A hurricane rolls through, and the next morning your pool cage looks like a pile of twisted metal and torn screens. Your first thought is probably about the cost to fix it. Your second thought is whether your homeowners insurance will actually pay for it.
In most cases, your homeowners policy will cover the frame of your pool cage if wind or a storm damages it, but the screens themselves are often excluded or only partly covered. The exact outcome depends on your policy wording, your hurricane deductible, and whether your cage was properly attached to your home. Some policies treat the enclosure as a separate structure with its own limits, while others fold it into your main dwelling coverage.
Before you assume you're fully protected or fully out of luck, it helps to know exactly what your policy says and how adjusters decide these claims. This guide breaks down what's typically covered, what gets left out, and how the hurricane deductible affects what you pay out of pocket.
Your homeowners policy handles hurricane damage based on what caused the loss and where that damage happened on your property. Wind damage is usually covered, but the rules change when you look at structures outside your main house, like a pool cage.
In Florida, your policy likely separates damage into different categories based on the storm type. A "named storm" is any storm that gets an official name from the National Hurricane Center, and many policies apply special rules once a storm reaches this status.
Your standard policy covers wind damage from hurricanes as a basic peril. This means torn shingles, broken windows, and structural damage from wind gusts typically fall under your coverage.
But there's a catch you need to know about. Once a storm is named, your hurricane deductible kicks in instead of your regular deductible.
This deductible is often a percentage of your home's insured value, not a flat dollar amount. You might pay 2%, 5%, or even 10% of your dwelling coverage before your insurer pays anything.
Flood damage from storm surge or rain accumulation is excluded from this coverage. You need a separate flood policy for that type of loss.
Your pool cage doesn't fall under the same coverage as your main house. Insurers classify it as an "other structure," which falls under Coverage B on your policy.
This distinction matters because Coverage B often has lower limits than your dwelling coverage. Many policies cap other structures coverage at 10% of your dwelling limit, so a $300,000 home might only carry $30,000 for detached structures.
Pool cages are also built differently than your home. They use screen material and lightweight aluminum framing, which makes them more vulnerable to wind damage than solid walls.
Some insurers add specific exclusions or limits for screen enclosures because of this vulnerability. You should check your policy's declarations page to see exactly how much coverage applies to your pool cage and whether any special exclusions exist for screen damage.
Whether your pool cage falls under Coverage A or Coverage B depends on how it connects to your home. This affects your payout limit, your deductible, and how much you get paid for storm damage.
If your pool cage is not physically attached to your house, your insurer will likely treat it as a detached structure. This falls under Coverage B, often called "Other Structures" coverage.
Coverage B usually pays out at only 10% of your Coverage A dwelling limit. So if your home is insured for $300,000, you may only have $30,000 for all detached structures combined, not just your pool cage.
This amount also has to cover sheds, fences, and detached garages. A large pool cage can easily exceed this limit after a hurricane.
Some insurers also apply a lower sub-limit specifically for screen enclosures within Coverage B. This means your payout could be even smaller than 10% of your dwelling coverage.
If your pool cage shares a wall, roofline, or foundation with your house, it may count as part of the main dwelling. In this case, it falls under Coverage A instead of Coverage B.
This can mean a higher payout limit, since Coverage A usually carries much larger limits than Coverage B. But most Florida policies still add a specific exclusion or endorsement just for screen enclosures, even when they are attached.
This means the "attached" status alone does not guarantee full coverage. You will still need to check your policy declarations page for enclosure-specific language.
Your hurricane deductible will also apply here. This is often 2% of your dwelling limit, which can mean thousands of dollars out of pocket before your insurer pays anything.
Insurers often separate your pool cage into different parts for claims purposes. The aluminum frame is treated differently than the mesh screening, doors, or polycarbonate roof panels.
Many policies pay for frame damage but exclude the screening itself. This is sometimes called the "frame-only" approach, and it can leave you with a standing metal structure but no mesh to replace.
Here is a common breakdown of how parts are treated:
Ask your agent for a written breakdown of how each component is classified. This helps you know exactly what you would receive after storm damage, before you file a claim.
Several exclusions can reduce or deny payment for pool cage damage. Knowing these limits helps you understand what your policy will and won't pay for after a storm.
