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.
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.
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.
When it comes to car insurance and storm damage, you’ll want to follow these tips for assessing damage to your car:
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.
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:
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).
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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? >
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