A deductible is the portion of a covered loss that you pay before your policy pays its share. A roof deductible is the deductible that applies when the loss involves your roof, and it can be a flat dollar amount or a percentage of a number in your policy. Policies differ, so read yours and ask your agent which type you have.
What are the two common kinds?
Flat deductible. A fixed dollar amount written in the policy. It stays the same no matter how large the loss is.
Percentage deductible. A percentage of a value stated in the policy, often the dwelling coverage amount. It rises and falls with that number, not with the size of the loss. Wind and hail deductibles are where homeowners most often meet this type, and some policies have a separate deductible for those perils.
| Feature | Flat | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| How it is set | Fixed amount in the policy | Percent of a policy value |
| Changes with home value or coverage? | No | Yes, if that value changes |
| Where to find it | Declarations page | Declarations page, plus the wording about what the percent applies to |
| Common surprise | Higher than expected out of pocket | The dollar amount is larger than people guess |
How is a percentage deductible calculated?
The arithmetic is simple, but the base number matters. The numbers below are made up for illustration only. They are not real quotes, not your policy and not a prediction.
Hypothetical example (not real figures). Suppose a policy lists dwelling coverage of 300 units and a 1% wind and hail deductible. The deductible would be 1% of 300, or 3 units. If the same policy had a 2% deductible, it would be 6 units. A flat deductible of 2 units would stay at 2 units whether the loss is small or large. The takeaway is that a percentage deductible can be a bigger number than it first sounds, because it is applied to the whole coverage amount and not to the repair bill.
Always check which value the percent applies to, because policies can name different bases.
Does the deductible depend on the roof?
It can. Policies may treat roof losses differently from other parts of the house, and some include terms based on roof age or how the roof is valued. That is why it is worth asking your agent to point to the exact wording that applies to your roof. For how roof value is treated, see what is an actual cash value roof policy. For the bigger picture of how these terms interact, read our guide to ACV vs replacement cost and percentage deductibles.
Why does it matter before a storm?
Because it sets the minimum you would carry yourself if a covered loss happens. Some homeowners are comfortable with a high deductible in exchange for a lower premium, and others prefer a smaller one. That choice belongs to you and your agent. Our crews have noticed that some homeowners are surprised by how large a percentage deductible turns out to be in dollars, which is a good reason to look at the declarations page well before storm season.
What is not covered by the deductible?
The deductible is only one piece of a policy. Items such as code-related costs have their own wording; see what is Ordinance or Law coverage. We cannot tell you what your policy covers, and this page does not promise any result.
Questions to ask your agent
- Is my wind and hail deductible flat or a percentage?
- If it is a percentage, a percentage of what value, and what is that value today?
- Is the roof treated differently from the rest of the house?
- Does the deductible differ by cause of loss (wind, hail, fire)?
- If I change my coverage amount, does my deductible change?
- Where in the policy is this written?
Frequently asked questions
Is a deductible the same as a premium? No. The premium is what you pay to keep the policy. The deductible applies when a covered loss happens.
Can a roofer waive my deductible? We do not offer that and do not recommend relying on anyone who does. Deductible rules and related restrictions vary and are legal questions; ask your agent.
Is a higher percentage deductible always worse? Not necessarily. It may lower the premium. It does mean more out of pocket after a covered loss, so it is a trade-off to weigh.
Where do I find my deductible? Usually on the declarations page of the policy, with detail in the policy wording. If it is unclear, ask your agent.
Does a hailstorm in my area change my deductible? That is a question for your agent and your policy. We cannot answer for any insurer.
Talk to us about your roof
If you want a roofer's read on the condition of your roof, Total Roof Protection OKC can inspect it and explain our findings. Call 405-415-5841. An inspection speaks to the roof only and is not a statement about your policy.