Many Florida insurance policies contain specific language about screen enclosures and open-air structures. Your policy jacket may state that aluminum-framed structures covered with screen, plastic, or fiberglass panels have limited or no windstorm coverage.
This exclusion exists because pool cages act like large sails in high wind. Insurers often view them as high-risk structures that fail even in moderate storms.
Some policies cap coverage for these structures at a set dollar amount, no matter the actual repair cost. Others exclude wind damage to the screen material entirely while still covering the aluminum frame. Read your policy's definitions section closely to see how it classifies your pool cage.
Insurers will not pay for damage linked to age or lack of upkeep. If an adjuster finds rust, loose fasteners, or a frame weakened by years of sun exposure, your claim may be denied.
This applies even if a hurricane caused the final collapse. The insurer's position is often that a well-maintained cage would have survived the storm.
Common maintenance issues that can trigger a denial include:
Keep maintenance records and photos. This documentation can help you push back if an insurer blames wear instead of the storm.
Standard homeowners policies do not cover flood damage. This includes water that rises from storm surge, heavy rain runoff, or a swollen canal near your property.
If your pool cage is damaged or knocked down by rising water rather than wind, your homeowners policy will likely deny the claim. You would need a separate flood insurance policy through the National Flood Insurance Program or a private flood carrier to cover that type of loss.
This distinction matters most during major hurricanes, when wind and water damage often happen together. An adjuster will look closely at the cause of the damage. If they determine flooding played a role, that portion of the claim falls outside your standard policy.
If a hurricane damages your pool cage, your homeowners policy likely applies a hurricane deductible instead of your standard deductible. This deductible is usually a percentage of your dwelling coverage, not a flat dollar amount, and it can leave you paying thousands of dollars before coverage starts.
Your hurricane deductible is based on a percentage of your home's dwelling coverage limit, known as Coverage A. Most Florida policies set this percentage at 2%, 5%, or 10%.
For example, if your home is insured for $350,000 and you have a 2% hurricane deductible, you would pay $7,000 out of pocket before your insurance covers the rest. A 5% deductible on the same policy would mean $17,500 in out-of-pocket costs.
This amount applies to the total cost of hurricane-related damage to your home, including your pool cage if it's listed under your dwelling or other structures coverage. You should check your declarations page to find your exact percentage, since it varies by insurer and property location.
Florida law under Fla. Stat. § 627.701 sets clear rules for when a hurricane deductible applies. It kicks in once a hurricane watch or warning is issued for your area and stays in effect for 72 hours after the storm ends.
Damage that happens outside this window, such as from a regular thunderstorm, falls under your standard "all other perils" deductible instead. This distinction matters for pool cage damage, since wind speeds and storm classification can affect which deductible applies.
Your insurer will determine which deductible fits based on the National Hurricane Center's official storm designation at the time of loss. You can only be charged one hurricane deductible per calendar year, even if multiple storms cause damage.
Pool cage repairs often cost less than your hurricane deductible, which means many homeowners pay for damage themselves. A full pool cage rescreening typically costs $2,000 to $5,000, while a complete rebuild can range from $8,000 to $15,000 or more depending on size and materials.
If your hurricane deductible is $10,000 or higher, you may end up paying the entire repair cost without any help from your insurer. Before filing a claim, compare your estimated repair costs to your specific deductible amount.
This comparison helps you decide whether filing a claim makes financial sense or whether it's better to handle the repair on your own.
Insurance adjusters look at several details before they approve a claim for pool cage damage. Your maintenance history, proof of what caused the damage, and whether your cage met local codes all play a role in the outcome.
Your insurer will check if your pool cage was already damaged or worn before the storm hit. If they find rust, loose screws, or old cracks, they may argue the damage was not caused by the hurricane.
Keep records that show your cage was in good shape. This includes:
These records help prove the damage came from the storm, not from years of wear and tear. Without proof, your insurer may deny your claim or reduce your payout.
You need clear proof that wind, not flooding, caused the damage to your pool cage. Most home policies cover wind damage but exclude flood damage.
Take photos and videos right after the storm, before you clean up or make repairs. Capture:
Write down the date, time, and wind speeds from local weather reports. This creates a timeline that links the damage directly to the hurricane. If you wait too long to document the scene, you lose evidence that supports your claim.
