A Florida hurricane deductible has its own calendar

In Florida, the hurricane deductible is its own line to read on the insurance papers. It may not work like the regular deductible for other damage.

The state consumer guide ties the hurricane deductible to a National Hurricane Center declaration. The period starts when a hurricane warning is issued for any part of Florida. It runs until 72 hours after the last Florida watch or warning ends. For many personal policies, the deductible is handled by calendar year with the same insurer group.

That can matter after a season with more than one named storm. It can also matter when you compare quotes. A lower premium and a higher hurricane deductible can change the risk you carry.

Check the declarations page before storm season, not after damage happens. Ask the agent or insurer which deductible applies to wind, hurricane, flood, and other claims. Keep the answer with your home papers so the first call after a storm starts from the policy.