If you live in Florida, you’re probably familiar with the state’s unpredictable weather patterns. Strong weather may unfortunately bring property destruction, especially from hurricanes and flooding. Every year, residents face the risk of natural disasters that could cause significant damage to their vehicles. Understanding what your car insurance covers in these situations may be crucial to avoiding costly, out-of-pocket repairs.
If your car was in a flood or affected by a hurricane, this guide can help you understand what type of auto coverage may help pay for those damages and precautionary tips that may benefit you in the future.
Understanding types of car insurance coverage
Just because you have an auto insurance policy does not mean that every type of damage is covered. A policy is typically made up of a few different coverages that can help pay for specific damages or expenses. Here’s a few coverages that you may want to be familiar with if you’re buying a policy:
- Liability coverage: Required by most states, liability insurance helps pay for damage and injuries you cause to a third party in a covered accident. Florida law requires drivers to have minimum liability coverage, but it’s important to note that this only covers damages to other people and property, not your own vehicle.
- Collision coverage: This can help pay for damages to your vehicle after an accident, regardless of fault.
- Comprehensive coverage: This insurance can help cover damage to your car from non-collision incidents like natural disasters. If you’re concerned about hurricane and flood damages, this coverage may be essential if you’re trying to avoid expensive vehicle repairs.
- Personal injury protection (PIP): Required in Florida, PIP can help cover medical expenses for you or your passengers when injured during an accident, regardless of fault.
Does car insurance cover flood damage?
You may have figured out that most of the coverages listed above do not pay for flood or hurricane damage to your vehicle. If you live in Florida, comprehensive coverage may be important if you live in flood-prone areas. Without comprehensive coverage, the cost of repairing or replacing a flood-damaged car may fall entirely on the owner.
Flood damage can occur for multiple reasons. These may include:
- Rising water levels and storm surges
- Heavy rain overwhelming drainage systems
- Hurricanes causing widespread flooding
Even if you’re not a Florida resident, having comprehensive coverage can help cover damages from theft and vandalism, which may be useful if you live in urban or densely populated areas. Remember, comprehensive coverage typically has a deductible amount that’s not covered and may have to be paid by the insured party.
Does car insurance cover hurricane damage?
Hurricanes can cause severe damage to vehicles both directly and indirectly. Some issues that may damage your car from bad weather may include:
- High winds that can flip or move vehicles
- Flying debris that can break windows and dent exteriors
- Fallen trees that can damage cars
If your car is damaged for reasons stated above, comprehensive coverage is the only type of car insurance that may help pay for weather damage repairs.
What’s not typically covered? Common insurance exclusions:
Knowing insurance exclusions before you buy a policy may help you choose the best coverage for you. If your vehicle is damaged from a flood or hurricane and you have comprehensive coverage, some exclusions to note may include:
- Negligence: Though comprehensive coverage can help pay for vehicle damages related to flooding, negligence may play a role in your insurance claim. If you leave your car in a flood-inclined area without trying to move it, your claim could be denied.
- Enhancements: If you’ve made custom or expensive modifications to your car, your insurance may not pay for those repairs.
- Personal belongings: If you have laptops, phones, or other expensive items in your vehicle that incur damages, comprehensive coverage will not cover those items.
How to make a claim for flood or hurricane damage
If your car is damaged in a flood or hurricane, following these steps may be helpful for filing an auto insurance claim:
- Document the damage: Taking clear photos and videos showing the extent of the damage may help you when filing an insurance claim.
- Contact your insurance carrier: After damage has occurred, it may be crucial to call your insurance company as soon as possible.
- Review your policy: Going over your policy and your coverage limits may help you gain a better understanding of what your insurance can cover.
- Follow up: Maintaining communication with your insurer may help with your claim’s efficiency, especially if you need to submit additional documentation.
Tips to prepare your car for a hurricane
If you’re a Florida resident or live in a hurricane-prone area, you may want to take certain precautions before a storm. Here are some ways that may help you limit damage to your vehicle:
- Park on high ground: Parking your vehicle higher up or in an elevated garage may help you avoid floodwaters.
- Use a car cover: Purchasing a waterproof tarp for your car may limit water or debris damage from heavy rains or hurricanes.
- Avoid driving through flood-prone areas: Complying with road closure and cautionary signs before and after a flood can help you avoid damage.
Will my insurance increase after a flood or hurricane?
Yes, insurance companies may raise premiums after a major storm for several reasons. As high-damage storms increase, the number of insurance claims may similarly increase. More insurance claims may unfortunately mean a cost jump to your auto insurance. This is why comparing rates between multiple carriers may help you find a price that works for you.
At Infinity Insurance Agency, Inc. (IIA), we work with many reputable carriers to help you find an auto insurance rate that aligns with your budget. Whether you need minimum liability coverage to comply with your state’s laws or comprehensive coverage for your hurricane-prone area, our knowledgeable agents can assist you with understanding your insurance needs.
Don’t wait until it’s too late, call 1-855-478-3705 to speak with an IIA agent about Florida auto insurance coverage options or get a free quote today!