Your pool cage must meet Florida building codes at the time it was built or last repaired. Insurers often check permit records to confirm this.
If your cage was built without a permit, or if it does not meet current wind codes, your insurer may deny the claim. Pull your permit history from your county building department before you file a claim. This step can save you from a dispute later.
Acting quickly after a storm helps protect your property and strengthens your insurance claim. You need to secure the damaged area, record evidence before making repairs, and gather cost estimates to support your case.
Your policy requires you to take reasonable steps to prevent additional damage after a storm. This means covering broken screens or openings in your pool cage with tarps or plywood if it's safe to do so.
Do not attempt repairs during unsafe conditions, such as high winds or standing water near power lines. Wait until authorities declare it safe to inspect your property.
Keep all receipts for materials used to protect your pool cage, like tarps, fasteners, or plywood. Insurers often reimburse these costs as part of your claim. Skipping this step could give your insurer grounds to reduce your payout, since failing to prevent further damage may be seen as a policy violation.
Take photos and videos of your pool cage from multiple angles before you clean up or remove debris. Capture bent frames, torn screens, cracked panels, and any nearby damage to fencing or landscaping.
Write down the date and time of the storm, along with a list of visible damage. Include close-up shots of serial numbers or manufacturer tags if visible.
Avoid discarding damaged materials until your insurer or adjuster has reviewed them. Some companies require physical evidence to confirm the extent of the loss. If you must remove debris for safety reasons, photograph it first and store samples when possible.
Contact licensed contractors who specialize in pool cage or screen enclosure repair. Request written estimates that break down labor, materials, and total cost.
Get at least two or three estimates to compare pricing and scope of work. This helps you spot inconsistencies and gives your insurer a clear picture of fair market costs.
Ask contractors to note if the damage affects the structural integrity of the frame, not just the screening. This detail can impact how much your insurer agrees to pay. Keep copies of every estimate, along with contractor contact information, in case your insurer requests documentation later.
Filing a claim for pool cage damage follows the same basic steps as any other hurricane claim, but timing, documentation, and how you handle the settlement offer all affect your payout.
Contact your insurance company as soon as it's safe to do so after the storm. Florida law gives insurers up to 14 days to acknowledge your claim, but you should not wait that long to report it.
Take photos and videos of the damaged pool cage before you touch anything or start cleanup. Capture the full structure, bent or broken panels, torn screens, and any debris still inside.
Write down the date and time the damage happened, if you know it. Keep a list of every phone call, email, and letter you send to your insurer.
Florida homeowners generally have one year from the date of the storm to file a hurricane-related claim, so don't delay past that window.
Your insurer will send an adjuster to inspect the pool cage and estimate repair costs. Walk through the damage with the adjuster in person if you can, and point out every broken or missing part.
Get a written repair estimate from a licensed contractor before the adjuster's visit, if possible. This gives you a second opinion to compare against the insurer's numbers.
Ask the contractor these questions:
If your estimate and the adjuster's estimate differ by a large amount, you may want to hire a public adjuster to review the claim.
Read the settlement offer line by line before you agree to anything. Check that it covers the full cost of materials, labor, and any code-required upgrades to the pool cage.
Compare the offer against your own contractor's estimate. If the numbers don't match, ask your insurer to explain the difference in writing.
Look closely at whether the insurer applied depreciation or your hurricane deductible correctly. These deductions can lower your payout by thousands of dollars.
You don't have to accept the first offer. If you believe the amount is too low, you can request a re-inspection, submit additional documentation, or dispute the claim through Florida's mediation program before signing off on the settlement.
Your policy type affects how much money you get for a damaged pool cage. Building codes may also require upgrades that cost more than a basic repair, and picking the right contractor matters just as much as the insurance payout.
Your policy pays out based on one of two methods: actual cash value (ACV) or replacement cost value (RCV).
ACV pays for the cost to replace your pool cage minus depreciation. If your screen enclosure is 10 years old, you may only get a fraction of what a new one costs.
RCV pays the full cost to rebuild without subtracting for age or wear. This means more money in your pocket, but it usually comes with a higher premium.
