United States 

Department of 

Agriculture

Federal Crop

Insurance

Corporation

FCIC-24360 (06-2023)

HURRICANE

INSURANCE 

PROTECTION-WIND 

INDEX STANDARDS 

HANDBOOK

2024 and Succeeding Crop Years
THIS PAGE IS INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK
June 2023 FCIC-24360 TP 1 

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

FARM PRODUCTION AND CONSERVATION

RISK MANAGEMENT AGENCY

TITLE: HURRICANE INSURANCE PROTECTION-WIND 

INDEX STANDARDS HANDBOOK

NUMBER: FCIC-24360

OPI: Product Management

EFFECTIVE DATE: 2024 and Succeeding Crop Years ISSUE DATE: June 29, 2023

SUBJECT:

Provides the procedures and instructions for 

administering the Hurricane Insurance ProtectionWind Index Endorsement

APPROVED: 

/s/ John W. Underwood for 

Deputy Administrator for Product Management

REASON FOR ISSUANCE

This handbook provides the official FCIC approved standards for administering the Hurricane Insurance 

Protection-Wind Index Endorsement for the 2024 and succeeding crop years for crops with a contract change 

date of June 30, 2023, or later. This handbook replaces FCIC-24360, Risk Management Agency Hurricane 

Insurance Protection-Wind Index Standards Handbook, dated February 14, 2023. This handbook is effective 

upon approval and until obsoleted.

SUMMARY OF CHANGES

Listed below are the changes to the 2024 Hurricane Insurance Protection-Wind Index Standards Handbook 

with significant content change. All changes and additions are highlighted. Minor changes and corrections are 

not included in this listing. *** used throughout the handbook indicate where major deletions occurred. 

REFERENCE DESCRIPTION OF CHANGE

TP Pages Removed control chart and combined the filing instructions with the reason for 

issuance.

Para. 1D Updated the related handbooks statements.

Para. 17 Updated High-Risk Paragraph to reflect HRACE removal.

Para. 22B Added reference to TS waiting period procedure for an initial year election.

Para. 22C Added reference to TS waiting period procedure for a subsequent year.

Para. 31B(1) Clarified coverage rules for crops that do not require an acreage report.

Para. 52F Added “Attachment of Coverage” that provides all initial TS elections will be 

subject to waiting period.

Para. 54B Added language describing TS indemnity payments when weather event occurs in 

waiting period.

Para. 54B Added examples to address TS events that occur during waiting period.

Exhibit 1 Removed HRACE abbreviation.

Exhibit 2 Updated “Weather Event” definition.

Exhibit 3C Added disclaimer language to required statements.
June 2023 FCIC-24360 TC 1 

HURRICANE INSURANCE PROTECTION-WIND INDEX STANDARDS HANDBOOK

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART 1: GENERAL INFORMATION AND RESPONSIBLITIES............................................................................... 1

1 General Information...................................................................................................................... 1

2 Responsibilities ............................................................................................................................. 2

3-10 (Reserved)..................................................................................................................................... 2

PART 2: REQUIREMENTS AND INFORMATION................................................................................................ 3

11 Eligibility Requirements ................................................................................................................. 3

12 HIP-WI Plan of Insurance Code...................................................................................................... 3

13 Continuous Endorsement.............................................................................................................. 3

14 Cancellation or Policy Change ....................................................................................................... 3

15 Administrative Fees and Premium ................................................................................................ 4

16 Written Agreements ..................................................................................................................... 4

17 Impact of High-Risk Land............................................................................................................... 5

18 Underlying Policy Requirements................................................................................................... 5

19 Supplemental Coverage Option and Stacked Income Protection Policy........................................ 5

20 Duplicate Policy Exceptions........................................................................................................... 6

21 Planted Acreage Only.................................................................................................................... 6

22 Attachment of Coverage ............................................................................................................... 7

23 Insurable Acreage and Inventory .................................................................................................. 9

24 Units ............................................................................................................................................10

25 Summary of Coverage/Schedule of Insurance ............................................................................10

26 Insurable Cause of Loss...............................................................................................................10

27 Nursery ........................................................................................................................................11

28 Exclusions and Other coverages..................................................................................................11

29-30 (Reserved)...................................................................................................................................11

PART 3: ACREAGE REPORTING .....................................................................................................................12

31 Acreage Reporting Requirements for HIP-WI ..............................................................................12

32 Acreage Adjustments to the Underlying Policy ...........................................................................14

33-40 (Reserved)...................................................................................................................................14

PART 4: DETERMINING HURRICANE PROTECTION AND INDEMNITY.............................................................15

41 Hurricane Protection Amount.....................................................................................................15

42 Indemnity ....................................................................................................................................17

43-50 (Reserved)...................................................................................................................................18
June 2023 FCIC-24360 TC 2 

HURRICANE INSURANCE PROTECTION-WIND INDEX STANDARDS HANDBOOK

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART 5: TROPICAL STORM OPTION ..............................................................................................................19

51 General Information....................................................................................................................19

52 TS Requirements.........................................................................................................................19

53 Insurable Cause of Loss...............................................................................................................20

54 Indemnity ....................................................................................................................................20

55-60 (Reserved)...................................................................................................................................23

EXHIBITS .......................................................................................................................................................24

Exhibit 1 Acronyms and Abbreviations................................................................................................. 24

Exhibit 2 Definitions .............................................................................................................................25

Exhibit 3 Form Standards .....................................................................................................................28

Exhibit 4 HIP-WI Endorsement Calculation Examples ...........................................................................30
June 2023 FCIC-24360 1 

PART 1: GENERAL INFORMATION AND RESPONSIBLITIES

1 General Information

A. Purpose and Objective

This handbook provides the FCIC approved procedures for administering the HIP-WI 

Endorsement. HIP-WI attaches to and is made part of the CCIP and CP for the insured crop. 

HIP-WI provides coverage for a portion of the deductible of the underlying policy that is not 

otherwise covered, when the county, or a county adjacent to it, is subject to sustained 

hurricane force winds within its boundaries according to the NOAA and determined by FCIC. 

The TS to the HIP-WI Endorsement also provides coverage for the same portion of the 

deductible of the underlying policy that is not otherwise covered when the county, or a county 

adjacent to it, is subject to a tropical storm or a hurricane within its boundaries according to the 

HDP and determined by FCIC.

B. Source of Authority

Federal programs enacted by Congress and the regulations and policies developed by RMA, 

USDA, and other Federal agencies provide the authority for program and administrative 

operations, and basis for RMA directives (see CIH Para 1B). 

C. Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964

The USDA prohibits discrimination against its customers. Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 

provides that “No person in the United States shall, on the ground of race, color, or national 

origin, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to 

discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.” Therefore, 

programs and activities that receive Federal financial assistance must operate in a nondiscriminatory manner. Also, a recipient of RMA funding may not retaliate against any person 

because they opposed an unlawful practice or policy, or made charges, testified or participated 

in a complaint under Title VI.

It is the AIPs’ responsibility to ensure that standards, procedures, methods, and instructions, as 

authorized by FCIC in the sale and service of crop insurance contracts, are implemented in a 

manner compliant with Title VI. Information regarding Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 

and the program discrimination complaint process is available on the USDA public website at 

www.ascr.usda.gov. For more information on the RMA Non-Discrimination Statement, see the 

DSSH.
June 2023 FCIC-24360 2 

1 General Information (Continued) 

D. Related Handbooks

The following table provides handbooks related to this handbook.

Handbook Relation/Purpose

DSSH This handbook provides the official FCIC-approved form standards for use in the 

sale and service of any eligible Federal crop insurance policy; required 

statements and disclosures; and the standards for submission and review of 

non-reinsured supplemental policies in accordance with the SRA.

CIH This handbook provides the official FCIC-approved underwriting standards for 

policies administered by AIPs for the General Administrative Regulations, 

Common Crop Insurance Policy Basic Provisions, and Area Risk Protection 

Regulations.

GSH This handbook provides the official FCIC-approved standards for policies 

administered by AIPs under the General Administrative Regulations, Common 

Crop Insurance Policy Regulations Basic Provisions, including the Catastrophic 

Risk Protection Endorsement; the Area Risk Protection Insurance Regulations 

Basic Provisions; the Stacked Income Protection Plan of Insurance; the Rainfall 

Index Plan; and the Whole-Farm Revenue Protection Pilot Policy.

E. Area of Applicability

The HIP-WI Endorsement is available for CAT and additional coverage policies when provided in 

the AD. 

2 Responsibilities

A. RMA Responsibilities

RMA will maintain and update this handbook as needed and provide guidance and clarifications 

to the AIP as requested.

