Was Hurricane Michael a Category 5?

Yes. In 2019, NOAA upgraded Michael to a Category 5 at landfall near Mexico Beach, with sustained winds of about 160 mph.

How do I lower wind insurance costs in Bay County?

A current wind mitigation inspection documents features like roof attachment and opening protection that earn credits. Compare insurers, since credits vary.

What hurricane deductible options do I have in Florida?

Insurers must offer $500, 2%, 5% and 10% of your dwelling coverage. A lower deductible costs more in premium but less after a storm.

Bay County

Home and auto insurance in Panama City and Bay County after Hurricane Michael

By the Florida Coverage Compare editorial team · Last updated October 31, 2026

The short answer

On October 10, 2018, Hurricane Michael made landfall near Mexico Beach and Tyndall Air Force Base in Bay County. In 2019, NOAA upgraded it to a Category 5 at landfall, with winds of about 160 mph, the first Category 5 to strike the U.S. since Hurricane Andrew in 1992. For Panhandle homeowners, it showed that the most extreme wind can hit this coast too.

Hurricane Michael, 2018

NOAA's National Hurricane Center concluded in its post-storm analysis that Michael's sustained winds at landfall were about 160 mph, just over the Category 5 threshold. It was only the fourth Category 5 hurricane on record to make landfall in the United States.

Wind coverage and roofs

Michael's damage was overwhelmingly from wind. A wind mitigation inspection documents the roof attachment, roof-to-wall connections and opening protection that earn insurance credits, and newer construction built to the current Florida Building Code usually scores better.

Choosing a hurricane deductible

Florida insurers must offer hurricane deductibles of $500, 2%, 5% or 10% of dwelling coverage. After a storm like Michael, a lower deductible can mean thousands of dollars less out of pocket, at the cost of a higher premium. Compare both with a licensed agent.

Auto insurance in Panama City and Bay

Bay County drivers carry Florida's minimums: $10,000 PIP and $10,000 property damage liability. Comprehensive coverage is what pays when falling trees or debris damage your car in a hurricane.

Common questions in Panama City and Bay

Was Hurricane Michael a Category 5?: Yes. In 2019, NOAA upgraded Michael to a Category 5 at landfall near Mexico Beach, with sustained winds of about 160 mph.
How do I lower wind insurance costs in Bay County?: A current wind mitigation inspection documents features like roof attachment and opening protection that earn credits. Compare insurers, since credits vary.
What hurricane deductible options do I have in Florida?: Insurers must offer $500, 2%, 5% and 10% of your dwelling coverage. A lower deductible costs more in premium but less after a storm.

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General information, not insurance advice. Florida Coverage Compare is not an insurance company or agent. Confirm details with a licensed agent or the official source.