Everything you need to know about insurance basics, like coverage types, limits, cost and more.
Does Car Insurance Cover Storm Damage?
Storm related damage to your car is typically covered under comprehensive car insurance. Not all states require you to carry comprehensive coverage on your car, so keep in mind that this is an optional coverage you can purchase for further protection. If you didn’t select this type of coverage, you’ll likely have to pay storm damage repair costs out of pocket.
Let’s take a closer look at how the right car insurance coverages help cover storm damage. We want you to know you have options when it comes to the things you worry about.
FAQs
Does My Car Insurance Cover Weather Damage?
From hail to high winds, damage to your vehicle due to weather-related events is typically covered by insurance. But, it depends on the coverage on your specific policy. Usually, if you have comprehensive coverage, you’ll be able to depend on your insurance to help you recover after storm damage.
If you’re an American Family customer, find out what type of coverage you have by logging into My Account or MyAmFam, or by connecting with your American Family Insurance agent — they’ll be happy to walk you through your coverages.
What Types of Storm Damage Is Covered Under Comprehensive Car Insurance?
Comprehensive coverage is designed to cover damages to your vehicle caused by external events out of your control. Common types of weather events that are typically covered include:
Windstorms and tornados. High winds can send debris flying through the air. And if your car is damaged during a covered wind event, comprehensive car insurance can typically help pay for these damages.
Hail. If you have comprehensive coverage in your auto insurance policy, it typically pays for any hail damage to your vehicle.
Flood. Whether the river is on the rise or a storm surge pushes tidal waters up your driveway, comprehensive coverage will generally protect your car if it’s damaged by a flood.
Lightning. If lightning hits a tree during a storm and the tree damages your car, you’ll be covered.
Falling objects. Storms can unseat fixed items on roofs and upend trees. If your car is damaged by a falling object, your comprehensive insurance can help cover the cost of repairs.
Hurricanes. If any or all of the above should befall your car during a hurricane, you’ll be covered with a comprehensive policy.
What to Do When You Discover Storm Damage to Your Car
When it comes to car insurance and storm damage, you’ll want to follow these tips for assessing damage to your car:
- Downed power lines can be a concern — you don’t want to tangle with electricity
- Approach the car with caution and walk around to assess the damage
- If your car is seriously damaged, you shouldn’t drive or get into it
- Take pictures to document the car from top to bottom before any storm clean-up begins
- Don’t forget to take pictures from the inside if it’s possible to do so safely
If the storm damage is relatively small or cosmetic — like light hail damage — you might be able to safely drive your car. The best course of action is to connect with your insurance agent and don’t authorize any repairs until your agent has given you the go-ahead.
How to File Weather-related Car Insurance Claims
Your insurance company will want to know some key details if you have to file a weather-related car insurance claim. Make sure to have these handy before submitting a claim:
- The date and time of the event.
- A brief description of what happened.
- Any photos of damage done to your vehicle.
As an American Family Insurance customer, the quickest and easiest way to file a storm damage claim is with the MyAmFam app or by texting STORM to 26326. You can also file a claim by logging in to My Account, connecting with your agent or calling our claims center at 1-800-MYAMFAM (1-800-692-6326).
What Happens After I File a Weather-related Car Insurance Claim?
One of our experienced claims representatives will connect with you after you file your claim to let you know what’s covered and next steps. Here are some key things you can expect:
- If your vehicle isn’t running and your comprehensive or collision insurance covers the accident, you can get a tow to the nearest shop for repairs
- If you have rental reimbursement coverage and your vehicle will be in the shop for a while, you’ll receive instructions where to go to rent a vehicle
- Take your car to a Dreams Restored repair shop and the bill will be sent directly to American Family Insurance. You’ll be notified if there’s any deductible for you pay.
- Or you can use a repair shop of your choosing, where American Family will work with the shop to determine the extent of storm damages and related charges. Your policy will take care of covered expenses, minus your deductible.
If you want more information on how to file a storm-related claim on your car insurance, check with your American Family Insurance agent. It’s also a great idea to stay ahead of storm season and review your auto insurance policies, just to be sure you have all the coverage you need.
How to Prevent Car Storm Damage
Protection is all about prevention. Do what you can to safely get your car out of harm’s way before the weather turns. Here are a few things you can do to help prevent car storm damage:
Download a weather app. User-friendly apps that reference multiple weather sources are key for getting the forecast right and can make a big difference when the wind begins to howl. Consider apps like Dark Sky, AccuWeather and Carrot Weather for early warning and real-time radar.
Move your vehicle under cover. When you know that severe weather is on the horizon, take a few minutes to plan for cover. Find a space to store your car under shelter or in a garage to minimize or avoid damage altogether.
Insure it properly. Stay ahead of storm season and review your auto insurance policies, just to be sure you have all the coverage you need. Your agent can help ensure you have a policy built to weather the storm.
Car Storm Damage Coverage
Comprehensive
Comprehensive insurance covers damage caused by accidents that don’t involve colliding with another vehicle or object, like weather related events. If you want to protect your vehicle from storm damage, you’ll need comprehensive coverage on your policy.
Gap Lease & Loan
Consider a weather event that totaled your vehicle. If you lease or finance your vehicle, you’ll want to have gap insurance coverage on your policy. In the event you owe more than what your vehicle is worth, this coverage can pay the difference.
Rental Car Reimbursement
Our auto rental reimbursement coverage keeps you moving by paying for a rental vehicle while your car is being repaired after a covered weather event.
What Else Do You Worry About? We’ll Help.
Do you worry about anything else when it comes to your vehicle? Let us help give you peace of mind.
Does Insurance Cover Hail Damage to Cars? >
Does Car Insurance Cover Flood Damage? >
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More Common Concerns We Can Help With
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Comprehensive insurance on your car typically covers theft and repair costs for break in damage. But that's not all! Let's take a look at how you're protected.
*Program discounts will vary based on driving behavior. The KnowYourDrive discount applies only to the following variable coverages, which are typical for most auto policies: bodily injury liability, property damage liability, collision and comprehensive, medical expense, and personal injury protection. To refresh your understanding of these coverages, visit www.amfam.com/insurance/car/coverages. Additionally, the discount does not apply to fixed fees that are part of your policy.
**Customers who bundle auto and home insurance policies may save up to 23% on both policies together (as of October 2021). Discounts may vary by state, property, policy form and company underwriting the auto and/or home policy. Discounts may not apply to all coverages on an auto or property policy.