Auto Insurance And Hurricane Havoc: What's Covered When Nature Strikes?

Hurricanes are among the most destructive natural disasters in the United States, causing billions of dollars in property damage. While most people think about protecting their homes, it's also important to consider how to protect your vehicle from hurricane damage. So, does your auto insurance cover hurricane damage? The answer is: it depends on your policy. Comprehensive coverage will cover hurricane damage to your car, including flooding, wind damage, and falling debris. However, if you only have liability coverage, your vehicle will not be protected. Comprehensive coverage is not required by law, so it's important to review your policy and ensure you have the protection you need before hurricane season arrives.

Comprehensive coverage

If your car is damaged during a hurricane, you can file a claim with your insurance company. They may ask for information such as your license plate number, photos of the damage, and a description of what happened. After filing a claim, an adjuster will be assigned to review the claim and complete a damage inspection. Once a settlement agreement is reached, you will receive a payment to cover the cost of repairs or replacement of your vehicle, minus your deductible.

Collision coverage

During a hurricane, strong winds and water can cause your vehicle to collide with another car, object, or person. In such cases, collision coverage will cover the costs of repairs to your vehicle. For example, if you accidentally drive into a downed telephone pole during a storm, collision coverage will come into play. It's worth noting that collision coverage is optional and not required by law. However, if you live in an area with a high risk of hurricanes, it is highly recommended to have this coverage in place before the storm hits.

If you are driving during a hurricane and lose control of your vehicle due to slick roads or strong winds, collision coverage can protect you. It covers the costs of repairs or replacement of your vehicle if you collide with another car, a tree, a rock, or any other object. This coverage is separate from comprehensive coverage, which protects your vehicle from damage caused by the hurricane itself, such as falling debris, strong winds, or flooding.

It's important to note that collision coverage comes with a deductible. This is the amount you will need to pay out of pocket before your insurance company covers the remaining costs of repairs. Typically, deductibles for collision coverage range from $500 to $1,000. If the cost of repairs to your vehicle is less than or close to your deductible, it may not be worth filing a claim, as you would end up paying for most of the repairs yourself.

To ensure you have adequate protection during hurricane season, it's best to purchase collision coverage well in advance. Insurance companies often implement a moratorium on new policies or changes to existing ones when a hurricane warning is in effect. This means that if you wait until the last minute, you may not be able to get the coverage you need.

Preparing your car for a hurricane

Preparing your car for an impending hurricane is essential to keep yourself safe and reduce potential damage to your vehicle. Here are some detailed instructions to help you prepare your car for an approaching hurricane:

Park Your Car in a Safe Area:

If possible, park your car in an above-ground garage to minimise the risk of flood damage. Face your car outwards for a quick exit if needed. If you don't have access to a garage, look for a parking spot close to a building that can offer some protection from high winds, or opt for higher ground away from trees, power lines, and utility poles that could fall and damage your vehicle.

Fill Up Your Gas Tank:

Ensure your gas tank is full before the hurricane hits. This is crucial in case you need to evacuate or travel to obtain essential services during power outages. It's also a good idea to fill up a gas canister as a backup.

Take Photos of Your Car:

Document the condition of your car before the hurricane by taking photos from multiple angles. These photos will be useful when filing insurance claims and proving that the storm caused the damage.

Prepare Emergency Supplies:

Pack your car with essential supplies, including reflectors, flashlights, emergency food and water, warm blankets, and extra clothing. Also, don't forget to include a cell phone charger and a power bank.

Locate and Protect Important Documents:

Keep your vehicle's registration, insurance documentation, and car keys in a waterproof container or plastic bag. Make sure you know where to find these essential documents if you need to evacuate or file an insurance claim.

Additionally, it's a good idea to perform general maintenance on your car, such as checking fluid levels, belts, tires, and the battery. Install new windshield wipers if possible, and make sure all windows and the sunroof are closed.

Remember, your safety is the top priority, so try to complete these preparations before the hurricane arrives. Stay informed about the storm's progress and follow the recommendations of local authorities.

Filing a claim

If your car has been damaged in a hurricane, you can file a claim with your insurance company to cover the costs of repairs. Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1: Contact your insurance provider

Reach out to your insurance provider by phone or online to file a claim as soon as possible. Have the following information ready to share:

• Your license plate number
• A photo of your car before the hurricane damage
• Photos of your car after the hurricane damage

Step 2: Work with the claims adjuster

Once you've started the claims process, a claims adjuster will be assigned to you. They will guide you through the steps of filing a claim and may ask you for additional documents. The claims adjuster will also help evaluate the cost of the hurricane damage.

Step 3: Provide additional documentation

As part of the claims process, a thorough investigation may be performed. The claims adjuster may inspect your car in person or solicit an estimate from a repair shop. You may be asked to provide additional documentation, such as:

• Detailed notes or a list of all damaged property
• Videos of the damage during and/or after the storm
• Serial numbers and receipts of damaged items

Step 4: Understand your coverage and deductible

Before filing your claim, review your policy to understand what is covered and what your deductible is. Comprehensive coverage will typically cover hurricane damage, but it must be in place before the hurricane warning is issued. Collision coverage may also be relevant if you were driving during the storm and had an accident.

Step 5: Receive payment

After the investigation and evaluation of the damage, your insurance company will make a payment. You may receive an on-the-spot settlement offer, or payment may be provided through multiple checks. If the cost of repairs is close to or less than your deductible, you may not need to file a claim as you would be paying for the costs yourself.

Hurricane moratorium

A hurricane moratorium is a period during which new insurance policies cannot be purchased and existing policies cannot be updated. This is typically implemented by insurance companies 24 to 48 hours before a hurricane is expected to arrive and is lifted after the hurricane has passed through. The moratorium is put in place to prevent individuals from purchasing insurance coverage just before a hurricane hits.

If you live in an area prone to hurricanes, it is advisable to have comprehensive coverage in place well before hurricane season. Comprehensive coverage will cover damage to your vehicle caused by hurricanes, including strong winds, flooding, and falling objects. It is also a good idea to pair comprehensive coverage with collision coverage, which covers damage to your vehicle if you get into an accident during the hurricane.

In addition to having the right coverage, there are several steps you can take to prepare your car for an impending hurricane. These include storing your vehicle in a covered area, locating and keeping important policy documentation, filling up your gas tank, and stocking your car with emergency supplies.

Frequently asked questions