What West Texas Homeowners Should Know
Storms that produce strong winds and hail are common across Midland, Odessa, and other parts of West Texas. Because of this risk, many homeowners insurance policies in Texas include a separate wind and hail deductible.
Many homeowners do not realize how this deductible works until after a storm causes damage to their home.
Understanding this part of your policy can help prevent surprises if you ever need to file a storm claim.
Short Answer
A wind and hail deductible is the amount a homeowner must pay out of pocket before their insurance policy may pay for damage caused by wind or hail.
In Texas, this deductible is often a percentage of the insured value of the home, rather than a flat dollar amount.
Example of a Wind and Hail Deductible
Because these deductibles are often based on a percentage of the home’s coverage, the amount can vary depending on the insured value of the property.
Home Coverage Deductible Percentage Out-of-Pocket Deductible
$250,000 1% = $2,500
$250,000 2% = $5,000
$250,000 5% = $12,500
Example:
If a home insured for $250,000 has a 2% wind and hail deductible, the homeowner would pay $5,000 toward a covered storm claim before insurance may pay the remaining repair costs.
Why Texas Policies Often Use Wind and Hail Deductibles
Insurance companies often use separate wind and hail deductibles in areas that experience frequent severe storms.
Large hailstorms and strong winds can cause damage to:
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roofing materials
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siding
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gutters
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windows
Because storms occur regularly in parts of Texas, this deductible helps insurers manage storm-related claim risks.
What Types of Damage May Trigger This Deductible
A wind and hail deductible typically applies when damage is caused by:
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hailstorms
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high winds
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tornadoes
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severe thunderstorms
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wind-driven debris
Other types of losses, such as fire or certain types of water damage, may use the policy’s standard deductible instead.
Where to Find Your Wind and Hail Deductible
Homeowners can usually find this information on their insurance declarations page.
Look for wording such as:
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Wind / Hail Deductible
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Windstorm Deductible
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Percentage Deductible
If the deductible is listed as a percentage, it will apply to the dwelling coverage amount, not the repair estimate.
Common Mistake Homeowners Make
Many homeowners assume their deductible is a flat amount such as $1,000.
However, if the policy includes a percentage deductible, the amount may be several thousand dollars depending on the insured value of the home.
Reviewing this information before storm season can help homeowners understand their potential out-of-pocket costs.
Why This Matters in West Texas
Severe thunderstorms frequently impact Midland, Odessa, and surrounding West Texas communities, bringing large hail and strong winds.
Because of this risk, many homeowners insurance policies in Texas include wind and hail deductibles.
Understanding this part of your policy can help homeowners prepare for storm season and avoid unexpected expenses after a claim.
What Experts Say
Research from the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety shows that hailstorms can cause significant damage to roofing materials and other exterior components of homes.
Consumer resources from the Texas Department of Insurance also explain that many Texas homeowners policies include percentage-based wind and hail deductibles due to the frequency of severe weather.
Educational guidance from the Insurance Information Institute encourages homeowners to review their deductible and coverage details before storm season.
Important Note
Because insurance policies, coverages, and deductibles can vary by carrier and endorsements, homeowners should review their individual policy or speak with a licensed insurance professional to understand their specific coverage.
About Killebrew Insurance LLC
This article was prepared by the team at Killebrew Insurance LLC, an independent insurance agency serving Midland, Odessa, and communities across West Texas.
Our team helps homeowners compare insurance options and better understand their policies.
Questions About Your Coverage?
Killebrew Insurance LLC
Midland Office: 432-694-0508
Odessa Office: 432-332-6322
Disclaimer
The information in this article is provided for general educational purposes only and is not intended to provide specific insurance advice. Coverage may vary by policy, carrier, endorsements, and individual circumstances. Please review your policy and speak with a licensed insurance professional to understand your specific coverage.
