Have a Separate Hurricane Policy? How Two-Policy Storm Claims Work in Hawaiʻi

In much of the country, one homeowners policy covers wind. In Hawaiʻi, many homeowners policies exclude hurricane damage, and owners buy a separate hurricane policy to fill that gap. Zephyr Insurance, a locally based company that calls itself Hawaiʻi’s hurricane insurance provider, is one of the best-known; other insurers also write hurricane coverage. After a storm, that two-policy setup can be confusing.

Which policy pays?

It depends on what happened and what your policies say. A hurricane policy usually responds when the damage is caused by a hurricane as defined in that policy, which can depend on official watches, warnings or storm status for your island. Damage that does not meet that definition, such as a non-hurricane windstorm or a Kona low, may go to your homeowners policy instead. Flood is usually separate from both.

Hurricane deductibles

Hurricane deductibles are often a percentage of your dwelling coverage, not a flat dollar amount. On a home insured for $800,000, a 2% hurricane deductible is $16,000. Check your declarations page now so the number does not surprise you. Our hurricane deductible guide explains how they work.

Keeping two claims straight

• Report the loss to both carriers if you are not sure which applies, and note each claim number
• Use the same photos and inventory for both, but keep the files organized by policy
• Write down the date and time the damage happened, and what the weather was doing
• Ask each carrier for its coverage decision in writing
• Do not let one carrier’s decision stop you from pursuing the other policy

After the inspection

First payments after a big storm are often partial. Hidden damage, code upgrades and depreciation holdbacks can come later. Keep receipts, track what was paid under which policy, and do not assume the first number is the final one.

Common Questions