💸 Deductibles on the coast
A coastal home can have several deductibles: a flat one for everyday claims (AOP) and a percentage one for wind, named storms or hurricanes, plus a separate flood deductible. A 2% hurricane deductible on a $400K home = $8,000 out of pocket.
How deductibles work
- The deductible is the part of a claim you pay. A $10,000 loss with a $2,500 deductible: you pay $2,500, insurance pays $7,500.
- Flat-dollar deductibles are a set amount ($1,000, $2,500…).
- Percentage deductibles are a % of your dwelling coverage (Coverage A), not of the loss. 2% of $500K = $10,000, whether the damage is $12,000 or $120,000.
- Tradeoff: a higher deductible usually lowers your premium; a lower one raises it. Tip: ask your agent to quote two deductible options.
The 4 home deductibles
| Deductible | Applies to | Typical form |
|---|---|---|
| AOP (all other perils) | Everyday non-wind claims: fire, theft, water leaks | Flat $ (e.g. $1,000) |
| Wind/hail | Any wind or hail damage, from any storm (thunderstorms, tornadoes, hurricanes) | Flat $ or % |
| Named storm | Hurricanes, tropical storms and tropical depressions named by the NWS / National Hurricane Center | % (often 1–5%) |
| Hurricane | Only storms at hurricane strength (74+ mph), as defined in your policy | % (often 1–5%) |
- Policies can have both: e.g. $1,000 AOP + 2% hurricane. A kitchen fire costs you $1,000; hurricane roof damage on a $400K home costs you $8,000.
- Exact triggers and timing windows are in your policy's deductible endorsement. Read it.
SC rules
- A named storm deductible can be triggered only by a hurricane, tropical storm or tropical depression named by the NWS or National Hurricane Center. Media-named winter storms don't count.
- Policies with a hurricane, named storm or wind/hail deductible must show a capital-letter warning on the policy and declarations page, plus a $100,000 example.
- To add or raise one at renewal, the insurer must give the example and you must sign or initial that you read it.
GA rules
- Georgia has no statute or regulation defining hurricane or named-storm triggers; your policy sets them. GA OCI advises checking for separate hurricane or wind deductibles before a storm.
Wind pool & FAIR Plan
- 🏖️ SC Wind Pool: standard 3% (Zone 1) or 2% (Zone 2) of the policy limit; options 1–10%. Higher picks earn credits (e.g. 5% = 23% credit, 10% = 35%). Applies separately to building and contents.
- 🌴 GA FAIR Plan wind/hail: 1%, 2%, 3%, 5%, 7.5% or 10%, minimum $500, applied separately to each dwelling, other structure and contents.
🌊 Flood (NFIP) deductible
- Separate from your home policy, with separate building and contents deductibles.
- Minimums: $1,000 (building coverage ≤ $100K) or $1,250 (over $100K); contents $1,000. Options up to $10,000; higher deductibles lower the premium.
🚗 Auto
- Flood and storm damage to your car falls under your comprehensive deductible. Car guide →
💰 Be ready to pay it
- Keep cash or savings that cover your largest deductible (usually the hurricane %).
- SC residents: a Catastrophe Savings Account lets you save for hurricane/flood deductibles free of SC income tax (not federal). Limit: twice your deductible, up to $15,000 (or $2,000 if your deductible is $1,000 or less). Ask a tax pro.
🌊 Moving to the coast✅ Home checklist🚗 Your car
General info, not insurance advice. Ask your agent.
Details & sources
Run by a licensed South Carolina insurance professional. No quotes, no carrier endorsements. Rules, prices and coverage vary by policy and change over time; your policy and your agent have the final word. All sources.
lowcountryfloodwatch.com/guides/deductibles/ · Last verified Oct 2026 · General info, not insurance advice.