Auto Insurance And Storm Damage: What You Need To Know

Storm damage to your vehicle can be covered by car insurance, but it depends on the type of coverage you have. Comprehensive coverage is the most important component of an auto insurance policy when it comes to weather-related claims. It covers damage to your car caused by severe weather, storms, natural disasters, and more. Collision coverage can also be useful in the event of a weather-related accident, such as sliding into a tree due to wet roads. However, it's important to note that comprehensive coverage is optional in most states, so it's worth checking your policy for exclusions and limitations.

Comprehensive coverage

If you have an active car loan or lease, your lender will likely require you to have comprehensive coverage. However, if you don't have comprehensive coverage and your vehicle is damaged by a storm, you will have to pay for the repairs yourself.

When purchasing comprehensive coverage, you will need to select a deductible, which is the amount you agree to pay out of pocket before your insurance policy kicks in to cover the remaining damages. After you file a claim, you will pay your deductible, and your insurance company will assess the damage and issue a payment to cover the repairs, minus your deductible.

It is important to note that comprehensive coverage does not apply to all types of storm damage. For example, it does not cover water damage caused by leaving your windows open during a storm. Additionally, some events may be excluded from coverage, such as damage due to mechanical breakdown or electrical failure. To know what is excluded from your specific policy, review your written policy or contact your insurance agent.

Collision coverage

If you don't have collision coverage, you could be responsible for repairs or a replacement. There may be other ways to get help, but you'll have to qualify. For example, if your car gets damaged in a federal emergency zone, you may qualify for FEMA assistance, including a low-interest loan from the Small Business Administration (SBA).

Full coverage

Comprehensive coverage will help pay for repairs or replacements due to storm damage. For example, if a tornado damages your car, comprehensive insurance will cover thrown debris, fallen trees, and even damage from your car being lifted by the tornado. It is important to note that comprehensive insurance has deductibles, and you will need to pay out-of-pocket expenses before your insurance policy covers the remaining damages.

In addition to comprehensive coverage, full coverage also includes collision insurance. Collision coverage is designed for driving-related accidents in severe weather. For instance, if you lose control of your car due to wet roads and limited visibility during a thunderstorm, collision coverage can help repair your vehicle. Similar to comprehensive coverage, collision coverage also requires you to pay a deductible.

To summarise, full coverage car insurance provides protection for storm damage through its comprehensive and collision components. Comprehensive coverage handles storm-related incidents, while collision coverage assists in driving-related accidents during storms. Both types of coverage have deductibles that you need to pay out-of-pocket before receiving insurance benefits.

Excluded events

It's important to note that each auto insurance policy is unique, and the events that are excluded from coverage will vary. However, here are some examples of events that are typically excluded from auto insurance coverage:

• Mechanical breakdown or electrical failure: Auto insurance typically does not cover repairs or replacements due to mechanical or electrical issues resulting from normal use or wear and tear.
• Vehicle maintenance negligence: If you fail to perform regular maintenance, such as oil changes, and your vehicle is damaged as a result, this will likely be excluded from coverage.
• International travel: Most personal auto insurance policies do not provide coverage for international travel due to territory restrictions. If you plan to drive your vehicle abroad, you may need to purchase additional international auto insurance.
• Rental car reimbursement: While some insurance companies offer this, many do not cover the cost of a rental car while your insured vehicle is being repaired.
• Theft of personal belongings from your car: Comprehensive car insurance usually only covers damage to the vehicle itself and not the theft of personal items from within.
• Business use: If you use your vehicle for business purposes, such as delivering food or driving for a rideshare company, your personal auto insurance policy may not provide coverage. You may need to obtain a commercial auto policy or additional insurance through your employer.
• Unapproved vehicle modifications: If you make modifications or customizations to your vehicle without informing your insurance company, these changes may not be covered under your policy.
• Normal wear and tear: Auto insurance typically does not cover repairs or replacements due to normal wear and tear on your vehicle or its parts, such as tires.
• Intentional damage: Any damage that is intentionally caused to your vehicle is typically excluded from coverage.
• Police seizure or lawful repossession: If your vehicle is confiscated or repossessed by the government, your insurance policy will not cover any resulting losses or damages.
• Illegal activity: If you are engaged in illegal activity and are involved in an accident, your insurance policy may deny coverage.
• Death, injury, or damage from nuclear accidents, war, or other catastrophic events: Auto insurance policies typically exclude coverage for these types of events.

It is important to carefully review your specific auto insurance policy to understand the exclusions and limitations of your coverage. Contact your insurance provider or agent if you have any questions or concerns about what is and is not covered.

Filing a claim

If your car has been damaged by a storm, you should file a claim with your insurance company as soon as possible. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do this:

Safety First:

If your car is under a tree, near downed power lines, or has rolled over, do not try to retrieve any belongings from inside the car or move it yourself. Wait for help to arrive.

Document the Damage:

Take photos and videos of the damage to your vehicle from all angles, including the interior if it has been damaged. If it is safe to do so, also document the surroundings, such as any fallen trees or power lines that may have caused the damage.

Contact Your Insurance Company:

Notify your insurance company or agent about the damage as soon as possible. You can do this by calling them, using their mobile app (if they have one), or by logging into your account on their website. Provide them with as many details as possible about the incident, including the date, time, and a brief description of what happened. Send them the photos and videos you took of the damage.

Understand the Terms:

If your vehicle is totaled, your insurance company will only pay out up to the actual cash value of your vehicle at the time of the incident, minus your deductible.

Do Not Drive the Vehicle:

Do not drive your car until an adjuster has inspected it, unless you are certain that the damage is minor. Driving a damaged car can cause further harm and may not be safe.

Prepare to Wait:

If a large-scale weather event has occurred, affecting many people, it may take longer than usual for the insurance company to resolve your claim.

Choose a Repair Shop:

Your insurance company may have specific repair shops that they work with, or they may allow you to choose your own. If you go with a shop that is not on their approved list, they may require you to pay for the repairs upfront and then reimburse you later. Be sure to keep all receipts and documentation.

Understand Your Coverage:

Review your insurance policy to understand what is covered and what your deductibles and coverage limits are. Comprehensive coverage typically covers storm damage, while liability coverage does not. If you are unsure, contact your insurance company or agent for clarification.

Frequently asked questions