
Why It Matters for Texas Property Owners
Texas leads the nation in hail. III/NOAA data show Texas had 902 major hail events (1 inch or larger) in 2025, more than any other state. Wind and hail deductibles are among the largest out-of-pocket costs for Texas owners after a storm.
What to Watch For
- Calculate your wind and hail deductible in dollars for each building.
- Ask whether the deductible applies per building, per location or per occurrence.
- Check whether lenders limit how high your deductible can be.
- Ask about deductible buy-down options.
Common Questions
Why is my hail deductible so much bigger than my regular deductible?
Wind and hail cause frequent, widespread losses in Texas, so insurers commonly use percentage deductibles to share that risk with owners.
Is the percentage based on the damage or the building's value?
Usually on the insured value of the building or location, not the amount of damage. Check your policy wording for the exact basis.
Sources
Last updated October 14, 2026 · Primesure editorial team · How We Write