Yes, standard homeowners insurance in Mississippi covers wind damage from hurricanes, but it does not cover flood damage — which is often the most destructive part of a hurricane. Wind, hail, and rain damage that enters through a wind-created opening are covered perils under Mississippi homeowners policies. However, storm surge, rising water, and river flooding require a separate flood insurance policy. Most Mississippi homeowners policies also include a separate hurricane or wind/hail deductible that is higher than the standard deductible — typically 2-5% of dwelling coverage.
What Hurricane Damage Is Covered by Homeowners Insurance?
A standard Mississippi homeowners policy covers several types of hurricane-related damage. Wind damage to your roof, siding, windows, and structures is covered. Hail damage from hurricane-embedded storms is covered. Rain damage that enters through a hole created by wind — such as a broken window or damaged roof — is covered under the wind damage provision. Fallen trees that damage your home or other structures are covered. Additionally, if your home becomes uninhabitable after covered hurricane damage, your Additional Living Expenses (ALE) coverage pays for temporary housing, meals, and related costs.
What Hurricane Damage Is NOT Covered?
The critical exclusion is flooding. Storm surge — the wall of ocean water pushed ashore by hurricane winds — is excluded from homeowners insurance. Rising water from rivers, bayous, and overwhelmed drainage systems is excluded. Even rain-driven flooding that enters through doors or seeps up from the ground is excluded. During Hurricane Katrina, many Mississippi homeowners learned this distinction the hard way when insurers denied flood-related claims. Only a separate flood insurance policy through NFIP or a private carrier covers flood damage.
The Wind vs. Water Dispute
After Hurricane Katrina, thousands of Mississippi homeowners faced disputes over whether damage was caused by covered wind or excluded flooding. When a storm surge follows immediately after wind damage, determining the cause becomes contentious. Mississippi courts have addressed this issue, but the best protection is carrying both homeowners insurance and flood insurance so the distinction becomes irrelevant to your recovery.
Hurricane Deductibles in Mississippi
Most Mississippi homeowners policies include a separate hurricane deductible, typically 2-5% of your dwelling coverage amount. On a $250,000 home with a 2% hurricane deductible, you would pay the first $5,000 out of pocket before insurance covers the remaining damage. This deductible applies specifically when damage results from a named hurricane — your regular deductible (often $1,000-$2,500) applies to non-hurricane claims. Choosing a higher hurricane deductible lowers your annual premium but increases your out-of-pocket exposure when a storm hits.
Mississippi Wind Pool (MWUA)
Properties in Mississippi’s six southernmost counties that cannot obtain wind coverage through private carriers may qualify for the Mississippi Windstorm Underwriting Association (MWUA). The Wind Pool provides wind and hail coverage for coastal properties as a market of last resort. Premiums are typically higher than private market rates, and coverage may be more limited. Bridgeway works to find private market alternatives first, which usually provide better coverage and pricing.
How to Prepare Your Coverage for Hurricane Season
Bridgeway Insurance Agency recommends reviewing your homeowners and flood coverage before June 1 each year — the start of Atlantic hurricane season. Ensure your dwelling coverage reflects current rebuilding costs, understand your hurricane deductible, and purchase flood insurance well before any storm threatens. Remember the 30-day NFIP waiting period. Call (601) 264-0541 or request a quote online.
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