B. AIP Responsibilities

AIPs will utilize this handbook and other standards, procedures, and instructions as authorized 

by RMA for the purpose of selling and servicing the HIP-WI Endorsement. AIPs should report 

program issues or concerns to RMA.

3-10 (Reserved) 
June 2023 FCIC-24360 3 

PART 2: REQUIREMENTS AND INFORMATION

11 Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for the HIP-WI Endorsement, the insured must:

(1) have an insurance policy under the CCIP and the applicable CP with the same AIP;

(2) elect the HIP-WI Endorsement on or before the HIP-WI SCD; 

(3) elect a HIP-WI coverage percentage;

(4) not have elected the OLO or the CTV Endorsement for the underlying policy; and

(5) comply with all terms and conditions of the HIP-WI Endorsement.

12 HIP-WI Plan of Insurance Code

When elected, the HIP-WI Endorsement establishes a separate plan of insurance code of 37 for the 

HIP-WI Endorsement coverage for IT processing purposes only. Although the HIP-WI Endorsement 

creates an insurance plan for IT processing, the AD identify HIP-WI Endorsement availability as 

additional tabs for the underlying policy’s plan of insurance, on the AD. 

13 Continuous Endorsement

The HIP-WI Endorsement is a continuous endorsement and will remain in effect until cancelled by the 

insured or the AIP on or before the cancellation date.

14 Cancellation or Policy Change

If the insured’s underlying policy for the crop is cancelled, voided, or terminated, coverage under the 

HIP-WI Endorsement is automatically cancelled, voided, or terminated.

Note: For Pecan Revenue, if the HIP-WI Endorsement is available, the HIP-WI Endorsement 

may be elected by the SCD and cancelled by the cancellation date for either year of the 

two-year coverage module. 

Other changes made to the underlying policy do not cancel the HIP-WI Endorsement provided the new 

coverage (plan of insurance, etc.) also allows HIP-WI. The HIP-WI Endorsement will provide HIP-WI 

coverage based on the changes to the coverage level or plan of insurance of the underlying policy.

Example: The insured changes their coverage level on their underlying policy from 80 percent to 

70 percent. Their HIP-WI Endorsement coverage will change from covering 80 to 95 

percent to covering 70 to 95 percent, increasing HIP-WI coverage from 15 percent to 25 

percent. 
June 2023 FCIC-24360 4 

14 Cancellation or Policy Change (Continued)

The HIP-WI Endorsement will remain in effect when an insured adds, modifies, or removes any SCO, or 

STAX or other applicable endorsement coverage associated with the underlying policy. However, such 

changes may impact the amount of HIP-WI coverage (see Para. 19).

15 Administrative Fees and Premium

A. Administrative Fees

An administrative fee and premium for each crop covered by the HIP-WI Endorsement will be 

due in addition to any administrative fee(s) and/or premium(s) of the underlying policy (GSH 

Para. 807-809) for the crop year in which the HIP-WI Endorsement attaches to the underlying 

policy. The administrative fee for HIP-WI coverage is on a policy basis and only attaches to the 

underlying policy. However, the HIP-WI administrative fee may be waived for insureds who 

qualify as a limited resource farmer, a BFR or a VFR (see GSH Para. 809).

Note: The HIP-WI Endorsement attaches only to the underlying policy and not to an 

endorsement. Therefore, only one administrative fee is charged for HIP-WI 

coverage.

Example: An insured has a RP policy and elects the Cottonseed Endorsement, SCO 

Endorsement, and the HIP-WI Endorsement. The insured would pay four 

administrative fees, based on these elections, as follows:

(1) administrative fee for the RP (underlying policy); 

(2) administrative fee for the Cottonseed Endorsement (attached to the 

underlying policy); 

(3) administrative fee for SCO (attached to the underlying policy); and

(4) administrative fee for the HIP-WI Endorsement (attached to the 

underlying policy).

B. Premium

Premium for HIP-WI is calculated by multiplying the HPA by the premium rate and any premium 

adjustment percentages that may apply. All information needed to calculate the premium is 

contained on the AD. 

16 Written Agreements

(1) WAs are not authorized to add the HIP-WI Endorsement to an underlying policy when the HIPWI Endorsement is not provided on the AD for the crop, practice, and type in the county. 
June 2023 FCIC-24360 5 

16 Written Agreements (Continued)

Example: The insured has a WA to insure corn in County A, which allows a crop to be 

insured in a county when the AD do not include that crop in the county. The XC 

WA references County Z which offers the HIP-WI endorsement. The County A 

corn policy cannot have HIP-WI coverage because HIP-WI is not provided for 

corn in the AD in County A. A crop in a county can only have HIP-WI coverage if 

the HIP-WI plan of insurance is specifically listed in the AD for that state, crop, 

and county.

(2) If the HIP-WI Endorsement is available in the AD for the crop, practice, and type in county 

where the crop is physically located, the HIP-WI Endorsement may be elected when a WA 

applies to the underlying policy.

Example: The insured has a HR WA on their underlying policy for NI corn for grain and the 

HIP-WI is available for NI corn for grain. Since the HIP-WI is available for the 

crop/county/P/T, the insured may elect HIP-WI for the policy even though the 

HR WA is applicable.

17 Impact of High-Risk Land

(1) High-risk acreage insured by the underlying additional coverage policy (base policy), see CIH 

Para. 903A(2)(a), is insurable under HIP-WI.

(2) Any high-risk acreage excluded from coverage under the base policy (see CIH Para. 903A(1)(a)) 

will not be insurable under HIP-WI.

(3) If the high-risk acreage is insured under a CAT policy (see CIH Para. 903A(1)(b)) the insured may 

elect to insure their high-risk acreage under the HIP-WI Endorsement.

(4) When high risk acreage is insured under a separate additional coverage policy (high-risk policy)

if available in the actuarial documents (see CIH Para 903A(1)(c)), the HIP-WI Endorsement must 

be elected on the high-risk policy when the insured elects the HIP-WI Endorsement on their 

base policy. The HIP-WI Endorsement elected on the high-risk policy must also have the same 

coverage percentage as the HIP-WI Endorsement on the base policy. 

18 Underlying Policy Requirements

The HIP-WI Endorsement can only be elected if the insured has an underlying policy insured under the 

CCIP. Both the underlying policy and HIP-WI must be with the same AIP.

Example: The HIP-WI Endorsement requires a CCIP underlying or companion policy. HIP-WI is not 

available with ARPI, WFRP, or with STAX when STAX is a standalone policy. 

19 Supplemental Coverage Option and Stacked Income Protection Policy

The insured may elect both the HIP-WI Endorsement and SCO or the HIP-WI Endorsement and STAX, if 

they meet the eligibility requirements of both programs. The insured may also elect the HIP-WI 

Endorsement, SCO and STAX; however, the same acreage cannot be insured under both the SCO and 

STAX.
June 2023 FCIC-24360 6 

19 Supplemental Coverage Option and Stacked Income Protection Policy (Continued)

If the insured has elected both the HIP-WI Endorsement and STAX, then the upland cotton must also 

be insured under the CCIP BP. If the underlying policy is ARPI or a standalone STAX policy, the HIP-WI 

Endorsement is not available for the upland cotton.

After the HIP-WI SCD, if SCO coverage on a FN is removed due to the election of ARC on the FN, or if 

STAX coverage on a FN is removed due to enrollment in either the ARC or PLC program, HIP-WI 

coverage will not be increased to the underlying policy coverage, unless the change to SCO or STAX 

coverage is reported by the insured on or before the ARD.

20 Duplicate Policy Exceptions

The HIP-WI Endorsement is not considered a duplicate policy with an underlying policy when available 

in the AD. 

21 Planted Acreage Only

(1) Only planted acreage can be insured under HIP-WI. When HIP-WI is elected, all eligible 

(insured) planted acreage of the crop, including perennial crops, inventory of the crop (e.g., 

nursery), and insurable trees and plants in the county where those acres, inventory, or trees 

and plants are insured by the underlying crop policy must also be insured under the HIP-WI 

Endorsement when all acreage or inventory of the crop is required to be insured by the 

underlying policy. Any crop acreage, inventory, or trees and plants that are not insured by the 

underlying policy are not covered by HIP-WI.

If a qualifying event triggers an indemnity during a planting period, as defined in the AD, the 

insurable acreage planted as of that event date is insured under HIP-WI and eligible for an 

indemnity. If additional insurable crop acreage is planted during the same planting period after 

that qualifying event, the additional insurable crop acreage will be insurable and eligible for an 

indemnity payment if a second qualifying event occurs.

