Standard renters insurance does not cover hurricane damage, but you can buy separate hurricane coverage or windstorm coverage to protect your belongings during storms.
Most renters insurance policies exclude damage from wind and water, which are the two main ways hurricanes destroy property. Your standard policy covers theft, fire, and liability — not the storm itself. If a hurricane destroys your furniture, electronics, or clothes, a basic renters policy will not pay for the loss.
The reason is simple: insurers consider hurricane damage a predictable risk in coastal areas, and the potential cost is too high to bundle into standard coverage. You have to buy it separately, and in some states you may have limited options or face higher costs if you live in a high-risk zone.
Key Takeaways
- Standard renters insurance excludes wind and water damage, which means hurricane damage is not covered unless you add it.
- You can buy windstorm coverage or hurricane coverage as an add-on to your policy, though availability and cost depend on your location and insurer.
- Flood damage is never covered by renters insurance or windstorm riders — you need a separate flood insurance policy through the National Flood Insurance Program or a private insurer.
- If your insurer will not offer hurricane coverage, your state may have a insurer of last resort that provides it at a higher cost.
- Coverage limits, deductibles, and exclusions vary widely, so you need to read your actual policy to know what is and is not protected.
How hurricane coverage works as an add-on
Windstorm or hurricane coverage is sold as a rider — an addition to your base renters policy. You pay an extra premium, usually between $50 and $200 per year depending on where you live and how much coverage you want. The rider covers damage caused by wind, which includes hurricanes, tornadoes, and straight-line winds.
When you add windstorm coverage, you choose a deductible, often $500, $1,000, or higher. That means if a hurricane damages your belongings, you pay the deductible out of pocket, and the insurer covers the rest up to your policy limit. If your deductible is $1,000 and your TV costs $800, you would not recover anything — the damage is below your deductible.
Not all insurers offer windstorm riders in all states. In Florida, Texas, and other high-risk coastal areas, some major insurers have stopped writing new policies altogether. If your insurer will not add windstorm coverage, you may have to switch companies or turn to your state's insurer of last resort — a program that provides coverage when the private market will not.
The difference between windstorm, hurricane, and flood coverage
Windstorm coverage and hurricane coverage are often used interchangeably, but the exact terms depend on your policy. Windstorm coverage is broader — it covers damage from any strong wind, including hurricanes, derechos, and tornadoes. Hurricane coverage may be more specific to tropical storms. Ask your insurer which term they use and what events are actually covered.
Flood is separate and critical to understand. Renters insurance never covers flood damage, even if you add windstorm coverage. A hurricane can cause flooding in two ways: storm surge (ocean water pushed inland) and heavy rain. Both are considered flood, not wind damage. If water enters your apartment and ruins your belongings, a windstorm rider will not pay for it.
Flood insurance is sold through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or through private insurers. It is a standalone policy, not a rider. If you live in a flood zone or in an area where hurricanes bring heavy rain, you need to buy flood insurance separately. Many landlords require it as a condition of the lease.
What is and is not covered under windstorm riders
A windstorm rider covers your personal belongings — furniture, electronics, clothing, books — if wind damage destroys them. It also covers damage to the structure of the building itself if you are responsible for it under your lease, though most renters are not.
Windstorm coverage does not cover damage that happens before or after the storm. If a window was already broken and a hurricane makes it worse, the insurer may deny the claim. It also does not cover damage caused by rain that enters through an opening created by wind — that is considered flood. The line between wind and water damage is where most disputes happen.
Some policies exclude certain items: jewelry, cash, collectibles, or business equipment may have limits or be excluded entirely. Read the exclusions section of your policy carefully. If you own high-value items, ask your insurer whether they are covered and whether you need additional coverage.
How to add windstorm coverage to your renters policy
Contact your current renters insurance company and ask whether they offer windstorm or hurricane coverage in your area. Provide your address — availability is location-specific. If they offer it, they will quote you a price and explain the deductible options. You can usually add it online or by phone, and it takes effect immediately or on a date you choose.
If your insurer does not offer windstorm coverage, get quotes from other companies. Use comparison sites or call local independent agents who represent multiple insurers. They can tell you which companies are still writing policies in your area and what the costs are.
If no private insurer will cover you, contact your state's insurance commissioner's office or your state's insurer of last resort. In Florida, this is the Florida Insurance Guaranty Association. In Texas, it is the Texas FAIR Plan. These programs exist to provide coverage when the private market will not, though premiums are usually higher and coverage may be more limited.
Cost and deductible trade-offs
Windstorm coverage is cheaper if you choose a higher deductible. A $500 deductible might cost $80 per year, while a $1,000 deductible might cost $50. The trade-off is that you pay more out of pocket when a storm hits. If you live in a high-risk area and a hurricane is likely, a lower deductible makes sense. If you rarely experience storms, a higher deductible saves money.
Your location and the age of your building also affect the price. Coastal areas and older buildings pay more. If you are in a mobile home or a building with a history of wind damage, expect higher premiums. Some insurers will not cover mobile homes at all, even with a windstorm rider.
Compare the cost of the rider against the value of your belongings. If you own $5,000 worth of furniture and electronics and windstorm coverage costs $150 per year, it pays for itself in about 33 years — but a single hurricane could destroy everything in one night. The decision depends on your risk tolerance and your financial ability to replace things.
What to do if a hurricane damages your belongings
If a hurricane damages your apartment and your belongings, document everything before you clean up. Take photos and videos of the damage. Make a list of what was destroyed or damaged, including the item, when you bought it, and what you paid for it. Keep receipts, credit card statements, or photos of the items if you have them.
Contact your insurer as soon as possible. Report the claim by phone or through their website. They will assign an adjuster who will inspect the damage and determine whether it is covered. Be honest about what happened and provide all documentation. If the adjuster denies the claim, ask for a written explanation and review your policy to understand why.
If you disagree with the adjuster's decision, you can request a second opinion or file a complaint with your state's insurance commissioner. Keep copies of all correspondence with your insurer. If the damage is extensive, consider hiring a public adjuster — someone who represents you in the claim process — though they charge a percentage of the settlement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does renters insurance cover hurricane damage to my apartment building?
No. Renters insurance covers your personal belongings, not the building itself. The landlord's property insurance covers the structure. If the building is damaged and you cannot live there, your renters policy may cover temporary housing under the "loss of use" section, but only if you have that coverage and only for a limited time.
If I buy windstorm coverage, am I covered for damage from any hurricane?
Windstorm coverage covers wind damage from hurricanes, but not flood damage. If a hurricane brings storm surge or heavy rain that floods your apartment, that damage is not covered. You need a separate flood insurance policy for water damage. Read your policy to see whether it covers named hurricanes or all windstorms.
Can I buy hurricane coverage after a hurricane is forecast?
No. Most insurers will not sell you windstorm coverage once a hurricane is within a certain distance of your area — usually 48 to 72 hours before landfall. You have to buy it before the threat exists. If you wait, you will not be covered for that storm.
What if my landlord's insurance covers the building but not my belongings?
The landlord's insurance covers the building structure only. Your belongings are your responsibility. If a hurricane destroys your furniture and electronics, the landlord's policy will not pay for them. You need renters insurance with windstorm coverage to protect your own possessions.
Is windstorm coverage required by my landlord?
Some landlords require renters insurance, but most do not specifically require windstorm coverage. Check your lease. If your landlord requires renters insurance, they usually just want proof that you have a policy — they do not specify which riders you need. However, if you live in a flood zone, your landlord may require flood insurance as a condition of the lease.