Home insurance deductibles: compare the dollars before you choose.

What does the deductible represent?

A property deductible is the portion of a covered loss you are responsible for. The insurer generally subtracts it when calculating the claim payment. A flat deductible states a dollar amount; a percentage deductible uses a specified insured amount, often the dwelling coverage limit.

Ask the agent to identify the exact calculation base. A percentage of the dwelling limit is different from a percentage of the repair bill. Deductibles do not override exclusions or make an otherwise uncovered loss payable.

Try the math with a hypothetical example

Suppose a home has $320,000 in dwelling coverage and a wind and hail deductible equal to 2% of that limit. The deductible would be $6,400. Compared with a hypothetical $2,500 flat deductible for the same peril, that is $3,900 more responsibility for a covered loss large enough to reach both amounts.

These numbers illustrate the calculation; they are not a quote, a recommendation or a predicted claim payment. If the coverage limit changes at renewal, recalculate any deductible tied to that limit.

Use the home insurance deductible calculator to turn your policy’s percentage into dollars and compare it with a flat deductible.

List wind and hail separately

The deductible labeled all other perils may not apply to wind or hail. Some policies have a separate wind, hail or hurricane deductible, and the applicable terms depend on the insurer, policy and state. Do not assume that one number on a quote describes every loss.

Ask which event triggers each deductible and whether it applies per loss or under another stated rule. Keep any separate flood policy deductible on its own line.

Build one worksheet for both quotes

Use the same rows for Quote A and Quote B. Ask for missing terms in writing before comparing the totals.

• Dwelling limit and policy term: confirm the same starting assumptions.
• All other perils: record the deductible in dollars.
• Wind and hail: record the percentage, calculation base and resulting dollars.
• Other special deductibles: identify the event and applicable amount.
• Premium: record the total for the same term, including disclosed fees.
• Coverage differences: note roof settlement, exclusions and optional endorsements.

Compare the premium with available savings

Ask for the actual price of each available deductible option while holding other coverage choices steady. A higher deductible often lowers the premium, but the amount saved is not universal. Consider whether the extra responsibility could be handled without using money needed for essential expenses.

A deductible is not necessarily your maximum out-of-pocket cost. Depreciation, limits and excluded work can also affect a settlement. Review those terms alongside the deductible rather than treating a smaller deductible as a complete coverage comparison.

Bring the worksheet to your quote review

Our Lubbock-based team can help shoppers in Texas, New Mexico and Oklahoma review the deductible choices available with a homeowners quote. Bring your current declarations page and the amounts you want compared. Coverage and available options depend on the insurer and policy.

Keep exploring

Sources and coverage details

• GEICO: What is a home insurance deductible?
• Progressive: Homeowners insurance deductibles
• Texas Department of Insurance: What to know about deductibles
• GEICO: What makes up a homeowners insurance policy?

Sources checked October 17, 2026. These educational resources explain general insurance concepts; another insurer’s features are not a promise of coverage available through this agency. Coverage, eligibility, limits, deductibles and exclusions depend on the policy, insurer and state. An inquiry does not start or change coverage.