Example: Farmer A has 50 insurable crop acres planted when Hurricane A triggers the 

county and Farmer A receives a HIP-WI indemnity for the 50 acres. After the 

hurricane, Farmer A plants an additional 150 insurable crop acres before the 

final planting date. If Hurricane D triggers the county after Farmer A plants an 

additional 150 acres, Farmer A can receive a HIP-WI indemnity on the additional 

150 acres, bringing the total acres indemnified to 200 acres (50 acres due to 

Hurricane A plus 150 acres due to Hurricane D).

(2) Insurable acreage planted during the late planting period is eligible for HIP-WI coverage based 

on the late planted guarantee. If acreage is planted after the late planting period or after the 

final planting date when no late planting period applies and the underlying policy guarantee is 

reduced to the same level as a prevented planting guarantee, the acreage will be covered by 

HIP-WI based on the reduced guarantee of the underlying policy.
June 2023 FCIC-24360 7 

21 Planted Acreage Only (Continued)

(3) HIP-WI will not insure any crop acreage prevented from planting.

(4) For planted cotton acres where cottonseed endorsement exists, HIP-WI coverage will apply to 

both the underlying cotton crop policy and the cottonseed endorsement.

22 Attachment of Coverage

A. Insurance Period

(1) Begins on the insurance attachment date, when provided in the HIP-WI AD. When no 

insurance attachment date is provided on the HIP-WI AD, the insurance period begins 

on the later of:

(a) the SCD for the underlying policy; or

(b) the earliest planting date, for each planting period when applicable, for the 

underlying policy. 

(2) Ends on the end of insurance date, for each planting period when applicable, when 

provided in the:

(a) HIP-WI AD; or

(b) underlying policy AD when not provided in the HIP-WI AD. 

(3) In lieu of (1) and (2), for those crops where the underlying policy requires a waiting 

period, the period:

(a) beginning on the date insurance attaches on the underlying policy; and

(b) ending on the:

(i) end of insurance date, for each planting period when applicable, when 

provided in the HIP-WI AD; or

(ii) end of insurance date published, for each planting period when 

applicable, provided in the underlying policy AD when not provided in the 

HIP-WI AD. 

B. Initial Year of Election

The initial year HIP-WI is elected, coverage will not begin until 14 days after the SCD. Where 

the underlying policy also requires a similar waiting period, the waiting periods will run 

concurrently and if the underlying policy waiting period is longer than 14 days, the HIP-WI 

waiting period will extend to match the underlying policy waiting period length (for the initial 

year TS is elected, see Para. 52F). 
June 2023 FCIC-24360 8 

22 Attachment of Coverage (Continued)

B. Initial Year of Election (Continued)

Example: Nursery Crop policies are subject to a 30-day waiting period before 

commencement of coverage. If the application for a Nursery Crop policy and the 

HIP-WI is filed on or before the SCD, the HIP-WI waiting period will begin on the 

date the application is filed and all required documentation is provided and will 

expand to run the entirety of the 30-day waiting period for the Nursery Crop 

policy.

C. Subsequent Years

For subsequent years, HIP-WI coverage may be adjusted (e.g., lowering coverage on underlying 

policy, increasing HIP-WI coverage percentage, decreasing STAX coverage level, etc.) on or 

before the SCD. If HIP-WI coverage is:

(1) Decreased, the decreased coverage will take effect immediately (there is no waiting 

period). If a qualifying event triggers the county, HIP-WI coverage will be based on the 

lower coverage for the current insured year.

(2) Increased, the increased coverage will not be effective until the later of 14 days after 

the SCD, or the end of the waiting period for the underlying policy, when a waiting 

period is required by the underlying policy.

(a) If a qualifying event triggers the county within the 14-day waiting period, or 

within the waiting period for the underlying policy when required, HIP-WI 

coverage (including liability, premium, and any indemnity) will be calculated 

based on the lower HIP-WI coverage from the previous crop year for the acreage 

insured under HIP-WI at that time (for information regarding increased coverage 

in a subsequent year when the TS applies, see Para. 54B). 

Example: Farmer A elected 70 percent coverage level for winter wheat on 

the underlying policy for crop year 2021. In crop year 2022, 

Farmer A lowers the coverage level on the underlying winter 

wheat policy to 65 percent which increases the coverage under 

HIP-WI for winter wheat. If Farmer A’s county is triggered within 

the 14-day waiting period, HIP-WI coverage and indemnity will be 

calculated based on the HIP-WI coverage from the 2021 crop year.

(b) If additional acreage is insured under HIP-WI after the 14-day waiting period, or 

the waiting period of the underlying policy, that acreage will be insured using the 

current year’s HIP-WI coverage.
June 2023 FCIC-24360 9 

22 Attachment of Coverage (Continued)

C. Subsequent Years (Continued)

Example: Using the example in (a) above, in crop year 2022 Farmer A plants 

100 acres of winter wheat on 10/05/2021, a hurricane makes 

landfall in the county on 10/10/2021, which is within 14 days after 

the SCD, triggering the county. Since coverage under the HIP-WI 

was increased from the prior year, the coverage and indemnity for 

this triggered event will be based on the prior year’s HIP-WI 

coverage. Farmer A plants an additional 50 acres on 10/20/21; 

HIP-WI coverage on the additional acres will be based on the 2022 

elected coverage instead of being limited to the prior year’s lower 

coverage.

23 Insurable Acreage and Inventory

(1) All eligible planted (insured) acreage, including perennial crops, inventory of the crop (e.g., 

nursery) and insurable trees and plants in the county where those acres, inventory, or trees and 

plants are insured by the underlying policy must be insured under the HIP-WI.

This includes all acreage of a crop when there are different planting periods, unless:

(a) the underlying policy allows the planting periods to be insured separately; or

(b) the AD do not provide a HIP-WI rate for all planting periods. 

If the AD provide a HIP-WI rate for multiple planting periods, all planting periods must be 

insured under the HIP-WI Endorsement whenever the crop is planted in multiple planting 

periods. If the AD only provide a HIP-WI rate for one, or some, of the planting periods, then 

only those planting period(s) for which the AD provide a rate can be insured under the HIP-WI 

Endorsement, even if the crop is planted in all planting periods.

Example: A crop policy has a fall, winter, and spring planting period. The HIP-WI insurance 

period for the spring planting period is 12/16 - 5/31 (entirely outside of the 

hurricane season). The HIP-WI insurance period for the fall planting period is 

9/12 - 2/15. The HIP-WI insurance period for the winter planting period is 10/2 - 

4/15. If the AD provide a HIP-WI rate for all planting periods, then all planting 

periods must be insured under the HIP-WI Endorsement if the crop is planted in 

all planting periods. If the AD only provide a HIP-WI rate for the fall and winter 

planting periods, then the fall and winter planting periods can be insured under 

the HIP-WI Endorsement but not the spring planting period, even if the crop was 

planted in all planting periods.
June 2023 FCIC-24360 10

23 Insurable Acreage and Inventory (Continued)

(2) Any crop acreage or inventory that is not insured by the underlying crop policy is not covered 

by HIP-WI.

(3) Any insurable crop acreage planted after a qualifying event has triggered an indemnity payment 

will be insurable and eligible for an indemnity payment if a second qualifying event occurs.

24 Units 

In lieu of the provisions regarding units and unit division in the underlying policy, HIP-WI will be based 

on all eligible planted (insured) acreage, including perennial crops, inventory of the crop (e.g., nursery) 

and insurable trees and plants in the county insured by the underlying policy, regardless of whether 

such acreage is owned, rented for cash, or rented for a share of the crop, including acres on which the 

insured is insuring the share of the landlord/tenant.

25 Summary of Coverage/Schedule of Insurance

The Summary of Coverage/Schedule of Insurance must provide the protection, premium, and 

administrative fee for the HIP-WI.

26 Insurable Cause of Loss

Sustained hurricane winds are the only cause of loss for HIP-WI and will be determined from NOAA 

hurricane wind extents data (refer to the HDP documents). When the TS is elected, refer to Para. 53. 

NOAA publishes hurricane wind extent data for each storm track that includes the extent of the 

hurricane force winds from the hurricane’s location extended out to each of the Cartesian quadrants in 

nautical miles. The series of quadrant extents are utilized to determine the county loss trigger.

(1) To be eligible to receive an indemnity payment, the county loss trigger must have occurred in 

the county, or an adjacent county, within the insurance period.

(a) RMA will identify counties with a county loss trigger or an adjacent county on the AD. 

(b) For an insured crop under the HIP-WI Endorsement, only one indemnity payment per 

insurance period or per planting period when applicable, per acre is allowed. When the 

TS is elected, up to two indemnities are allowed. The combined indemnities are not to 

exceed 100 percent of the HPA (see Para. 54). 

