Wind and hail damage cases continue to top the list of property damage claims made in the U.S. each year, and deductible costs are rising with the number of claims. Percentage deductibles are more common with each passing season, and ACV depreciation cuts into the amount that policies actually pay out. Some home insurance policies exclude wind and hail coverage completely. A standalone policy like Sola Wind and Hail coverage can help you avoid the financial stress that comes with a claim if the residence where you run your small business is damaged by a wind, hail, or tornado event.
What does wind and hail insurance cover?
Wind and hail insurance coverage that’s included with many residential insurance policies is sometimes casually called roof insurance, even in cases where the policy covers more than just the roof. Wind and hail insurance policies generally cover the exterior of a home against any damage caused by qualifying wind or hail events.
The qualifying conditions of these kinds of coverage are defined clearly in the policy details, and typically involve a list of eligible wind speeds and hailstone sizes, although other details such as the duration of a storm are also considered in most cases.
What kind of insurance do I need for my home business?
If you're operating a business from your home, the building itself must be insured, but you have some additional options to choose from for covering other aspects of your business.
The easiest way to cover your home business is to add an ‘endorsement’ to your homeowners policy. This is an add-on piece that can increase the limit of your property damage coverage, often in increments of $2,500, up to a total of $10,000. Some versions of this kind of endorsement also include limited liability insurance or ‘loss of use’ coverage for the business owner.
In-Home Business Policies: The next step.
The next tier a home business owner should consider is known as an In-Home Business Policy. These policies cover more elements of a business, and can include:
- Compensation for lost or damaged records and other assets
- Protection for off-site business property
- Provisions for working at another location if your home office is damaged
- Compensation for loss of income due to home damage may also be included
A bigger home business? Try a BOP.
If your business and its assets are more substantial, consider a Businessowner’s Policy, or BOP. A BOP includes more substantial coverage for a small business owner, and is available with more coverage options for the policyholder. This policy includes coverage for your business property and equipment, plus loss of income. BOP policies also cover liability and expense to higher limits.
What else should I consider when starting a home business?
Think about the ways that your home will be used before you start a home business. Will customers or clients ever visit your home? Will you use your personal vehicle for making deliveries? Do you have a reliable internet connection and the ability to pay for the utilities and any taxes that you may incur?
To make yourself official, confirm with the local government that your new business would meet any licensing and zoning requirements that apply to your home. An unlicensed business could mean fines, citations, or voided insurance coverage. You should communicate with your insurer as soon as possible to keep them informed of the change of use.
Does Sola Wind & Hail work with my existing homeowners insurance?
Consult with your insurance agent to learn how wind and hail protection is covered by your current policy. There is likely a separate deductible for this part of your coverage that may be calculated as either a flat rate or as a percentage of your property’s value.
If wind and hail coverage is excluded from your home, in-home business, or business owner's insurance policy, ask your agent how a standalone product like Sola’s could help you complete your coverage portfolio for your new workspace.
A Sola claim could be useful for a home business owner either in parallel with a claim on the primary homeowners or businessowner’s policy, or as a standalone claim. Many policyholders find additional utility in the flexibility of Sola payouts as a way to cover deductible costs as well as some out-of-pocket costs that usually follow property damage from a weather event.
Summary
If your home has also become your workplace, you should follow similar practices as you had before to make sure that the coverage required by the mortgage lender is in place. Beyond those first steps, work outward, taking into account the people and assets that make up your home business. Review these elements against the declaration document of your insurance policy to ensure the proper coverage is in place before taking on a home business operation.
Sources:
“Insuring Your Home-Based Business” Insurance Information Institute, https://www.iii.org/article/insuring-your-home-based-business
Vigderman, Aliza. “What is Home-Based Business Insurance?” U.S. News & World Reports, Jun. 09, 2026, https://www.usnews.com/insurance/small-business-insurance/how-much-is-home-based-business-insurance
“What insurance do I need to run a business from home?” Texas Department of Insurance, Dec. 09, 2025, https://www.tdi.texas.gov/tips/what-insurance-do-i-need-to-run-a-business-from-home.html
