What I Learned From a Windstorm: The Fine Print Matters

Living in Coastal North Carolina, we're no strangers to high winds and unpredictable storms. But even when you think you’re prepared, Mother Nature—and your insurance policy—can throw you a curveball.

Not long ago, a windstorm swept through our area. Thankfully, we were safe, but my roof didn’t fare quite as well. After noticing some damage, I called my trusted roofer, and he confirmed what I feared: the roof needed to be replaced.

Here’s where things got interesting.

As I stood with my roofer on the driveway, phone in hand, I called my insurance company to start a claim. I wasn’t worried—my deductible was $1,000 for wind and hail damage, which I had budgeted for. But then came the surprise. The representative asked, “This wasn’t a named storm, correct?” I confirmed it wasn’t.

And then she explained something that stopped me in my tracks: Had this been a named storm (like a tropical storm or hurricane), my deductible would have jumped to $7,500.

Wait—what? That felt completely backward. Shouldn’t the bigger, more dangerous storm have the more comprehensive coverage? Apparently not.

This was something I hadn’t fully grasped. And if I missed it, chances are others have too.

For reference, my insurance is through SageSure, and thankfully, the process moved along fairly quickly. But I have friends—also dealing with roof damage and missing shingles—whose insurance is with a well-known national company that hires professional athletes for their commercials. They’re still waiting for approval just to get their roof repairs started. So while branding and recognition may be flashy, when you're standing in your yard surrounded by shingle confetti, what really matters is how responsive your provider is.

So, here’s what I want everyone to know:Check your policy.Specifically, look at your named storm or hurricane deductible. It’s often a percentage of your home’s insured value—meaning it can add up fast. And it can catch you off guard when you’re already dealing with damage and stress.

And here’s another tip: Don’t wait until after a named storm to get your roof inspected. If you already have damage and the next storm rolls through with a name attached, your out-of-pocket costs could skyrocket. Catching issues early—before the next big weather event—might be the best financial decision you make all year.

If you don’t understand your policy, call your insurance agent. Ask the hard questions. Don’t wait until you’re standing on your driveway with half your shingles in the neighbor’s yard.

Homeownership is full of surprises—but your insurance coverage shouldn’t be one of them.