(2) Individual farm yields and revenues are not considered under HIP-WI. It is possible that an 

insured’s farm may experience reduced revenue or reduced yield and not receive an indemnity 

HIP-WI.

(3) Insureds are not required to file notices of loss.
June 2023 FCIC-24360 11

27 Nursery 

HIP-WI coverage for nursery crop policies is based on the crop value using the initial PIVR filed by the 

policyholder. HIP-WI coverage does not consider any increases that may occur at any time throughout

the crop year based on a revised PIVR or Peak Endorsement.

(1) When an insured has Nursery FG&C with HIP-WI and changes to NVS with HIP-WI, the Nursery 

FG&C is prorated and the total premium for HIP-WI is also prorated using the same factor as 

was used for the Nursery FG&C.

(2) Each nursery practice is treated as a separate crop; therefore, HIP-WI can apply to one practice 

but not the other.

(3) Since a new nursery policy under Nursery FG&C and NVS can be obtained at any time during 

the year, the insured may likewise purchase HIP-WI for a new policy, if elected at the time of 

the nursery crop application. Waiting periods as described in Para. 14 apply. 

28 Exclusions and Other coverages

HIP-WI does not provide indemnities for acreage that is prevented from planting or any replanting 

reimbursement. It is also not available with the OLO or the CTV Endorsement. The coverage provided 

by HIP-WI may be combined with other endorsements that provide additional coverage for a portion of 

the underlying policy deductible and does not provide the same coverage as the HIP-WI coverage 

range. Examples of other endorsements that can be combined with HIP-WI include SCO and STAX, 

when STAX acreage is also insured by a companion policy. 

29-30 (Reserved) 
June 2023 FCIC-24360 12

PART 3: ACREAGE REPORTING

31 Acreage Reporting Requirements for HIP-WI

Because the HIP-WI Endorsement uses the underlying policy’s acreage report, an insured is not 

required to submit an additional acreage report for HIP-WI. However, should a qualifying event trigger 

the county before the insured reports acreage for the underlying policy, the HIP-WI indemnity will not 

be paid until the insured submits an underlying policy acreage report to allow HIP-WI coverage to be 

determined. For crops which do not require an acreage report, use the crop’s equivalent of an acreage 

report. 

Example: The Nursery Crop Insurance Program does not require an acreage report but does 

require the insured to provide a PIVR, which is used to determine the amount of 

insurance. 

A. Eligible Acres

(1) The initial year a HIP-WI Endorsement is accepted:

(a) if a qualifying event triggers the county before the insured reports acreage for 

the underlying policy, the number of eligible acres for HIP-WI will be the lesser of 

the following as determined by the AIP:

(i) the number of acres specified on an intended acreage report submitted 

to the AIP by the underlying policy SCD or, for added acreage, within 10 

days of the date the insured acquires the acreage; or 

(ii) the actual acres planted at the time of the qualifying event triggers the 

county and reported on the underlying policy acreage report. 

(b) if a qualifying event has not triggered the county on or before the insured 

reports acreage for the underlying policy, the number of eligible acres for HIP-WI 

will be the planted insurable acres specified on the acreage report filed and 

accepted by the AIP on or before the ARD of the underlying policy.

Note: An intended acreage report is not required. However, for acres to be 

covered under HIP-WI the initial year of application, an insured must 

provide an acreage report prior to the qualifying event triggering the 

county. 
June 2023 FCIC-24360 13

31 Acreage Reporting Requirements for HIP-WI (Continued)

A. Eligible Acres (Continued)

(2) For any subsequent crop year:

(a) if a qualifying event triggers the county before the insured reports acreage for 

the underlying policy, the number of eligible acres for HIP-WI will be the actual 

acres planted, limited to the lesser of the following as determined by the AIP:

(i) the number of acres planted at the time of the occurrence of the 

qualifying event, which must be reported on the underlying policy 

acreage report for the current year; or

(ii) the highest number of planted insurable acres for the crop in the county 

in any one of the immediate past four crop years.

(b) if a qualifying event does not trigger the county before the insured reports their 

acreage for the underlying policy, the number of eligible acres for HIP-WI will be 

the number of acres specified on the acreage report filed and accepted by the 

AIP on or before the ARD of the underlying policy.

(3) When an intended acreage report is filed, eligible acres will be limited to the actual 

acres planted and reported on the acreage report.

B. Crops Which Do Not Require an Acreage Report

Coverage will be based on the amount of insurance determined by the crop’s equivalent of the 

acreage report.

Example: A PIVR is required for the Nursery CP instead of an acreage report, therefore, a 

PIVR is used in the same manner as an acreage report. 

When the underlying policy requires a waiting period for insurance to attach, HIP-WI coverage 

will attach the later of:

(1) the end of the waiting period for HIP-WI (SCD plus 14 days), when applicable; or

(2) the end of the waiting period for the underlying policy after all required acceptable 

reporting documents are received.

Note: If a qualifying weather event occurs during the waiting period or prior to 

underlying policy insurance attachment, no coverage will be provided. 

***
June 2023 FCIC-24360 14

32 Acreage Adjustments to the Underlying Policy

Any adjustments to the acreage report on the underlying policy will automatically apply to the HIP-WI 

Endorsement. 

Example 1: If the underlying policy acreage report is revised from what was initially reported due to 

overreported acreage by reducing the number of insurable acres, such reductions will 

also apply to the HIP-WI Endorsement automatically since HIP-WI uses the underlying 

policy’s acreage report.

Example 2: When an acreage report is revised from what was initially reported due to 

underreported acreage, assuming the underreported acreage does not meet the 

qualifications to be added as insurable acreage on a revised acreage report, the 

underreported acreage is included on the revised acreage report as unreported acreage 

or an unreported unit, when units are applicable. Liability for both the underlying policy 

and the HIP-WI Endorsement will not increase. Unreported acreage is not considered 

insurable (see CIH Para. 1232A(3)).

33-40 (Reserved)
June 2023 FCIC-24360 15

PART 4: DETERMINING HURRICANE PROTECTION AND INDEMNITY

41 Hurricane Protection Amount

The AIP must determine protection provided under HIP-WI, separately by coverage level, type, and 

practice, when applicable, then summed for the crop.

A. Calculate HPA for Underlying Policies Containing Acres

To calculate the HPA for all eligible insured acres of the crop in the county:

(1) Calculate HPA separately for all planted acres of the crop in the county with the same 

coverage level, type, and practice:

(a) Determine the insured’s hurricane coverage range by subtracting from 95 

percent the higher of the coverage level of the underlying policy, the upper end 

of the insured’s SCO coverage range (if SCO coverage applies), the upper end of 

the insured’s STAX coverage range (if STAX coverage applies), or the upper end 

of coverage of any other endorsement (if another endorsement applies); 

(b) Determine the expected crop value by dividing the liability of the underlying 

policy for those acres of the same coverage level, type, and practice by the 

coverage level for the same eligible acres and then divide by the percentage of 

the price election or percentage of projected price, as applicable, of the 

underlying policy;

Note: When SCO or STAX coverage is in effect with the underlying 

policy, use only the liability and coverage level for the underlying 

policy, not the SCO, STAX or other endorsement liability or 

coverage level.

Note: Any adjustment to liability to the underlying crop policy will apply 

to the HIP-WI Endorsement.

(c) Multiply the expected crop value by the amount of the hurricane coverage 

range; and

(d) Multiply the result of (c) by the HIP-WI coverage percentage elected by the 

insured. This is the HPA.

(2) Sum the results of (1) for each coverage level, type, and practice combination to 

determine the HPA for all eligible insured acres of the crop in the county.
June 2023 FCIC-24360 16

41 Hurricane Protection Amount (Continued)

B. Calculate HPA for Underlying Policies That Do Not Contain Acres

To calculate the HPA for the crop in the county:

(1) Calculate HPA separately for each BU on the underlying policy with the same coverage 

level:

(a) Determine the hurricane coverage range by subtracting the coverage level of the 

underlying policy from 95 percent;

(b) Determine the expected crop value by dividing the liability of the underlying 

policy by the coverage level of the underlying policy, as applicable, and then 

again by the percentage of price election or percentage of projected price, as 

applicable, of the underlying policy to determine the expected crop value;

(c) Multiply the expected crop value by the hurricane coverage range; and

(d) Multiply the result of (c) by the coverage percentage elected by the insured.

(2) For crop policies where protection is provided based on all eligible inventory, the value 

of HIP-WI will not increase when there is an increase in the underlying policy inventory 

during the crop year by a revised report allowable by the underlying policy. The HPA 

will remain consistent with the coverage established at the beginning of the insurance 

period for each planting period, where applicable, for the underlying policy.

