A home insurance deductible is the amount you agree to pay out of pocket before your insurance company covers the rest of a claim. For example, if you have a $1,000 deductible and file a $5,000 claim, you’d pay the first $1,000 and your insurer would pay the remaining $4,000.
Your deductible affects your monthly premium—higher deductibles often mean lower premiums, and vice versa. Choosing the right balance is key to keeping your insurance affordable while still protecting your finances.
1. Standard Dollar Amount Deductible
A fixed dollar amount, such as $1,000 or $2,500, that applies to most covered claims (like fire, theft, or non-hurricane wind damage).
2. Percentage-Based Deductible
Calculated as a percentage of your home’s insured value. For example, if your home is insured for $300,000 and your deductible is 2%, you’d pay $6,000 before your insurance kicks in.
3. Separate Hurricane or Wind/Hail Deductibles
In many parts of North Carolina—especially coastal areas—policies have separate deductibles for hurricanes or wind/hail damage. These are often percentage-based and can be higher than your standard deductible.
North Carolina’s weather can bring hurricanes on the coast, ice storms in the mountains, and hail anywhere in between. Because of this, understanding your deductible structure is just as important as knowing your coverage limits.
For example:
Finding the right deductible comes down to your budget, risk tolerance, and location.
At Sizemore Insurance, we’ll help you:
We’re an independent company with access to top homeowners carriers across North Carolina. That means we can:
Get a Home Insurance Quote with the Right Deductible
The right deductible can save you money now and protect you later. Start your quote online or call (910) 791-1011 to talk with a Sizemore Insurance advisor today.