Are There Separate Windstorm Deductibles for Tornadoes?
Tornado season in Texas frequently raises concerns about how insurance policies cover wind-related damage. One of the most common questions is whether tornado damage requires a separate deductible. The answer is determined by your homeowners' insurance coverage and the location of your home.
Understanding Windstorm Deductibles
Wind and hail damage are typically covered by a special windstorm deductible, as opposed to the regular deductible that applies to other types of claims. A windstorm deductible is typically calculated as a percentage of your dwelling coverage rather than a fixed dollar amount. For example, if your home is insured for $300,000 and your policy has a 2% windstorm deductible, you will be responsible for $6,000 before your insurance coverage kicks in. This deductible often applies to damage caused by extreme winds, such as tornadoes.
Are Tornadoes Treated Differently?
In most Texas homeowners' policies, tornado damage is not treated as a completely separate category. Instead, tornadoes fall under the broader classification of “windstorm” or “wind and hail.” That means if your policy has a windstorm deductible, it usually applies to tornado damage as well.
However, policies can vary. Some insurers may:
- Apply a standard deductible instead of a percentage-based deductible
- Use different deductibles depending on the type of wind event
- Include special provisions for named storms (more common in hurricane-prone coastal areas)
It’s important to review your declarations page to see how your policy defines windstorm coverage.
Coastal vs. Inland Texas Differences
In certain coastal counties, windstorm coverage may be handled through the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA) if private insurers exclude wind coverage. In those cases, windstorm deductibles are often separate and percentage-based.
For most inland Texas homeowners, tornado damage is generally covered under the wind portion of a standard homeowners policy, subject to the windstorm deductible listed in the policy.
What Homeowners Should Do
Because tornadoes are unpredictable and Texas storms can be severe, it’s wise to:
- Confirm whether you have a percentage-based windstorm deductible
- Understand how much you would pay out-of-pocket
- Review whether you have adequate dwelling limits
- Ask your insurer if any exclusions apply
Knowing your deductible before a storm hits can help you prepare financially and avoid surprises during the claims process.