C. Impact of ARC/PLC Election and/or Enrollment

If the underlying policy includes SCO, the HPA will not increase on a crop, practice, type, and FN

if the insured elects that FN in the ARC program and fails to report that election on the acreage 

report on or before the ARD. If the insured timely reports the election of a FN in ARC on the 

acreage report on or before the ARD, the HPA can extend to the coverage level on the 

underlying policy.

If the underlying policy includes STAX, the HPA will not increase on a crop, practice, type, and 

FN if the insured enrolls that FN in the ARC or PLC program and fails to report that enrollment 

on the acreage report on or before the ARD. If the insured timely reports the enrollment of a 

FN in ARC or PLC on the acreage report on or before the ARD, the HPA can extend to the 

coverage level on the underlying policy.

D. Adjustments to the Underlying Policy

Any liability and/or premium adjustments made on the underlying policy will apply to the HIPWI Endorsement. For example, when the underlying policy premium and indemnity is reduced 

due to first and second insured crop limitations, the protection under the HIP-WI Endorsement 

will similarly be reduced. When the HIP-WI payment is limited due to first and second insured 

crop requirements, if there is a reinstated guarantee on the underlying policy, i.e., the 

remaining 65 percent is issued for the first insured crop because there is not a loss on the 

second insured crop, the withheld 65 percent of HIP-WI indemnity will also be issued.
June 2023 FCIC-24360 17

42 Indemnity

A. Notice of Loss Requirements

Insureds are not required to file a notice of loss for HIP-WI.

B. Indemnity Due

An indemnity will be due under HIP-WI if:

(1) The county loss trigger is identified for a county, or adjacent county.

(a) RMA may add counties that were not included in the initial county release based 

upon release of updated NOAA wind extent data.

(b) Once counties are included in the list, they will not be removed even if later data 

indicates they did not meet the criteria.

(2) RMA will identify the counties and their adjacent counties meeting the trigger due to 

sustained hurricane winds.

(3) Only one indemnity per insurance period per planted acre (or equivalent) is allowed 

under the HIP-WI Endorsement, unless TS is elected. 

(4) For those crops with multiple planting periods within an insurance period, only one 

indemnity payment is allowed per eligible planting period, on a per acre basis.

Example: An insured has five acres of the crop planted on September 10 when a hurricane 

hits and triggers the county. After that hurricane, the insured plants an 

additional 25 acres within the same planting period, giving the insured a total of 

30 acres of the crop for that planting period. For the September 10 hurricane, 

the insured would be paid an indemnity on the 5 acres, assuming all 

requirements are met (Note: Eligible acres are capped when the qualifying 

event that triggers the county occurs before acreage is reported on the

underlying policy). The additional acres planted and reported on the acreage 

report during the same planting period but after the qualifying event that 

triggers the county are not eligible for an indemnity payment from that first 

event. 

If another hurricane occurs during the insurance period, the 25 additional 

insured acres planted during the planting period will be eligible for HIP- WI 

coverage and an indemnity. The 5 acres indemnified under the September 10 

hurricane are not eligible for another HIP-WI indemnity. There will be only one 

indemnity payment made for an insurance period or planting period when 

applicable, on a per acre basis.
June 2023 FCIC-24360 18

42 Indemnity (Continued)

C. Indemnity Calculation

Indemnity will be the HPA for all eligible acres, inventory, or trees and plants for the crop in the 

county when a qualifying hurricane weather event triggers the county (see Para. 41A), unless TS 

is elected, and a hurricane weather event occurs after a tropical storm weather event has 

triggered the county.

When TS is elected and a hurricane weather event occurs, the hurricane weather event 

indemnity will be 100 percent of the HPA unless an indemnity was paid previously for a tropical 

storm weather event. In this case the hurricane weather event indemnity will be any remaining 

amount of the HPA after subtracting indemnities previously paid under the HIP-WI 

Endorsement. See Para. 54. 

The total indemnity under the HIP-WI Endorsement, including the TS if applicable, cannot 

exceed 100 percent of the HPA. 

Note: HIP-WI indemnities are not based on the underlying policy’s claim for indemnity; 

therefore, any LAF that may apply to the underlying policy does not apply to the 

HIP-WI indemnity.

D. Timing of Indemnities 

Indemnities will be paid within 30 days after the later of the date:

(1) RMA releases the eligible HIP-WI counties;

(2) The date the insured provides an acceptable acreage report; or

(3) The conditions in the Basic Provisions sections 14(f)(2)-(4) are met.

43-50 (Reserved)
June 2023 FCIC-24360 19

PART 5: TROPICAL STORM OPTION

51 General Information

The TS to the HIP-WI Endorsement allows for an indemnity payment when the county, or an adjacent 

county, is subjected to a tropical storm as determined in accordance with the HDP. Insureds who wish 

to have coverage for Tropical Storms must elect TS on or before the HIP-WI SCD. Although the HPA 

does not change, TS provides an additional county loss trigger for tropical storms based on a 

combination of tropical storm windspeeds and rainfall as determined in accordance with the HDP. 

When TS is elected, 50 percent of the HPA will be paid as an indemnity whenever a county is triggered, 

and a hurricane weather event indemnity has not already been paid, not to exceed 100 percent of HPA

in a crop year. 

Tropical storm premium will be owed even if the insured county is triggered by a hurricane and 

indemnity paid prior to the arrival of a tropical storm, resulting in no remaining HPA for the crop year. 

52 TS Requirements 

A. Eligibility 

To be eligible for the TS, the insured must:

(1) meet the requirements of Para. 11; 

(2) elect the TS on or before the HIP-WI SCD; 

Exception: For crops with a HIP-WI SCD of November 1, 2022 or later for the initial 

year of TS implementation, on or before April 30, 2023, the insured must 

elect: 

(a) TS on existing HIP-WI Endorsements; or

(b) HIP-WI Endorsement with TS, if the insured does not already have 

a HIP-WI Endorsement. However, a HIP-WI Endorsement without 

TS cannot be elected after the HIP-WI SCD.

B. Continuous Option

The TS is a continuous option and will remain in effect until cancelled, or the HIP-WI 

Endorsement is cancelled, by the insured or AIP on or before the cancellation date. 

C. Coverage Factors

All coverage factors (e.g., elections, coverage percentage) remain the same as elected on the 

HIP-WI Endorsement. Only the county loss trigger is changed when TS is elected. 

D. HPA

The HPA calculated in Para. 41 is applicable to TS.
June 2023 FCIC-24360 20

52 TS Requirements (Continued)

E. TS Option Code

TS is an option to the HIP-WI Endorsement, not an endorsement to the underlying policy, and is

identified by the option code of TS. The AD identifies TS availability for the underlying policy’s 

plan of insurance.

F. Attachment of Coverage 

When the TS is initially elected, tropical storm coverage will not begin until 14 days after the 

SCD. However, when the underlying policy also requires a similar waiting period, the waiting 

periods will run concurrently, and if the underlying policy waiting period is longer than 14 days, 

the TS waiting period will extend to match the underlying policy waiting period length. If there 

are no increases in coverage to the HIP-WI Endorsement other than adding TS, the waiting 

period will not apply to hurricane weather events. 

53 Insurable Cause of Loss

The cause of loss for TS is a named tropical storm in the county insured accompanied with rainfall 

equaling 6 inches or more received within the time period of the day immediately preceding the arrival 

date of the tropical storm, the arrival date of the tropical storm, and the two days immediately 

following the arrival date of the tropical storm and will be determined in accordance with the HDP. 

NOAA publishes tropical storm wind extent data for each storm track that includes the extent of the 

tropical storm force winds from the tropical storm location extended out in nautical miles to each of 

the four intercardinal directions. The series of quadrant extents and NOAA rainfall amounts are 

utilized to determine the county loss trigger. 

Individual farm yields and revenues are not considered under HIP-WI TS. It is possible that an insured’s 

farm may experience reduced revenue or reduced yield and not receive an indemnity.

54 Indemnity

A. Indemnity Due and Multiple Indemnities

(1) An indemnity will be due under TS if:

(a) The TS county loss trigger is identified by RMA for a county, or adjacent county: 

(i) RMA may add counties that were not included in the initial county 

release based upon release of updated NOAA data.

(ii) Once counties are included in the TS trigger list, they will not be removed 

even if later data indicates they did not meet the criteria; and

(b) The planted acreage has not been triggered previously by a hurricane weather 

event (i.e., HPA for basis of indemnity is available), or triggered by more than 

one tropical storm (i.e., at least 50 percent of the HPA is available for indemnity). 

