What Is Windstorm Insurance and Is It Included in Your Landlord Insurance Policy?

If you own rental property in an area prone to hurricanes, tornadoes, hail, or severe thunderstorms, you've probably come across the term windstorm insurance while shopping for coverage.

But what exactly is windstorm insurance?
Is it a separate policy?
Is it already included in your landlord insurance?
And how do you know whether your rental property has enough protection before the next major storm?

The answer depends on where your property is located and how your insurance policy is written.

Many landlords are surprised to learn that wind damage may be covered differently than other types of property damage. Some policies include windstorm coverage automatically, while others exclude it or require separate coverage depending on the property's location. In some coastal areas, landlords may also have a separate deductible that applies only to wind or named storm claims.

This guide explains how windstorm insurance works, what it typically covers, when you may need additional protection, and the questions every real estate investor should ask before storm season arrives.

What Is Windstorm Insurance?

Windstorm insurance protects your rental property from damage caused by high winds and certain wind-related events.

Depending on your policy, covered wind events may include:

• Hurricanes
• Tropical storms
• Tornados
• Straight-line winds
• Derechos
• Wind-driven debris
• Hail (often combined as "wind and hail" coverage)

Unlike flood insurance, windstorm insurance isn't always a standalone policy. For many landlords, wind coverage is included within a standard landlord insurance policy. However, properties in higher-risk coastal regions may require separate windstorm coverage or have special policy exclusions and deductibles. 

Is Windstorm Insurance Included in Landlord Insurance?

Sometimes, but not always.

This is one of the biggest misconceptions among rental property owners.

Whether windstorm coverage is included depends on:

• Where the property is located
• The insurance carrier
• The type of landlord policy
• Any exclusions or endorsements

For many rental properties, a landlord insurance policy includes coverage for wind damage caused by covered storms.

However, in higher-risk coastal counties or regions that experience frequent hurricanes, insurers may:

• Exclude windstorm coverage
• Require a separate windstorm policy
• Apply a percentage-based windstorm or hurricane deductible
• Require coverage through a state wind pool

The only way to know is by reviewing your policy declarations and exclusions, not by assuming all landlord policies provide identical protection.

Windstorm Insurance vs. Hurricane Insurance: What's the Difference?

These terms are often used interchangeably, but they aren't always the same.

One storm can trigger multiple coverages.

For example, if hurricane-force winds tear shingles from your roof, that damage may be covered under your landlord policy's wind coverage. But if a storm surge later floods the home's first floor, that flood damage typically requires separate flood insurance.

What Does Windstorm Insurance Typically Cover?

Although every policy is different, windstorm coverage commonly helps pay for damage to:

The dwelling

Including:

• Roof damage
• Siding
• Windows
• Doors
• Attached garages

Other structures

• Detached garages
• Storage sheds
• Fences (depending on policy language)

Damage caused by wind-driven debris

For example:

• A tree branch crashes through the roof during a severe thunderstorm.

Interior water damage

Many policies cover rain entering through an opening created by wind damage.

Example:

• Wind tears shingles from the roof.
• Rain enters through that opening.

The resulting ceiling damage is often covered because the wind created the opening first. 

What Windstorm Insurance Usually Doesn't Cover

Landlords are often surprised by these exclusions.

Flood damage

One of the biggest.

• Storm surge.
• Overflowing rivers.
• Standing water.
• Heavy rainfall entering from rising water.

These generally require flood insurance. 

Wear and tear

Insurance covers sudden damage, not deferred maintenance.

If an old roof fails because of age, coverage may be limited.

Cosmetic roof damage

Some policies—particularly in hail-prone states—exclude cosmetic damage that doesn't affect the roof's ability to keep water out.

Understanding Windstorm Deductibles

Many investors pay close attention to premiums but overlook deductibles.

That's a mistake.

A windstorm deductible is often different from your standard deductible.

For example:

• Standard deductible: $1,000
• Windstorm deductible: 2% of Coverage A

If your rental home is insured for $400,000:

2% deductible = $8,000

That means you'll pay the first $8,000 of covered wind damage before insurance begins paying. Percentage deductibles became common after major hurricanes and are now standard in many coastal markets. (credit: NAIC Content)

Do You Need Separate Windstorm Insurance?

Maybe.

You may if:

• Your landlord policy excludes wind damage.
• Your property is located in a coastal county.
• Your insurer requires coverage through a state wind pool.
• Your lender requires separate windstorm protection.

Many inland rental properties will not need a separate windstorm policy because coverage is already included.

Questions Every Landlord Should Ask Before Storm Season

Instead of simply asking,

"Do I have windstorm insurance?"

Ask:

• Is wind damage covered?
• Is hail included?
• Do I have a separate wind deductible?
• Is there a hurricane deductible?
• Is flood damage excluded?
• Does my policy cover loss of rental income if a covered windstorm makes the property uninhabitable?
• Does my deductible change for named storms?

Those answers matter much more than the label on the policy.

Common Misconception

My landlord insurance covers every type of hurricane damage.

Not necessarily.

A hurricane can cause:

• Wind damage
• Flood damage
• Storm surge
• Fallen trees
• Sewer backup

Each may be treated differently under your policy.

Understanding those differences before a storm arrives is far easier—and less expensive—than discovering them while filing a claim.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is windstorm insurance the same as hurricane insurance?

No. Hurricane damage often involves multiple coverages, including wind protection, flood insurance, and hurricane deductibles. There typically isn't a single policy called "hurricane insurance." (credit: NAIC Content)

Does landlord insurance cover tornado damage?

Often yes, if wind damage is a covered peril under the policy.

Is hail considered a windstorm?

Many insurers combine these as "wind and hail" coverage, although the exact policy wording varies.

Does windstorm insurance cover flood damage?

Generally no.

Flood damage almost always requires separate flood insurance. 

Can I buy windstorm insurance after a hurricane is forecast?

Usually not. Insurers often place temporary binding restrictions or moratoriums on new policies and coverage changes once a storm watch or warning is issued, so it's important to review your coverage well before storm season. (credit: Investopedia)

Final Thoughts

Windstorm insurance isn't a separate policy for every landlord, but understanding how wind coverage works is essential if you own rental property in an area exposed to severe weather.

Before storm season begins, review your landlord insurance policy carefully. Confirm whether wind damage is covered, understand any percentage deductibles, and determine whether you also need flood insurance or other specialized coverage. Taking the time to understand your policy before a storm arrives can help you avoid costly surprises and better protect your investment property.

Ready to get a landlord insurance quote? Start here.