As category 4 Hurricane Ida makes landfall, drivers are reminded to take an extra initiative to keep their vehicle safe. While storing your car in the garage is the best option, some drivers don’t have this amenity. That means, your vehicle could be at a greater risk of getting damaged during the storm. Therefore, it is a good idea to contact your car insurance agency and find out if your current policy covers hurricane damage. Due to unpredictable weather patterns, a hurricane can either wreck havoc on your vehicle or leave it in perfectly good condition depending on the type of storm.
Bottom line: it is definitely beneficial for drivers to call their insurance agency and find out if there is existing coverage for hurricane damage. And if not, how you can quickly add this protection to your policy. Below you’ll discover the two types of coverage that incorporate hurricane protection, including what states are prone to an active hurricane season.
Watch the video below for the latest update on Hurricane Ida:
Where is the best place to store your car during a hurricane?
Before you even consider worst case scenario, try protecting your vehicle from the stormy conditions. While an enclosed garage or car port is the best place to keep your ride, here are second and third options to consider:
- Park your vehicle away from trees or debris
- Situate your car next to a building to avoid harsh winds
These three locations are the optimal spot to keep your vehicle during a hurricane. In addition, a custom car cover does wonders for protecting your vehicle from varying elements during a hurricane. Between the car cover and a safely positioned spot, your vehicle will likely avoid any serious damage.
Will my car insurance cover hurricane damage?
Although a hurricane can leave a devastating impact to your vehicles’ appearance, the good news is most car insurance policies cover hurricane damage. For people that live in hurricane-prone regions, its imperative to have collision or comprehensive coverage. Moreover, we recommend that all drivers keep an open mind when shopping for auto insurance. There are several policies available; it just takes some browsing to find the right one.
Types of damage to expect
Hurricane damage pertains to a number of common outcomes. The ones that insurance covers most often consists of:
- Debris + fallen trees or shrubbery
- Permanent water damage
- Wind damage
- Destruction while driving
Most of these damages are covered by comprehensive coverage, which is important to note. The next time you’re shopping for automotive insurance, keep the potential for hurricane damage in mind.
Final thoughts on hurricane coverage
The states at greatest risk during stormy season are Florida, North and South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas. If you are a resident of one of these states, it’s important to include hurricane coverage in your policy. Not to mention, if you don’t already contain this type of coverage, it is crucial to add some it to your plan in the case your car floods and/or is damaged by debris after a strong storm.
Sadly, a hurricane can grow in strength within a few hours. Hurricane Ida is estimated to cause a lot of damage in the Louisiana region despite greater optimism. Therefore, don’t wait to contact your insurance provider about this concern. If you have any hesitations over the safety of your vehicle, take the time to check on your coverage. The last thing you want is a tree falling on your car and no funds to cover the damages.
Does your insurance policy cover hurricane damage? Comment below.