See Para. 54B for examples. 
June 2023 FCIC-24360 21

54 Indemnity (Continued)

A. Indemnity Due and Multiple Indemnities (Continued)

(2) Multiple indemnities, limited to two, per insurance period per planted acre (or 

equivalent) are allowed under the TS when the county is triggered multiple times, not to 

exceed 100 percent of the HPA. 

Example 1: An insured has 5 acres of the crop planted on September 10 when the 

county is triggered by a tropical storm. After that tropical storm, the 

insured plants an additional 25 acres within the same planting period, 

giving the insured a total of 30 acres of the crop for that planting period. 

For the September 10 tropical storm, the insured would be paid an 

indemnity on the 5 acres, assuming all requirements are met (Note: 

Eligible acres are capped when the qualifying event that triggers the 

county occurs before acreage is reported on the underlying policy). The 

additional acres planted and reported on the acreage report during the 

same planting period but after the qualifying event that triggers the 

county are not eligible for an indemnity payment from that first event.

Example 2: If another tropical storm occurs during the insurance period, the 25 

additional insured acres planted during the planting period will be eligible 

for TS coverage and possible indemnity(ies). The 5 acres indemnified 

under the September 10 tropical storm are eligible for another TS

indemnity of 50 percent of the HPA since there may be two indemnity 

payments for two separate tropical storms in an insurance period or 

planting period when applicable, on a per acre basis. However, the 

indemnities cannot exceed 100 percent of the HPA. 

(3) For those crops with multiple planting periods within an insurance period, multiple

indemnity payments, not to exceed 100% of the HPA, are allowed per eligible planting 

period, on a per acre basis.

B. Indemnity Calculation

A TS indemnity will be 50 percent of the HPA for all eligible acres, inventory, or trees and plants 

for the crop in the county when a qualifying event triggers the county (see Para. 41A for HPA

calculations). These indemnities cannot exceed 100 percent of the HPA on a per acre basis. 

If a qualifying tropical storm weather event occurs when coverage is increased and during the 

waiting period as described in Para. 22C(2)(a), the TS indemnity will be limited to 50 percent of 

the prior crop year’s HPA. Additional hurricane weather events after the waiting period will 

trigger another indemnity of the current crop year’s remaining HPA. A second TS weather 

event will trigger an indemnity of 50 percent of the current crop year’s HPA, not to exceed 100

percent of the current crop year’s HPA. 
June 2023 FCIC-24360 22

54 Indemnity (Continued)

B. Indemnity Calculation (Continued)

Example 1: An insured with HIP-WI and the TS experiences a qualifying tropical storm event 

at the beginning of the season and a qualifying hurricane event 2 months later 

within the same crop year. The qualifying tropical storm event triggers an 

indemnity of 50 percent of the HPA, and the qualifying hurricane event triggers 

an indemnity of the remaining 50 percent of the HPA. 

Example 2: An insured with HIP-WI and the TS experiences a qualifying hurricane event at 

the beginning of the season and a qualifying tropical storm event 2 months later 

within the same crop year. The qualifying hurricane event triggers an indemnity 

of 100 percent of the HPA. Even though the qualifying tropical storm event that 

occurs later triggers the county, no further indemnity will be paid for any tropical 

storm or hurricane events since 100 percent of the HPA has been paid. 

Example 3: An insured with HIP-WI and the TS experiences two qualifying tropical storm 

events at the beginning of the season and a qualifying hurricane event 2 months 

later within the same crop year. The qualifying tropical storm events trigger an 

indemnity of 50 percent for each event to the maximum of 100 percent of the 

HPA. The qualifying hurricane event triggers the county, but since 100 percent

of the HPA has been paid, no further indemnity will be paid. 

Example: An insured with HIP-WI and the TS experiences a qualifying tropical storm event 

during the 14-day waiting period (see Para. 22C(2)(a)) and another tropical storm 

event after the 14-day waiting period. The tropical storm weather event that 

occurs during the waiting period is indemnified at 50 percent of the prior crop 

year’s HPA, while the tropical storm weather event that occurs after the waiting 

period is indemnified at 50 percent of the current crop year’s HPA. 

Example: An insured with HIP-WI and the TS experiences a qualifying tropical storm

weather event during the 14-day waiting period (see Para. 22C(2)(a)) and a 

hurricane weather event after the 14-day waiting period. The tropical storm 

weather event that occurs during the waiting period is indemnified at 50 percent 

of the prior crop year’s HPA, while the hurricane weather event that occurs after 

the waiting period is indemnified for the remainder of the current crop year’s 

HPA.

C. Notice of Loss

Insureds are not required to file a notice of loss for TS. 
June 2023 FCIC-24360 23

54 Indemnity (Continued) 

D. Timing of Indemnities

Indemnities will be paid within 30 days after the later of the date:

(1) RMA releases the eligible TS counties; 

(2) The insured provides an acceptable acreage report; or

(3) The conditions in the Basic Provisions sections 14(f)(2)-(4) are met.

55-60 (Reserved)
June 2023 FCIC-24360 24

EXHIBITS 

Exhibit 1 Acronyms and Abbreviations

Approved

Acronyms/Abbreviations Term

AD Actuarial Documents

AIP Approved Insurance Provider

APH Actual Production History

ARC Agriculture Risk Coverage Program

ARPI Area Risk Protection Insurance

BFR Beginning Farmer and/or Rancher

BP Basic Provisions

CAT Catastrophic Risk Protection Endorsement

CCIP Common Crop Insurance Policy Basic Provisions

CIH Crop Insurance Handbook

CP Crop Provisions

CTV Comprehensive Tree Value

DSSH Document and Supplemental Standards Handbook

FCIC Federal Crop Insurance Corporation

FG&C Field Grown & Container

FN Farm Number

GSH General Standards Handbook

HDP Hurricane Data Provisions

HIP-WI Hurricane Insurance Protection - Wind Index

HPA Hurricane Protection Amount

HR WA High-Risk Rated Area Written Agreement

IRR Irrigated

LAF Liability Adjustment Factor

NI Non-Irrigated

NOAA National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

NVS Nursery Value Select

OLO Occurrence Loss Option

PIVR Plant Inventory Value Report

PLC Price Loss Coverage

RP Revenue Protection Plan of Insurance

RMA Risk Management Agency

SCD Sales Closing Date

SCO Supplemental Coverage Option

STAX Stacked Income Protection Plan

TS Tropical Storm Option

USDA United States Department of Agriculture

VFR Veteran Farmer or Rancher

WA Written Agreement

XC WA County Without Actuarial Documents Written Agreement

YP Yield Protection Plan of Insurance
June 2023 FCIC-24360 25

Exhibit 2 Definitions

Adjacent County: Counties identified in the US Census County Adjacency File located at 

https://www2.census.gov/geo/docs/reference/county_adjacency.txt , or successor location, unless modified 

in the actuarial documents. 

County: In addition to the definition in the Basic Provisions, county boundaries may be modified for the 

purposes of determining coverage and county loss trigger in the actuarial documents.

County Loss Trigger: The occurrence of a weather event as defined in the HIP-WI Endorsement making the 

county eligible for payment under the HIP-WI Endorsement. There is a separate county loss trigger for each 

weather event. The date of the county loss trigger will be the day of arrival of the weather event in the county 

or adjacent county, as determined by RMA in accordance with the HDP (the same county loss trigger date will 

apply to adjacent counties, when applicable for the weather event). To determine the arrival date of a 

weather event under this Endorsement, RMA will use Coordinated Universal Time (UTC), not the local time 

zone. 

Coverage Percentage: A factor the insured elects, between 1 and 100 percent in whole percent increments, 

used to determine the HPA.

Expected Crop Value: The value of the crop based on the underlying policy and determined by dividing the 

liability of the underlying policy for those acres by the coverage level and then dividing again by the percent of 

the price or price election of the underlying policy.

Final Rainfall Amount: A county average rainfall determined by FCIC, in accordance with the HDP, based on 

the grid weighted average accumulated precipitation calculated using NOAA-CPC, or successor, data. The data 

used to calculate the expected rainfall amount is conclusively presumed to be accurate but may be changed in 

accordance with section 8 of the endorsement.

Hurricane Coverage Range: The amount of difference between 95 percent and the higher of the coverage 

level of your underlying policy, or if applicable, the upper end of your SCO coverage range (if SCO coverage 

applies), STAX coverage range (if STAX coverage applies), or other endorsement coverage where such 

endorsement provides additional coverage for a portion of the underlying policy deductible. The hurricane 

coverage range is expressed as a whole percentage. The hurricane coverage range applies to all weather 

events covered by the HIP-WI Endorsement.

