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You’re able to claim damage to your vehicle caused by a storm if you have comprehensive coverage. As with all insurance types, there are exceptions. And to make a successful claim, you may want to take a few extra steps to nail down the details of what exactly caused the damage.
First, you need to know if your car insurance policy actually covers storm damage. Typically, you will be covered if you have bought comprehensive insurance. Just having the state-minimum required liability insurance won’t protect you against storm damage.
Many insurers provide your policy information online. Sign in to your account and navigate to the page that lists your coverage details to find out what you have.
For example, if your provider is Progressive, click on your auto policy, then click on View under Coverage. All of the information that’s listed on the declarations page is included here. If not, you can always call your insurance provider to get help with finding out if you have comprehensive coverage.
General storm damage caused by intense weather can come in many forms. Your part of the country might be susceptible to hurricanes. Or your state might frequently be subject to hail storms.
Some types of storm damage that are generally covered under comprehensive include:
Yes, typically “acts of God” or natural disasters are included with your comprehensive coverage. This could include an earthquake, flood, lightning strike or wildfire that caused damage to your car.
If you don’t have comprehensive car insurance, you won’t be covered against storm damage to your vehicle.
However, even if you have comprehensive insurance there are some cases your claim may be denied. Usually this happens if your insurer discovers the incident was preventable.
Filing a claim for storm damage is done the same way as filing a claim after a car accident, and each insurer’s process is a little different.
You’ll need to send in a claims form and the documentation, either online or through the mail. Online will usually get you a faster response.
Your comprehensive car insurance policy may also cover a rental car while your vehicle is being repaired. If the storm has also damaged your home, you will need to check your homeowners insurance policy to see what types of storm damage are covered.
The easiest way to document the damage in detail is with photos.
Compare car insurance companies near you.
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Want to prevent future damage to your car? If you know what’s coming, you can take steps to protect your car the next time there’s a bad storm.
Stay on top of the news with services like the National Weather Service, which has up-to-date weather warnings. You can also sign up to receive warnings from insurers.
Many insurers have started offering storm warning services. If your insurance company offers one of these, it might be worth subscribing to.
If there’s a hailstorm rolling in, you might want to get your car under cover. Pull your car into your garage or under the carport, or look for an underground parking garage, like in a shopping center. If you’re expecting heavy rain and have cause to be concerned, you might want to look for higher ground.
Think twice before parking under a tree. Falling branches are often the result of heavy winds, and can cause just as much damage as hail. Also watch out for loose roof tiles, TV antennas and anything else that might come from above.
If there’s no time for anything else, this might be the way to go. Layers of blankets and heavier tarps generally work better. But remember to secure them so they don’t just blow away.
A severe storm can cause a great amount of damage, including to your car. If this happens, filing a claim with your insurance provider is straightforward. Just be sure to follow the tips and steps laid out here.
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I was driving during a really bad storm. I went down a street that was flooded and now my motor is locked up and unrepairable. I did not see the signs that said the road was impassable during heavy rain. Will my comprehensive insurance cover it?
Hi Tim,
Thanks for contacting Finder.
I’m sorry to hear that. This depends on the type of cover you have. Please contact your insurer or review your policy and check the benefits, limitations, terms and conditions. Once you have a policy and clear benefits and limitations, you should have a good idea of when you can make a claim and what you are entitled to.
You may further review this page on how to process claims.
Hope this helps.
Please feel free to contact us at any time if any other questions arise.
All the best.
Best Regards,
Faye
Good day,i want to know .I had a visitor and she parked her vehicle in open parking visitors.it was windy and a frame with the window fell from third floor and damaged the door.pls advise
Hi De,
Thanks for reaching out! Since she is parked in an open parking, she bears the risks of unforeseen accidents such as this. It would be best to contact her insurance provider to see if she will be covered for repair in this instance. Hope this was helpful. Don’t hesitate to message us back if you have more questions.
Best,
Nikki