Which deductible applies to your coastal roof claim?
Many Cape Fear homes have three deductibles: one for most losses, one for wind and hail, and one for named storms. Which applies depends on the storm and the date.
Last reviewed against official sources. General information, not insurance or legal advice.
A named-storm deductible applies to wind and hail during a window that starts when the National Weather Service issues an advisory, watch or warning for a named storm for any part of North Carolina and ends 24 hours after the last one, according to the NC Department of Insurance. Outside that window, a wind/hail or all-perils deductible applies. NCIUA's minimum named-storm deductible is 1% of the insured value.
The three deductibles
| Deductible | Applies to | Typical form |
|---|---|---|
| All other perils | Most losses, such as fire or a burst pipe | Flat dollar amount |
| Wind/hail | Wind and hail outside a named-storm window | Dollar amount or a percentage of Coverage A |
| Named storm | Wind and hail during a named-storm window | A percentage of Coverage A (NCIUA minimum 1%) |
When the named-storm window opens and closes
According to the NC Department of Insurance, a named storm is one named by the National Hurricane Center, National Weather Service or another recognized meteorological body, including hurricanes, tropical storms and tropical depressions. The deductible typically applies from when an NWS advisory, watch or warning for that storm is issued for any part of North Carolina until 24 hours after the last watch, warning or advisory, whichever is later. A storm that is no longer named, or one with no North Carolina watches or warnings, may not trigger it. In October 2026, NCIUA said the named-storm deductible would not apply to Isaias remnant damage at that time because no watches or warnings had been issued for North Carolina.
What it costs you
| Coverage A | 1% | 2% | 5% |
|---|---|---|---|
| $250,000 | $2,500 | $5,000 | $12,500 |
| $400,000 | $4,000 | $8,000 | $20,000 |
| $600,000 | $6,000 | $12,000 | $30,000 |
The percentage is of the dwelling limit, not of the claim. If NCIUA and another insurer both cover the house, check each policy's deductibles.
Paying the deductible
You pay it; the insurer subtracts it. A contractor who offers to waive or hide it may be inflating the claim, which can create fraud problems for you too.
Lowering it
At renewal, you can usually choose a different deductible for a different premium. Ask about credits for a FORTIFIED roof.
Flood deductibles are separate
If a hurricane brings both wind and rising water, the flood policy has its own deductibles, and National Flood Insurance Program policies apply separate deductibles to the building and to contents. A single storm can therefore mean a named-storm deductible on the wind claim and one or two flood deductibles on the water claim. Add them up before hurricane season so the total isn't a surprise.
Frequently asked questions
Did the named-storm deductible apply to the October 2026 Isaias remnants?
NCIUA said its named-storm deductible would not apply because no watches or warnings had been issued for North Carolina. Other insurers' wording may differ; check your policy.
Is my hurricane deductible a percentage of the claim?
No, of your dwelling coverage. A 2% deductible on a $400,000 limit is $8,000.
Does the named-storm deductible apply to a nor'easter?
Usually not, because nor'easters aren't named by the NHC or NWS. Your wind/hail or all-perils deductible would apply.
Policies vary. Check your own policy and ask your insurer or agent about anything that affects your claim. Laws and rules can change; this page reflects official sources as of October 29, 2026. WilmingtonNCRoofer.com is not a contractor, insurer, adjuster or law firm.
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