Wind and Hail Deductibles in Tennessee: What That Percentage on Your Policy Means
After a hailstorm, many East Tennessee homeowners find out their deductible isn't the $1,000 they remember. It's a separate wind and hail deductible, often set as a percentage of the home's dwelling coverage. Here's how to read it before the next storm.
How a percentage deductible works
The percentage is taken from your dwelling coverage, not from the size of the claim. On a home insured for $400,000:
- 1% wind/hail deductible = $4,000
- 2% wind/hail deductible = $8,000
- 5% wind/hail deductible = $20,000
If hail does $15,000 of roof damage and you have a 2% deductible, you'd pay the first $8,000 and the policy would pay $7,000. Your regular all-other-perils deductible doesn't apply to that claim.
Where to find yours
Look at the deductibles section of your homeowners declarations page. You may see two lines: one for all other perils (a flat dollar amount) and one for wind or hail (a percentage or a separate dollar amount). Some policies call it a windstorm or named-storm deductible.
The roof question that goes with it
Some policies pay roof claims at actual cash value, meaning depreciated value, once a roof reaches a certain age. Combine a percentage wind/hail deductible with ACV roof coverage, and an older roof claim can pay very little. Ask whether your roof is covered at replacement cost.
Is a higher deductible ever worth it?
It can be, if you have the savings to cover it and the premium difference is meaningful. A flat-dollar wind and hail deductible usually costs more, but it gives you predictability. The right answer depends on your home, your roof and your budget, so it's worth pricing both ways.
Frequently asked questions
Is my hail deductible the same as my regular deductible?
Not always. Many Tennessee policies have a separate wind and hail deductible, often a percentage of your dwelling coverage. Check the deductibles section of your declarations page.
How do I calculate a 2% wind and hail deductible?
Multiply your dwelling coverage by 2%. On a home insured for $300,000, that's a $6,000 deductible for wind or hail claims.
Related coverage
Home insurance · Tennessee insurance FAQ
Want us to check your deductibles?
Snap a photo of your declarations page and send it for a free policy review, or call (865) 687-5140.