Tornado Damage And Auto Insurance: What You Need To Know

If you're wondering whether your car insurance covers tornado damage, the short answer is that it depends on the type of coverage you have. Most states require drivers to carry at least a minimum amount of liability car insurance to legally operate a vehicle. However, liability coverage will not repair your vehicle if it is damaged in a tornado or other storm. Collision coverage is also optional and unrelated to tornado damage. The only way to insure your vehicle against tornado damage is to have comprehensive coverage.

Comprehensive coverage

The cost of comprehensive auto insurance depends on the value of your vehicle and your specific deductible. The higher the value of your vehicle, the more it will cost the insurance company to replace, resulting in higher premiums for the customer. The amount of your deductible and premium have an inverse relationship; if you raise one, the other will decrease. Standard deductibles for comprehensive coverage range from $500 to $1,000 but may vary depending on your insurer.

If your vehicle is damaged by a tornado, you should file a claim as soon as possible. Take pictures or videos of the damage to support your case and submit your claim by phone, online, or using your insurance company's app.

Collision and liability coverage

Liability coverage is mandatory in most states and covers the other person if you cause injury or property damage during an accident. Collision coverage, on the other hand, is optional and helps cover repair costs if you are involved in an accident.

Comprehensive coverage, which is also optional, covers damage to your vehicle from events outside your control, including storm damage, hail, wind, floods, and lightning. It also covers theft of the vehicle and other weather-related damage.

Comprehensive coverage will pay to repair thrown debris, fallen trees, and even damage from your car being lifted by the tornado. It is important to note that comprehensive coverage will not cover damage caused by colliding with another vehicle or object.

The cost of comprehensive coverage depends on the value of your vehicle and your specific deductible. The higher the value of your vehicle, the higher the cost of coverage, as it will cost more for the insurance company to replace a pricier vehicle.

When adding comprehensive coverage to your policy, you can choose a deductible, which is the amount you pay out of pocket for a covered claim. A higher deductible typically results in a lower insurance premium, while a lower deductible leads to a higher premium.

It is worth noting that comprehensive coverage is highly recommended for those living in areas with a high risk of tornadoes, such as south-central Florida or "Tornado Alley," which includes parts of Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Iowa, Nebraska, and Ohio.

Filing a claim

If your car has been damaged by a tornado, you'll want to file a claim with your insurance company as soon as possible. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do this:

Step 1: Document the Damage

Before you start the claims process, it's important to document the damage to your vehicle. Take photos or videos of any damage caused by the tornado, such as dents, broken windows, or structural damage. These will support your case and help speed up the claims process. Remember to take these photos before you start cleaning up or moving anything.

Step 2: Contact Your Insurance Company

Get in touch with your insurance company as soon as possible. You can usually do this by phone, online, or through their mobile app. Provide them with as much information as possible about the damage and the circumstances of the tornado. Be sure to have your policy number and other relevant documentation ready when you make contact.

Step 3: Provide Supporting Documentation

When filing your claim, be sure to submit any relevant documentation, including the photos or videos you took of the damage. This will help your insurance company assess the extent of the damage and determine the appropriate compensation.

Step 4: Write Down Your Claim Number

Make sure to write down or save your claim number in a safe place. This will allow you to easily track your claim and follow up with your insurance company if needed.

Step 5: Be Patient

It's important to remember that major weather events like tornadoes can result in a high volume of claims, so it may take some time for your insurance company to process your claim. It's a good idea to contact your preferred repair shop and ask them to provide an estimate directly to your insurance company to expedite the process.

Step 6: Understand the Claims Process

Familiarize yourself with the claims process outlined by your insurance company. Ask about the expected timeline for assessment, approval, and reimbursement. Knowing the steps involved will help you manage your expectations and stay informed throughout the process.

Preparing for tornado season

Stay Informed:

• Regularly check the weather forecast to know if there's a risk of tornadoes in your area.
• Listen to local news or tune into a NOAA Weather Radio to stay updated about tornado watches and warnings.
• Sign up for notifications and alerts from your local government or community. Some areas have outdoor sirens, while others rely on media and smartphones to warn residents.

Create a Communications Plan:

• Develop a family plan that includes an emergency meeting place and other relevant information.
• Identify a safe building nearby, such as a church or a relative's home, especially if your house lacks a basement or a safe room.
• Ensure that everyone in your family knows to go to the designated safe location when tornado warnings are issued. Don't forget to include pets if possible.

Choose a Safe Room:

• Pick a safe room in your home, such as a basement, storm cellar, or an interior room on the lowest floor with no windows.
• Consider reinforcing this safe room to provide better protection. You can find reinforcement plans on the Federal Emergency Management Agency website.

Practice Your Plan:

• Conduct regular tornado drills with your family to ensure everyone knows what to do.
• Include practicing moving quickly to the identified safe locations and seeking shelter.

Prepare Your Home:

• Gather emergency supplies, including food, water, medicine, batteries, chargers, and a first aid kit.
• Organize your supplies into a Go-Kit and a Stay-at-Home-Kit. The Go-Kit should have at least three days' worth of supplies that you can carry, while the Stay-at-Home-Kit should have enough supplies for at least two weeks.
• Keep personal, financial, and medical records safe and easily accessible.
• Learn basic first aid and CPR to assist others in case of injuries.
• Be prepared to live without utilities like power, gas, and water. Have backup power options, and plan for your electrical needs, including charging cell phones and medical equipment.
• Mark the locations of your first-aid kit, fire extinguishers, and utility switches or valves clearly. Ensure everyone knows how to administer first aid, use fire extinguishers, and turn off utilities if necessary.

Remember, staying informed, having a plan, and practicing it regularly are key to successfully navigating tornado season.

Flood damage

If you have a basic level of car insurance, flood damage is unlikely to be covered. However, comprehensive coverage will generally protect your car if it is damaged by a flood. Comprehensive coverage is designed to protect your car from external events that are out of your control. This includes flooding, heavy rain, hail, and even tree branches blown down during a storm.

In the US state of Florida, which is particularly prone to flooding, comprehensive coverage will usually have a deductible of $500. This means that, when a flood occurs, you will have protection, but you will need to pay the first $500 of the cost of repairs out of your own pocket.

It is important to note that insurers restrict making changes to policies when a major storm is on the way. So, you may not be able to add comprehensive coverage to your policy before a storm hits.

Frequently asked questions