What category of insurance does this fall into?
Coverage of this type is formally called Property and Casualty insurance, which includes both homeowners insurance and commercial property insurance. Most of the 8 types of homeowners insurance include coverage against severe convective storms, often called out as wind and hail storms in the text of the policy. The most popular types of insurance that include coverage for severe storm damage are HO-3 and HO-5 homeowners policies.
Does severe storm insurance have its own deductible?
Yes, traditional homeowners insurance policies will always carry a deductible that will be owed when the policy holder makes a claim for damage. Most states also allow insurance carriers to assign a separate deductible to the wind and hail coverage piece of an overall homeowners policy.
How are SCS home insurance deductibles priced?
Wind and hail deductibles are almost always calculated differently than the ones for the standard flat-rate home deductibles. Most wind/hail coverage is priced on a percentage basis, often equal to 1-2% of the property’s total insured value.
What causes severe storm insurance prices to go up?
- Greater urban density as more people continue to move to cities means a greater potential for damage in a more concentrated area. Higher concentrations of risk result in higher prices for coverage
- Increased severe convective storm activity across the Midwest and other inland areas as a result of changing weather patterns from warmer ocean temperatures.
How does SCS insurance pricing vary across the country?
Wind and hail deductibles are priced on a percentage basis across most of the U.S., but the percentages used do vary by state. The states with the highest risk for dangerous thunderstorms that include damaging winds and hail are found in the Midwest, the Plains states, and into some of the American Southeast.
A wind and hail deductible equal to 2% of the home's value is the most common, but rates ranging from 1% to 5% can be found in lower and higher risk states.
What can homeowners do to prepare for severe convective storms?
During the months when there is less storm activity, take the opportunity to get a professional look at the roof of your home. By commissioning a roofer’s report from a reputable local roofing company, you can secure professional documentation of your home’s condition that can be used as proof in the case of a future claim.
In addition to a roof checkup, plan to review your current homeowners insurance coverage before your next policy renewal date rolls around. By asking your local insurance agent about any details of your coverage that you may not understand, you can stay better prepared for weather events that could necessitate your making a claim on your home policy to cover damages.
During a review like this, take the time to understand how any deductibles that your policies carry work, including all the details of what you would owe up front if you needed to make a claim on a home insurance policy for wind, hail, or other severe convective storm damage.
Sources:
Matthews, Donna. “The Impact of Severe Convective Storms on Property Insurance”, McGriff Insights, https://mcgriff.com/resources/articles/the-impact-of-severe-convective-storms-on-property-insurance/
“How Severe Convective Storms and Shingle Roofs are Becoming a Growing Challenge”, AON Insights, May 29, 2025, https://www.aon.com/en/insights/articles/severe-convective-storms-a-growing-insurance-challenge
Gray is the Senior Content Specialist at Sola Insurance, working with the Sales and Marketing teams to provide helpful, valuable content for homeowners and agents. Gray has worked previously in finance, logistics, and advertising.