Hurricane Data Provisions: A document that describes the methodology utilized by FCIC, incorporating NOAA 

data, that identifies a county subjected to a weather event, and any county adjacent to that county.

Hurricane Protection Amount: The dollar amount of insurance as determined by the HIP-WI Endorsement.

The HPA applies to all weather events covered under the HIP-WI Endorsement. 
June 2023 FCIC-24360 26

Exhibit 2 Definitions (Continued)

Insurance Period: In lieu of section 11 of the Basic Provisions, the period:

(a) beginning on the insurance attachment date, when provided in the HIP-WI actuarial 

documents; or, when the insurance attachment date is not provided on the HIP-WI actuarial 

documents, the later of:

(1) the SCD for the underlying policy; or

(2) the earliest planting date, for each planting period when applicable, for the underlying 

policy. 

(b) ending on:

(1) the end of insurance date, for each planting period when applicable, when provided in 

the HIP-WI actuarial documents; or

(2) the end of insurance date for each planting period when applicable, provided in the 

underlying policy actuarial documents when not provided in the HIP-WI actuarial

documents. 

(c) In lieu of (a-b) in this definition, for those crops where the underlying policy requires a waiting 

period, the period:

(1) beginning on the date insurance attaches on the underlying policy; and 

(2) ending on:

(i) the end of insurance date, for each planting period when applicable, when 

provided in the HIP-WI actuarial documents; or

(ii) the end of insurance date for each planting period when applicable, provided in 

the underlying policy actuarial documents when not provided in the HIP-WI 

actuarial documents.

Intended Acreage Report: In lieu of the definition contained in the BP, a report of the acreage the insured

intends to plant, by crop, for the current crop year and used solely for the purpose of establishing the number 

of eligible acres for coverage under this program as indicated in Para. 31 of this handbook.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration: An agency within the United States Department of 

Commerce, or its successor.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Climate Prediction Center (NOAA CPC): A Service Center 

within NOAA's National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP), or its successor. 

Stacked Income Protection Plan: A crop insurance product for upland cotton that provides coverage for a 

portion of the expected revenue for an insured’s area. 

Supplemental Coverage Option: A county level crop insurance option that provides additional coverage for a 

portion of an insured’s underlying insurance policy deductible.
June 2023 FCIC-24360 27

Exhibit 2 Definitions (Continued)

Sustained Surface Wind: Wind speed determined by averaging observed values over a two-minute period

determined by NOAA. 

Underlying Policy: The Common Crop Insurance Policy BP published at 7 C.F.R. part 457 and Crop Provisions, 

to which this Endorsement is attached. A crop covered by any plan of insurance not under the BP will not 

qualify as an underlying policy for the Endorsement.

Weather Event: A named tropical cyclone, as identified by NOAA and determined by FCIC in accordance with 

the HDP and identified in the actuarial documents, includes hurricanes and tropical storms, when the tropical 

storm option is elected in accordance with section 12. To meet the county loss trigger:

(a) A hurricane must have maximum sustained surface winds of 64 knots (74 mph) or greater in a 

county or adjacent county.

(b) A tropical storm must have: 

(1) Maximum sustained surface winds ranging from 39-73 mph (34 to 63 knots); and 

(2) A Final Rainfall Amount of at least 6 inches received over the following four consecutive 

days: 

(i) the day immediately preceding the arrival date of the tropical storm; 

(ii) the arrival date of the tropical storm; and 

(iii) the two days immediately following the arrival date of the tropical storm. 
June 2023 FCIC-24360 28

Exhibit 3 Form Standards

Insureds who wish to insure under the HIP-WI Endorsement may amend their policy by signing and submitting 

the HIP-WI Endorsement Application, developed according to these standards on or before the SCD for the 

first crop year for which the insured wishes to elect the HIP-WI Endorsement. The AIP may combine the HIPWI Endorsement Application with another form contained in the DSSH, if the combined form meets the 

applicable standards in place for each individual form. All items within quotation marks in the subparagraphs 

below are substantive unless otherwise noted. 

A. Insured Information

(1) “Insured’s Name”

(2) “Underlying Policy Number”

(3) “Street or Mailing Address”

(4) “City, State and Zip Code”

(5) “Identification Number”

(6) “Identification Number Type”

B. Crop Information

(1) “County Name”

(2) “Crop(s)”

(3) “Crop Year”

(4) “Underlying Plan of Insurance”

(5) “HIP-WI Coverage Percentage”

(6) “HIP-WI Plan of Insurance”

(7) “Option Codes”

C. Terms and Conditions

“In addition to Section 3(b)(2) of the Basic Provisions, I hereby elect this Hurricane Insurance 

Protection - Wind Index Endorsement, and by this election I understand:

(1) I must have purchased an underlying policy consisting of the Common Crop Insurance 

Policy Basic Provisions and applicable Crop Provisions to elect this Endorsement and 

must also purchase this Endorsement with the same Approved Insurance Provider as my 

Common Crop Insurance Policy.

(2) If at any time my underlying policy for the crop is cancelled or terminated, coverage 

under this Endorsement is automatically cancelled or terminated. 
June 2023 FCIC-24360 29

Exhibit 3 Form Standards (Continued)

C. Terms and Conditions (Continued)

(3) That by electing this Endorsement, it will continue from year to year unless I or you

cancel or change my election by written notice on or before the cancellation date or my 

coverage is otherwise canceled or terminated under the terms of my underlying policy.

(4) The Hurricane Insurance Protection - Wind Index (HIP-WI) Endorsement is not an 

endorsement against a loss of actual production. The terms and conditions of the HIPWI Endorsement are different from those of an Actual Production History plan of 

insurance. The HIP-WI Endorsement does not measure, capture, or utilize the actual 

crop production of any producer or any of the actual crop production within the county 

or state. It is based upon hurricane wind data and, if elected, rainfall and tropical storm 

wind data, not individual farm yields. It is possible for you to have low crop production 

or receive high winds and high precipitation amounts on the acreage you insure and still 

not receive an indemnity payment under this plan.

(5) Separate Administrative Fees will be assessed for each crop insured under this 

Endorsement.” 

D. Required Signatures

(1) “Insured’s Printed Name, Signature and Date”

(2) “Agent’s Printed Name, Signature, Date, and Code Number”

E. Required Statements

(1) “Certification Statement” (see DSSH Para. 502) 

(2) “Privacy Act Statement” (see DSSH Para. 501) 

(3) “Nondiscrimination Statement” (see DSSH Para. 501) 
June 2023 FCIC-24360 30

Exhibit 4 HIP-WI Endorsement Calculation Examples

Producer A farms 100 acres of corn in County X and has an approved yield of 154.6 bushels per acre, with a 

100 percent share. The projected price is $4.00 per bushel, as published on the AD in County X. The producer 

elects HIP-WI coverage of 90 percent. (This information, with some changing variables, applies to the

following examples.)

A. Example for Underlying Policy with CAT Coverage:

(1) Step 1: Calculate hurricane coverage range:

Formula: 95 percent minus the maximum coverage from the underlying policy. 

0.95 - 0.50 = 0.45 hurricane coverage range

(2) Step 2: Calculate the expected crop value of the underlying policy:

Formula: Divide the liability of the underlying policy by the coverage level of the 

underlying policy, and then by the percentage of price election or 

percentage of projected price, as applicable, of the underlying policy. 

$17,006 ÷ 0.50 ÷ 0.55 = $61,840 expected crop value

(3) Step 3: Calculate HPA:

Formula: Multiply the expected crop value by the HIP-WI coverage range and the 

coverage percentage. 

$61,840 × 0.45 × 0.90 = $25,045 HPA

(4) If FCIC determines a county is HIP-WI eligible, the indemnity payment would be $25,045, 

the full hurricane protection amount. 

B. Example for CCIP Policy

Producer A elects HIP-WI coverage of 70 percent and 100 percent of price. The remaining 

information remains the same as the previous example. The liability for the underlying policy is 

$43,288:

(1) Step 1: Calculate hurricane coverage range:

Formula: 95 percent minus the maximum coverage from the underlying policy. 

0.95 - 0.70 = 0.25 hurricane coverage range

(2) Step 2: Calculate the expected crop value of the underlying policy:

Formula: Divide the liability of the underlying policy by the coverage level of the 

underlying policy, and then by the percentage of price election or 

percentage of projected price, as applicable of the underlying policy.

