We’ve all been there. You’re driving along and a sudden storm hits, complete with high winds and hail.
And of course, you’re in your car. When the storm passes, you assess the damage and find that your car has a few dings and dents.
So, does car insurance cover storm damage? Let’s find out.
Many people are unsure about what their car insurance covers. Does it cover wear and tear? What about accidents that are no fault of your own? And what about storms?
Fortunately, in most cases, car insurance does cover storm damage.
The reason for this is that auto insurance companies typically consider storm damage an “act of God” or an “act of nature,” which may qualify for coverage under comprehensive coverage. If you have a loan on your vehicle, comprehensive coverage is typically required by your lending institution. Comprehensive coverage protects car owners and lenders with an interest in the vehicle from such things like hail, floods or theft, among others.
Does Car Insurance Cover Tornado Damage?
Anyone who has been through a tornado can attest that the damage can be devastating. Fortunately, if you have comprehensive coverage on your auto insurance policy, you may get help with repairs.
If a tornado hits and damages your car, you may file a claim with your insurance company. Of course, every policy is different, so it’s essential to read the fine print and understand what your insurance will and will not cover.
If you’re worried about being caught in a tornado without insurance coverage, comprehensive coverage may give you the peace of mind you need.
Does Car Insurance Cover Hail?
The answer is that it depends on your policy. However, the answer is most likely yes if you have comprehensive coverage as part of your auto insurance policy.
Comprehensive coverage protects your vehicle from damages caused by events other than a collision, such as fire, theft, or hail. So, if hail damages your car, your insurance company will likely cover the cost of repairing the damages.
It’s always a good idea to review your policy documents to understand what is and isn’t covered by your insurance. That way, you can prepare if your car gets damaged by hail or some other unforeseen event.
Severe weather can do significant damage to your car. From large hail to flash flooding, your vehicle can sustain storm damage in several ways. And if you’re not careful, that damage can end up costing you a pretty penny.
Fortunately, if you have comprehensive coverage as part of your car insurance policy, you may file a claim to help cover the cost of repairs. Here’s what you need to know about filing a car insurance claim for storm damage.
1. Assess the Storm Damage and Gather Documentation
The first step is to assess the damage to your vehicle and gather any documentation that will be helpful to support your claim. This includes things like photos of the damage, repair estimates, and police reports (if applicable). Be sure to save all receipts related to repairs or replacement parts for your vehicle as well.
2. File Your Car Insurance Claim as Soon As Possible
Once you have all the documentation, it’s important that you file your claim with your insurance company as soon as possible. The sooner you do, the sooner you’ll be on your way to getting your car back in tip-top shape. Most insurance companies have a time limit for filing claims, so be sure to check your policy details to see how long you have.
3. Work with Your Insurance Adjuster
After you’ve filed your claim, they will assign an insurance adjuster to review the details and determine your eligible coverage. Once that’s been determined, they’ll work with you to schedule an inspection of your vehicle so they can assess the damage first-hand. Sometimes, they may also request additional documentation or information from you during this process.
From there, it’s just a matter of waiting for your insurance company to process your claim and issue payment so you can get started on making repairs. Depending on the severity of the damage, that could take a few days or even a week or two.
No one enjoys dealing with car damage, especially when it’s caused by severe weather beyond our control. Storm damage is typically covered by car insurance if you have comprehensive coverage as part of your car insurance policy.
It’s always important to know what your policy covers—and what it doesn’t—before severe weather hits.
If you need help finding the best car insurance coverage for the best price, start by speaking to a SimplyIOA agent at 833.872.4467 or get an auto insurance quote online now.