When the deductible applies
Under 230-RICR-20-05-13, the hurricane period starts when a hurricane warning is issued for the applicable part of the state and ends 24 hours after the last hurricane warning for any part of the state ends. The hurricane must also produce hurricane-force sustained winds in Rhode Island as reported by the National Weather Service, with Block Island assessed separately.
A 5% maximum
The maximum hurricane deductible is 5% of the insured value of the dwelling (Coverage A). Windstorm deductibles may not be included in residential property insurance policies.
Once per calendar year
An insurer may apply the hurricane deductible only once for all hurricane occurrences in a calendar year.
Shown in dollars
The actual dollar amount of a percentage deductible must be shown on the declarations page.
What a 2% deductible costs
A percentage deductible is applied to the dwelling coverage limit (Coverage A), not to the damage. On $300,000 of dwelling coverage a 2% deductible is $6,000; on $500,000 it is $10,000. Covered storm damage below that amount is paid by the homeowner.
Read your own declarations page and deductible endorsement: the policy wording, together with state law, decides which deductible applies to a loss. This page summarises the official state guidance only.