How to Read Your Insurance Declarations Page: What You Need to Know About Wind/Hail Deductibles
Your insurance declarations page — the "dec page" — is the single most important document in your entire insurance claim. It defines what's covered, how much your deductible is, and how your payout will be calculated. Yet most Missouri homeowners have never read theirs. When a storm hits, they're shocked to discover that their wind/hail deductible is thousands of dollars higher than they expected. Here's how to read your declarations page so there are no surprises when you file.
What Is a Declarations Page?
The declarations page is the summary page your insurance carrier sends you when you buy or renew your policy. It lists your name, property address, policy number, coverage limits, and — most importantly — your deductibles. It's typically 2-4 pages long and is labeled "Declarations" or "DEC" at the top. If you can't find your physical copy, you can download it from your insurance company's online portal or request it from your agent.
The Two Types of Deductibles You Need to Find
Most Missouri homeowner policies now have two separate deductible structures: a standard deductible (often $1,000 or $2,500) that applies to fire, theft, and other perils — and a separate wind/hail deductible that applies specifically to storm damage. The wind/hail deductible is almost always higher, and in recent years, many carriers have switched from a flat dollar amount to a percentage-based deductible. This is the single most important number on your declarations page.
Percentage Deductibles: The Hidden Cost
A percentage-based wind/hail deductible is calculated as a percentage of your dwelling coverage — not a percentage of your claim. For example, if your dwelling coverage is $350,000 and your wind/hail deductible is 1%, your deductible is $3,500. If it's 2%, your deductible is $7,000. We've seen policies with wind/hail deductibles as high as 5% — meaning a homeowner with $400,000 in dwelling coverage would pay a $20,000 deductible before the insurance company pays a dime. This is why reading your dec page before filing is critical. If your deductible is close to the cost of the repair, filing a claim may not make financial sense.
Where to Find the Wind/Hail Deductible on Your Dec Page
Look for a section labeled "Deductibles" or "Loss Deductible Information." You'll typically see a table with columns for peril type and deductible amount. Look for rows labeled "Wind/Hail," "Named Storm," "Hurricane," or "Windstorm." If the deductible shows a percentage (like 1% or 2%), it's a percentage deductible. If it shows a dollar amount (like $1,000 or $2,500), it's a flat deductible. Some policies have both — a flat deductible for non-storm perils and a percentage deductible for wind/hail. Read every line.
Other Key Sections to Check
Beyond deductibles, check your dwelling coverage limit (Coverage A) — this is the maximum your insurance will pay to rebuild your home. Check "Other Structures" (Coverage B) for detached garages, sheds, and fences. Check "Personal Property" (Coverage C) for damaged belongings. And look for any endorsements — add-ons or modifications to your standard policy. One endorsement to watch for: a "Roof Surface Replacement Cost Endorsement" that may have been removed, which would switch your roof from RCV to ACV coverage. If you see language about roof surface settlement, call your agent immediately.
What to Do If Your Deductible Is Too High
If you discover your wind/hail deductible is a percentage that would cost you thousands out of pocket, you have options. First, call your insurance agent and ask about lowering your wind/hail deductible — many carriers offer flat-dollar deductibles for a slightly higher premium. Second, if you've already sustained storm damage and your deductible is high, we can help you understand whether the claim is worth filing and whether financing the gap is a better option. We partner with Acorn Finance to offer flexible payment plans starting at $89/month for homeowners who need to cover a high deductible.