Wind and Hail Deductibles: Percentage vs Flat

Home · Updated October 2026

Two deductibles on one policy

Many homeowners policies in Missouri now carry two deductibles:

An all other perils deductible, often a flat amount like $1,000 or $2,500, for things like fire, theft and burst pipes
A wind and hail deductible, often a percentage, that applies to storm damage

How the percentage works

The percentage is applied to your dwelling coverage limit (Coverage A), not to the amount of damage.

Dwelling coverage	1% deductible	2% deductible	5% deductible
$150,000	$1,500	$3,000	$7,500
$250,000	$2,500	$5,000	$12,500
$350,000	$3,500	$7,000	$17,500

So if hail causes $9,000 of damage to a home insured for $350,000 with a 2% deductible, you pay the first $7,000 and the policy pays $2,000. With a 5% deductible, the policy pays nothing.

Use our hail deductible calculator to run your own numbers.

Why insurers use percentages

Wind and hail claims tend to hit many homes at once. A percentage deductible shifts more of the small and medium losses back to homeowners and keeps premiums lower than they would otherwise be.

Choosing a percentage

Could you pay it tomorrow? If a 2% deductible is $6,000 and you do not have that in savings, the premium savings may not be worth it.
How old is your roof? If your policy also pays actual cash value on the roof, a high percentage deductible plus depreciation can leave very little paid on a roof claim.
How much do you save? Ask for quotes at each deductible. Sometimes moving from 2% to 1% costs little; sometimes it costs a lot.

Your deductible rises with your coverage

When your dwelling coverage increases at renewal, because rebuilding costs went up, a percentage deductible rises with it. Check the dollar figure each year, not just the percentage.

What to check on your policy

Look on the declarations page for "wind/hail deductible" or "windstorm or hail." If it shows a percentage, multiply it by your Coverage A limit. If that number makes you wince, call us and we will price the alternatives.

When the deductible applies more than once

Some policies apply the wind and hail deductible per occurrence. Two separate storms in one season can mean paying the deductible twice. Others have provisions for multiple events. Ask how yours works.

Combining with roof settlement

A percentage deductible and actual cash value roof settlement together can dramatically reduce a claim payment. If your roof is older, review both terms together. See roof settlement.

Asking for options

Not every company offers every deductible. Some offer a flat $1,000 or $2,500 wind and hail deductible on newer homes. We'll show what each company offers for yours.

Common questions

How does a 1% wind and hail deductible work?

It is 1% of your dwelling coverage limit. On a home insured for $250,000, you pay the first $2,500 of a wind or hail claim.

Is the percentage based on the damage or the home value?

On your dwelling coverage limit, not the amount of damage.

Can I get a flat wind and hail deductible?

Some companies offer flat-dollar options. We can compare what is available for your home.

Does my wind/hail deductible change at renewal?

If it is a percentage and your dwelling limit rises, the dollar amount rises too.

The short version

Percentage deductibles are based on your dwelling limit, not the damage.
On many homes, 1% to 2% means thousands of dollars.
Check the dollar figure at every renewal.
Pair it with your roof settlement terms to see your real exposure.

Questions about your own situation? Call 417.206.3733 or send us your current policy. We are licensed in Missouri, Kansas and Oklahoma, and you can buy by phone without coming in.

Written by Auto Insurance Express. Reviewed by Philip Edwards, founder. Philip has run independent insurance agencies in southwest Missouri since 1997. More about the agency.

General information, not advice about your specific policy. Coverage, exclusions and eligibility are determined by the policy forms and endorsements your insurer issues, and state rules change. Confirm details with us before you rely on them.

Percentage wind and hail deductibles, in dollars