$43,288 ÷ 0.70 ÷ 1.00 = $61,840 expected crop value
June 2023 FCIC-24360 31

Exhibit 4 HIP-WI Endorsement Calculation Examples (Continued) 

B. Example for CCIP Policy (Continued)

(3) Step 3: Calculate the HPA:

Formula: Multiply the expected crop value of the underlying policy by the HIP 

coverage range and the coverage percentage.

$61,840 × 0.25 × 0.90 = $13,914 HPA

If FCIC determines the county meets the county loss trigger, the indemnity payment 

would be $13,914.

C. Example for Underlying Policy with SCO

(1) Step 1: Calculate hurricane coverage range:

Formula: 95 percent minus the higher of the coverage level from the underlying 

policy (which is 70 percent) or the upper end of the SCO coverage range 

(which is 86 percent). In this case the higher number is the upper end of 

the SCO coverage range, or 86 percent. 

0.95 - 0.86 = 0.09 hurricane coverage range

(2) Step 2: Calculate the expected crop value of the underlying policy:

Formula: Divide the liability of the underlying policy by the coverage level of the 

underlying policy, and then by the percentage of price election or 

percentage of projected price, as applicable of the underlying policy. 

$43,288 ÷ 0.70 ÷ 1 = $61,840 expected crop value of the underlying policy.

(3) Step 3: Calculate the HPA:

Formula: Multiply expected crop value of the underlying policy by the HIP coverage 

range and the coverage percentage.

$61,840 × 0.09 × 0.90 = $5,009 HPA

If FCIC determines the county meets the county loss trigger, the indemnity payment 

would be $5,009.

D. Example for Underlying Policy with STAX:

For the purposes of this example the crop from the Exhibit 4 paragraph will be cotton. 

Producer B farms 100 acres of irrigated cotton in County X with an approved yield of 1,200 

pounds per acre, with 100 percent share and 80 percent coverage elected for the underlying 

policy. The projected price for cotton is $0.74 per lb. in County X, as published on the AD, and 

the liability for the underlying policy for cotton is $71,040. Insured B elects a coverage 

percentage of 100 percent for the HIP-WI Endorsement.
June 2023 FCIC-24360 32

Exhibit 4 HIP-WI Calculation Examples (Continued)

D. Example for Underlying Policy with STAX (Continued):

(1) Step 1: Calculate hurricane coverage range:

Formula: 95 percent minus the higher of the coverage level from the underlying 

policy (which is 70 percent) or the upper end of the STAX coverage range 

(which is 90 percent). In this case the higher number is the upper end of 

the STAX coverage range, or 90 percent. 

0.95 - 0.90 = 0.05 hurricane coverage range

(2) Step 2: Calculate the expected crop value of the underlying policy:

Formula: Divide the liability of the underlying policy by the coverage level of the 

underlying policy, and then by the percentage of price election or 

percentage of projected price, as applicable of the underlying policy. 

71,040 ÷ 0.80 ÷ 1.00 = $88,800 expected crop value. 

(3) Step 3: Calculate the HPA:

Formula: Multiply expected crop value of the underlying policy by the HIP coverage 

range and the coverage percentage.

$88,800 × 0.05 × 1.00 = $4,440 HPA 

If FCIC determines the county meets the county loss trigger, the indemnity payment 

would be $4,440. 

E. Example for CCIP Policy with Multiple Coverage Levels

Insured B has a cotton YP policy with an approved APH yield of 1,200 lbs. per acre for IRR 

cotton and an approved yield of 900 lbs. per acre for NI cotton in County X, which has a 

projected price of $0.74 per lb., as published on the AD. Insured B makes the following 

elections: 

(1) coverage level of 80% for his IRR cotton; 

(2) coverage level of 70% for his NI cotton; 

(3) 100% of price; and 

(4) HIP-WI Endorsement with a coverage level of 100%.

Insured B plants 100 acres of IRR cotton and 100 acres of NI cotton in County X with a 100% 

share. The liability for the underlying policy for IRR cotton is $71,040 and for NI cotton is 

$46,620. Because the insured elected multiple coverage levels for cotton on the underlying 

policy, the HPA must be calculated separately for each coverage level.
June 2023 FCIC-24360 33

Exhibit 4 HIP-WI Calculation Examples (Continued)

E. Example for CCIP Policy with Multiple Coverage Levels (Continued)

(1) Step 1: Calculate hurricane coverage range for each coverage level:

Formula: 95 percent minus the maximum coverage from the underlying policy. 

(a) 0.95 - 0.80 = 0.15 hurricane coverage range

(b) 0.95 - 0.70 = 0.25 hurricane coverage range

(2) Step 2: Calculate the expected crop value of the underlying policy:

Formula: Divide the liability of the underlying policy (in this situation by practice 

due to the different coverage levels by practice) by the coverage level of 

the underlying policy, and then by the percentage of price election or 

percentage of projected price, as applicable of the underlying policy.

(a) 1,040 ÷ 0.80 ÷ 1.00 = $88,800 expected crop value

(b) $46,620 ÷ 0.70 ÷ 1.00 = $66,600 expected crop value

(3) Step 3: Calculate the HPA:

Formula: Multiply the expected crop value of the underlying policy by the HIP 

coverage range and the coverage percentage.

(a) $88,800 × 0.15 × 1.00 = $13,320 HPA

(b) $66,600 × 0.0025 × 1.00 = $16,650 HPA

If FCIC determines the county meets the county loss trigger, the indemnity payment 

would be $29,970.

F. Example for Underlying Policies That Do Not Contain Acres

Insured C has a nursery crop insurance policy in County Z with two BUs:

Unit = 0001-0000 - Field Grown/Roses

• Coverage level = 70%; Value = $50,000; Share = 1.000

• Amount of insurance = $50,000 × 0.70 × 1 = $35,000

Unit = 0001-0000 - Field Grown/Fruit & Nut Trees

• Coverage level = 65%; Value = $75,000; Share = 1.000

• Amount of insurance = $75,000 × 0.65 × 1 = $48,750
June 2023 FCIC-24360 34

Exhibit 4 HIP-WI Calculation Examples (Continued)

F. Example for Underlying Policies That Do Not Contain Acres (Continued)

Insured C elects HIP-WI Endorsement with a coverage level of 80%. The liability for the 

underlying policy for BU 0001-0000 Field Grown/Roses is $35,000 and for BU 0001-0000 Field 

Grown/Fruit & Nut Trees is $48,750. The HPA must be calculated separately for each BU.

(1) Step 1: Calculate hurricane coverage range for each coverage level:

Formula: 95 percent minus the maximum coverage from the underlying policy. 

(a) 0.95 - 0.70 = 0.25 hurricane coverage range

(b) 0.95 - 0.65 = 0.30 hurricane coverage range

(2) Step 2: Calculate the expected crop value of the underlying policy:

Formula: Divide the liability of the underlying policy by the coverage level of the 

underlying policy (in this situation by BU), and then by the percentage of 

price election or percentage of projected price, as applicable of the 

underlying policy.

(a) $35,000 ÷ 0.70 ÷ 1.00 = $50,000 expected crop value

(b) $48,750 ÷ 0.65 ÷ 1.00 = $75,000 expected crop value

(3) Step 3: Calculate the HPA:

Formula: Multiply the expected crop value of the underlying policy by the HIP 

coverage range and the coverage percentage.

(a) $50,000 × 0.25 × 0.80 = $10,000 HPA

(b) $75,000 × 0.30 × 0.80 = $18,000 HPA

If FCIC determines the county meets the county loss trigger, the indemnity payment would be 

$28,000.
June 2023 FCIC-24360 35

Exhibit 4 HIP-WI Calculation Examples (Continued)

G. Example for a CCIP Policy with the TS 

Producer A has an underlying policy with 70 percent coverage level, 100 percent of price, and a 

HIP-WI Endorsement with TS. The remaining information remains the same as the previous 

example Exhibit 4B. The liability for the underlying policy is $43,288:

(1) Step 1: Calculate hurricane coverage range:

Formula: 95 percent minus the maximum coverage from the underlying policy.

0.95 - 0.70 = 0.25 hurricane coverage range

(2) Step 2: Calculate the expected crop value of the underlying policy:

Formula: Divide the liability of the underlying policy by the coverage level of the 

underlying policy, and then by the percentage of price election or 

percentage of projected price, as applicable of the underlying policy.

$43,288 ÷ 0.70 ÷ 1.00 = $61,840 expected crop value

(3) Step 3: Calculate the HPA:

Formula: Multiply the expected crop value of the underlying policy by the HIP

coverage range and the coverage percentage.

$61,840 × 0.25 × 0.90 = $13,914 HPA

If RMA determines the county meets the TS county loss trigger, the indemnity payment would 

be $6,957 (50% of the HPA calculated in step 3 above).