Home Claim Deductibles 1-30-26

In 2026, the average home insurance deductible for a standard claim remains commonly around $1,000, though many homeowners are shifting to higher amounts ($2,500 to $5,000+) to offset rising premiums. Percentage-based deductibles (e.g., 1%–5% of the home’s dwelling value) are increasingly common for wind, hail, or hurricane claims, which can lead to higher out-of-pocket costs.  

Common Amounts: While $1,000 is a standard benchmark, deductibles for 2026 are trending higher (e.g., $1,000 to $5,000) due to insurance companies adjusting to increased repair costs.

Percentage Deductibles: In high-risk areas, deductibles for specific events (like hurricanes) are often 1% to 5% of the home's insured value (e.g., a $300,000 home with a 2% deductible = a $6,000 out-of-pocket cost).

Driving Factors: The rise in deductibles is a, reaction to soaring, record-high premiums, which averaged over $2,500 annually in 2026. 

Note: Deductibles vary widely by insurer, state, and type of claim (e.g., "all perils" vs. wind/hail). 

In 2026, the average home insurance deductible for a standard policy in the United States typically ranges from $500 to $2,500. The most common individual deductible amount selected by homeowners is $1,000. 

Deductibles have trended upward as a strategy to mitigate skyrocketing premiums, with reports indicating average deductible amounts rose by approximately 22% between 2024 and 2025. 

Types of Deductibles for 2026 Claims

Fixed-Dollar Deductible: A set amount (e.g., $1,000) you pay for most claims regardless of total damage.

Percentage Deductible: Common for weather-related events (wind, hail, or hurricanes), this is typically 1% to 10% of your home's insured value. For example, a 2% deductible on a $400,000 home results in an $8,000 out-of-pocket cost.

Disaster-Specific Deductibles: Separate deductibles often apply to high-risk events like earthquakes or floods, ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 depending on the region. 

Impact on Premiums

Choosing a higher deductible remains a primary method for lowering annual costs in 2026: 

Increasing a deductible from $1,000 to $2,500 can save an average of 12% on annual premiums.

While a higher deductible reduces monthly payments, it increases out-of-pocket liability during a claim, which is increasingly necessary as national average premiums have risen to approximately $2,110–$2,544 for $300,000 in dwelling coverage.

https://www.google.com/search?q=what+is+the+average+home+insurance+deduction+by+claim+in+the+us+2026

Comments

Homeowners can lower their “claims deductible” by raising their monthly premium.

Norb Leahy, Dunwoody GA Tea Party Leader