Was Your Vehicle Damaged in Hurricane Ida? Here’s What To Do
When a hurricane makes it way into town, the most important thing to consider is the wellbeing of you and your loved ones. However, once the heavy rains and windy nights have subsided, you’ll want to jump into action and assess the damages that took place. This year, Hurricane Ida caused devastation throughout the southern and northern regions of the U.S.. In fact, so much damage occurred that many areas are struggling to assess the damage or implement a course of action to remedy the wreckage.
As previously reported, Hurricane Ida caused major flash floods in New Jersey and New York. That caused many city dwellers to wake up to severely damaged cars in 2021. Because automotive damage is extremely common in flash floods, drivers must take every measure possible to prevent this natural disaster from destroying their mode of transportation. Sometimes even the most prepared drivers could wake up the next day to a flooded vehicle. Unfortunately, the flash flooding in NY and NJ was immediate and unexpected in some areas that it hit so heavily.
To discover what’s the best method for dealing with a flooded vehicle, take a look at State Farm Insurance’s best suggestions for weathering the unfortunate damage.
What happens when a vehicle experiences flood waters?
Due to the fast winds and heavy downpour, your car could undergo a series of damages, including being submerged by the flood water. If this happens, you’ll want to avoid starting your vehicle right away. The extensive internal and exterior damages to your car could worsen if you start the vehicle in its current condition. Luckily, insurance provider, StateFarm, narrowed down the best ways to assess the damage without causing greater danger to you or the vehicle.
State Farm Insurance tips for flood damaged cars
Once you see your car is inundated by flood water, you’ll want to take immediate action. Hurricane Ida gave many car owners a scare due to the rising floods throughout each city. With unpredictability at play, your main concern might be insurance coverage, which is why State Farm has taken the time to outline the necessary steps to follow post flash flood damage.
- Don’t start the vehicle. Wait to assess the damage.
- Begin drying the vehicle. Take away any unnecessary moisture.
- Have your vehicle towed to the nearest impound lot.
- File a claim. Contact your insurance provider.
- Inspect the interior cabin. Make note of any damages.
- Use an absorber cloth to dry every surface.
- Check the electronics.
- Determine if water has seeped into the gas tank
Image source: LA Times
The moment you notice flood damage is worse than expected, take the time to follow these important steps. State Farm has given drivers the tools and resources to recover from flood damage this year. Moreover, Hurricane Ida has shown us all that even the most unexpected regions of the U.S. could experience catastrophic consequences.
Hurricane Ida recovery will take months
The devastation left by Hurricane Ida affects a plethora of Americans. From power outages to low resources, the aftermath of a hurricane is something no American wishes to experience. Whether your house survived the storm, your car is extremely vulnerable to hurricane conditions. With this said, drivers must take every precaution to keep their vehicle safe. Otherwise, they could be facing the dredged reality of a flooded vehicle, where the cost to repair is immense and insurance might not always cover the damages.
To learn more about flash flood recover, visit the United States Department of Labor for preparedness tips and response and recovery resources.
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