Whether or not your auto is covered by a natural disaster is dependent upon the kind of insurance coverage that you have. If you have comprehensive coverage, your car is covered for damages that are sustained in floods, fires, hurricanes, tornados, and any other natural disaster that might occur.
Comprehensive coverage covers all natural disasters and vandalism, theft, and damages from animals.
What is Considered a Natural Disaster?
Natural disasters form a large portion of insurance claims for auto owners as well as home owners. You need to make sure you have the right coverage before the unexpected happens, otherwise, you will be stuck footing the bill and have a damaged car that insurance won't replace or fix.
Comprehensive coverage is needed when disaster strikes. As an example, an F5 tornado can pick up a vehicle and throw it a considerable distance.
You will most likely find your vehicle a total loss after a tornado packing 300-mile-per-hour plus winds, so you are left with nothing if you don't have comprehensive coverage.
Hurricanes are known for leaving heavy damage to anything in their paths. They can lead to strong winds, trees and debris can be blown onto vehicles, and flooding often follows. Before the storm hits your area, you need to make sure you have comprehensive coverage in place.
Usually, after the weather service has predicted a strong storm, auto insurers don't allow insurance coverage to be changed or added. Make sure you have the proper protection in place early on.
Another common form of damage from a natural disaster is hail damage. Hail can do a lot of damage quickly, and many vehicles are subjected to hail at one time or another.
Reasons You Should Have Comprehensive Insurance Coverage
Comprehensive coverage takes care of damages resulting from a variety of events, including:
- Fires
- Hurricanes
- Tornados
- Flash Floods
- Hail
- Blizzards
- Animals
- Theft
- Vandalism
If you cannot afford to replace your vehicle on your own, you need to make sure you have comprehensive coverage on your auto insurance policy. With comprehensive coverage, damages will either be repaired or you will be paid if your vehicle is a total loss from the event.
You will just file a claim with your auto insurance company after you check the vehicle for damages after the storm or natural disaster has occurred.
With wildfires, hurricanes, floods, and tornados occurring all across the country, comprehensive coverage is a wise addition for almost anyone with a newer vehicle or a vehicle that has a higher book value.
If you're looking for more information about dealing with the insurance company, please see our page:
Tips For Dealing With an Insurance Company After An Accident
Consult with an Auto Accident Attorney
If your car has suffered damages as a result of a natural disaster and you are having difficulty with the insurance company, you should consult with a personal injury attorney. An attorney familiar with auto accident law can ensure you are treated fairly and get the compensation you deserve after a natural disaster has struck.
After all, you pay the insurance premiums to make sure you have the coverage that you need should such an event take place. Working on a contingency basis, your lawyer won't get paid until you get a settlement. Schedule a free case evaluation today.