Check your declarations page to see which one applies to your pool cage. Many insurers write pool cages and screen enclosures under ACV even if the rest of your home has RCV coverage. If you're not sure, call your agent and ask directly.
Florida has updated its building codes several times since major hurricanes hit the state. If your pool cage was built under older rules, you may need to upgrade materials or design to meet current wind load standards.
Standard homeowners policies often don't pay for these upgrades. This is where ordinance or law coverage comes in.
This add-on pays for the extra cost of meeting current building codes when you repair or rebuild. Without it, you could pay thousands out of pocket for stronger aluminum framing, higher-rated screens, or new anchoring systems.
Ask your insurer if this coverage is included or available as an endorsement. If your pool cage sits in a high-wind zone, this coverage can make a real difference in your final cost.
Florida requires pool cage contractors to hold a state license. This protects you from bad work and helps ensure the rebuild meets local wind codes.
Before hiring anyone, check the contractor's license number on the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation website. Ask for proof of insurance too, including workers' compensation and liability coverage.
Get a written estimate that lists the Notice of Acceptance (NOA) number for the materials used. This number confirms the products meet Florida's wind resistance standards.
Avoid contractors who ask for full payment upfront or pressure you to sign quickly after a storm. Storm season often brings scammers looking to take advantage of homeowners dealing with damage.
You can lower your risk of costly damage by making smart choices about materials, coverage, and upkeep. These steps can help protect your pool cage and reduce financial surprises after the next storm.
Not all pool cages are built the same. If yours was installed before 2002, it may not meet current wind load standards set by Florida building codes.
Newer materials can handle much higher wind speeds. Look for these options when upgrading:
A licensed contractor can check your current setup and tell you if it meets today's codes. This step matters because some insurers offer lower premiums for upgraded, code-compliant structures.
Your policy limits may not match the actual cost to replace your pool cage. Prices for materials and labor have gone up in recent years, so an outdated policy could leave you underinsured.
Before hurricane season starts each year, call your insurance agent and ask these questions:
This yearly check takes only a few minutes but can prevent a major gap in coverage. It also gives you time to add coverage before storm season begins, since most insurers stop new policies once a storm is named.
Regular maintenance can reduce damage and support any future insurance claim. Small problems, like loose screws or worn screening, often get worse during high winds.
Check your pool cage a few times a year for these signs:
Keep photos and receipts of any repairs you make. This record can help prove the enclosure was in good condition before a storm, which may support your claim if damage happens later.
Here are answers to common questions about hurricane coverage for pool cages in Florida.
Yes, in most cases. Standard Florida homeowners policies cover hurricane damage to pool cages when the damage comes from wind, hail, or debris. Your policy details and deductible will affect how much you get paid.
Some policies limit or exclude screen damage, even if the frame is covered. Check your policy wording to see how your pool enclosure is classified.
Wind damage to screens and frames is usually covered. This includes torn screens, bent panels, and broken supports caused by high winds during a storm.
Damage from falling tree limbs or wind-blown debris is also commonly covered. If a tree branch punches a hole in your screen or bends a support beam, your policy should cover the repair, subject to your deductible.
Wind damage is typically covered under most standard homeowners policies in Florida. This applies to damage from hurricanes, tropical storms, and other high wind events.
Coverage depends on your specific policy terms. Some insurers place limits on screen enclosure coverage or require separate endorsements for full protection.
Yes, if the damage came from a named storm, your hurricane deductible likely applies. This deductible is often a percentage of your home's insured value, not a flat dollar amount like your regular deductible.
Hurricane deductibles in Florida commonly range from 2% to 5% of your dwelling coverage. This means you could pay several thousand dollars out of pocket before your insurance starts to pay.
Pool cages attached to your home are often covered under dwelling coverage. Detached pool enclosures usually fall under the "other structures" portion of your policy instead.
The other structures coverage limit is typically a percentage of your dwelling coverage, often around 10%. This lower limit can affect how much you receive if your detached pool cage needs full replacement.
You need clear photos of the damage taken as soon as it's safe after the storm. Photos from multiple angles help show the full extent of the damage to screens, frames, and supports.
Keep any repair estimates, receipts for temporary repairs, and records of maintenance done before the storm. Insurance adjusters look at maintenance history along with storm damage, so this documentation can support your claim.
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