Does Virginia homeowners insurance cover hurricane damage? The 2 policies you need

Hurricanes don't cause just one type of damage, so no single insurance policy covers all of it. Financial protection against hurricanes typically starts with a standard Virginia home insurance policy, but flood coverage is almost always needed, as well. Coastal homeowners should also consider how their policy handles wind damage, which can vary depending on location and insurer.

Does homeowners insurance cover hurricane damage in Virginia?

Hurricane damage in Virginia typically comes from two sources: wind and flooding. Standard home insurance policies cover wind damage for most homeowners, but if you live in a coastal area, your policy may include a separate windstorm or hurricane deductible. A deductible is the amount of damage you're responsible for paying for out of pocket before your insurance covers the rest of an approved claim, up to your policy limits. This is separate from your standard deductible, which applies to other covered claims like fire, theft, or water damage from a burst pipe.

Flooding and storm surge originating from outside the home, on the other hand, are excluded from standard home insurance coverage. Homeowners may be able to add flood coverage to their home policy via an endorsement (a policy add-on). Otherwise, you can purchase a separate flood policy through a private insurer or the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). 

Wind & hurricane deductibles in Virginia

You can check your declarations page, which is the summary document that outlines your coverage details and policy limits, to see whether a windstorm or hurricane deductible applies to your policy. Your dec page is usually accessible through your insurer's online portal, or you may have received a paper copy in the mail.

Wind deductibles are sometimes a flat dollar amount, like a standard deductible. But in coastal areas, they're more commonly calculated as a percentage of your dwelling coverage. Sometimes labeled Coverage A in policy documents, dwelling coverage is the portion of your home insurance that covers your home's structure. Check your declarations page for the specific amount that applies to your policy.

For example, if you have $350,000 in dwelling coverage and a 2% wind/hurricane deductible, your deductible responsibility is $7,000. Percentage-based deductibles for Virginia windstorm insurance are usually somewhere between 1% and 5%. 

Virginia’s inland hurricane risk: Why flood coverage matters everywhere

The cost of a flood policy is often much more affordable than paying out of pocket to repair flood damage. Importantly, your home may be at risk for flooding even if it doesn’t fall into a FEMA-designated flood zone. 

Of course, Virginia’s coastal areas are at high risk for flooding from storm surges during hurricanes, but inland areas are also vulnerable to hurricane damage — especially flooding from heavy rainfall. As hurricanes move inland and weaken, they often form tropical depressions and create large amounts of precipitation. This is what happened in August 1969 when Hurricane Camille dropped 28 inches of rain overnight in central Virginia. More recently in September 2024, Hurricane Helene caused 10 to 15 inches of rainfall in southwestern parts of the state. 

According to the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, only 3% of Virginians currently carry flood insurance despite this region’s flood risk. Floodsmart.gov warns that just one inch of floodwater can cause $25,000 in damage to your home. 

Flood coverage options for Virginia homeowners

In some cases, flood insurance may be available as a policy add-on from your current home insurance company. If not, it’s worth comparing quotes from private insurers and the NFIP, as policy pricing and coverage specifics can vary greatly.

Below are several key differences between private and NFIP flood policies: 

What is the Virginia Property Insurance Association?

The Virginia Property Insurance Association (VPIA) serves as Virginia's FAIR Plan — a state-created program that provides basic home insurance coverage for homeowners who can't secure a policy through the private market.

VPIA policies cover a limited set of risks (called perils in the industry), including fire, windstorms, hail, and vandalism — but not flooding. They also exclude personal liability coverage, which is the portion of a standard home insurance policy that protects you financially if someone is injured on your property or you or a household member are found responsible for damage to someone else's property. Because VPIA policies are more limited and typically more expensive than private market coverage, it's worth exploring private insurance options before turning to the VPIA.

How to lower your hurricane insurance costs in Virginia

There are several ways Virginia homeowners can reduce their Virginia insurance costs — from home upgrades to smart policy decisions.

• Upgrade your roof: Repairing or replacing your roof with impact-resistant materials reduces the chance of hurricane damage. Some insurers reward homeowners who do so with discounted insurance rates.

• Review your deductible(s): A higher deductible lowers your cost of coverage, but make sure the deductible amount you choose is one you could comfortably cover out of pocket if you ever need to file a claim. 

• Purchase multiple insurance policies from the same company: Home and auto bundles are the most common, but other options may be available. Customers who purchase multiple insurance products from the same insurer often qualify for significant discounts. 

• Get flood coverage before storm season: Private and NFIP flood policies both have waiting periods before coverage kicks in, and insurers may pause new applications once a storm is on the way. Shopping early gives you time to compare rates and makes sure you're covered before hurricane season begins. 

• Boost your credit: Virginia insurance companies can consider your credit-based insurance score — based on many of the same factors as your regular credit score — when setting rates. Customers with better credit are rewarded with lower insurance prices. 

How to mitigate hurricane damage to your home

1. Repair or replace your roof: A healthy roof can withstand hurricane damage and reduce water and debris intrusion in your home. 

2. Reinforce all entry points: Windows and doors are among the first points of failure during a hurricane. Reinforcing them helps keep wind and debris out and can reduce the likelihood of significant structural damage. 

3. Trim trees: Damaged or dead trees can fall on your home and car in high winds. Trim trees and remove limbs that hang over your home. 

4. Secure outdoor furniture: Store or secure planters, furniture, grills, and other outdoor items to prevent them from becoming airborne in high winds. 

5. Clean gutters: Gutters funnel water away from your home. Cleaning them regularly prevents backups and water intrusion in your home. 

6. Consider flood vents: Flood vents allow water to move freely in and out of your ground floor in a flood, preventing pressure and damage to your foundation. 

7. Elevate electrical systems: Move electrical systems, like your HVAC, above ground level to prevent damage in the event of flooding. 

8. Create a home inventory: Documenting your belongings with pictures, videos, and receipts (if possible), simplifies the claim-filing process and ensures you have enough personal property coverage for your belongings. 

Frequently asked questions

Can you just buy hurricane insurance?

"Hurricane insurance" isn't a single policy. It typically refers to a combination of coverages working together. For most homeowners, that means a standard home insurance policy plus separate flood insurance. In some coastal areas, wind damage may also require its own policy or endorsement. Reviewing your declarations page is the best way to understand what your current policy covers and where gaps may exist. A licensed insurance agent can help you sort through your options.

How much is hurricane insurance in Virginia?

To be covered for hurricane-related damage, Virginians need to carry both home insurance and flood insurance. On average, Kin customers in Virginia pay $1,136 for a home policy* with $350,000 in dwelling coverage (as of May 2026). According to the NFIP, the median cost of flood insurance in Virginia is $708.

Does Virginia have flood insurance?

Virginia flood insurance is available through private insurers as an endorsement or standalone policy or through the NFIP. Only 3% of Virginians have flood insurance. Shopping early can help you find the best rate and make sure you have coverage in place before a storm hits. 

Is Virginia high risk for hurricanes?

While Virginia is not as high-risk for hurricanes as states like Florida and Louisiana, the state is affected by hurricanes every 2.3 years, on average, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Coastal areas of Virginia are at risk for storm surge and wind damage, while inland areas often see flooding from heavy rainfall. It’s important to note that even the effects of a weakened hurricane can still be damaging to homes. Just one inch of flood water causes an average of $25,000 in damage to homes, according to the NFIP.