Does Car Insurance Cover Natural Disasters?

Last Updated on November 3, 2020

No matter where you live in the United States, there is a risk of encountering a natural disaster. Here in New York, we deal with extreme cold, snow, and hail during the winter, as well as massive rainstorms and even the occasional hurricane during the summer. In the middle of the country, tornadoes are a threat, while on the west coast, there’s always the risk of wildfires and earthquakes. Natural disasters can do severe damage to your car, and you may be wondering if your car insurance will cover the damage caused by a significant weather event. While basic liability coverage does not pay for natural disaster damage, comprehensive coverage does. Here’s what you need to know about car insurance and natural disasters.

Flooding

Floods are one of the biggest causes of car damage every year. They can happen virtually anywhere, and there’s little you can do to protect your car once a flood has started. Many cities in New York struggle with poor drainage, which means that floods can come on quickly if it’s raining heavily outside. Flooding can also happen when river levels start to rise, which often happens in the spring when the snow melts. If you park your car on the street or even on the ground level of a garage, you are at risk for flood damage.

Hail

Hail is another common cause of car damage in the United States. Although it doesn’t hail often in New York, we’re still likely to experience it a few times per year. Even a relatively mild hailstorm can cause dents and other damage to your car. You can protect your car from hail by parking it in an indoor garage. However, many people can’t afford to park their car indoors, or don’t have that option available to them. This is why it’s so important to invest in comprehensive coverage to protect your car.

Fires

Fires are another natural disaster that can cause serious damage to your car. Fires are most common in dry areas of the country, but they can happen in New York on rare occasions. They usually happen in wooded areas as a result of lightning or poorly managed campfires. If your car is near a major wildfire, your car could melt or sustain smoke damage to both the interior and exterior. Fire damage can make a car virtually undrivable, which can be very devastating.

Hurricanes

Hurricanes are much more common in the southern part of the United States. However, they can work their way up as far as New York. In 2012, Hurricane Sandy made its way all the way up the east coast of the United States, causing extreme flooding in New York City. The storm also impacted some cities in upstate New York, although the damage was not as strong. Hurricanes typically cause flooding as well as powerful winds, which can knock over trees and send loose debris flying. If your area is experiencing a hurricane, there is a good chance that your car will sustain some damage.

How can I get natural disaster coverage for my car?

There’s not much we can do to stop natural disasters from happening, but there are things we can do to minimize the damage to our cars. In order to file an insurance claim as a result of natural disaster damage, you will need to invest in comprehensive insurance coverage. This type of coverage pays for damages outside of a car accident. While adding comprehensive insurance coverage to your policy can make your monthly payments slightly more expensive, it can save you thousands of dollars if your car is damaged in a disaster.

If you live in a part of New York where hurricanes and intense rainstorms happen often, you should buy comprehensive insurance coverage while the weather is calm. When storm warnings go into effect, there’s usually a surge of customers trying to purchase comprehensive coverage for their vehicles. This drives the cost of comprehensive coverage up dramatically. Getting coverage ahead of time can save you a significant amount of money down the road. The National Hurricane Center puts out warnings for hurricanes and tropical storms if they are possible in the next three days. Checking these notifications frequently can help you stay safe in the event of a hurricane.

What should I look for in comprehensive car insurance?

When shopping for any type of car insurance, you should always get quotes from several different insurers. The costs of car insurance can vary significantly between companies, and you might be surprised by who offers the lowest rates. Your quotes are also going to depend on a number of personal factors, such as your driving history, the type of car you drive, where you live, and more. You’ll also want to talk to insurance agents to determine how much comprehensive coverage you need. This will depend on the value of your car and the cost of repairs in your area. If you have a relatively inexpensive car, you’ll need less coverage than someone who has a luxury vehicle.

How can I protect my car from natural disasters?

There are a few small things you can do to keep your car safe from natural disasters. If you live in an area that is prone to flooding, it may be wise to invest in a parking spot in an elevated garage. This way, when the water rises, it will be less likely to reach your car. If you need to park your car outside, you can put a cover over it, which will protect it from flying debris and hail to a certain extent. If you’re going camping, be sure to monitor any fires you start and avoid smoking – this can help prevent the start of damaging forest fires.

Natural disasters can be incredibly devastating, and it’s important to be prepared for them. By investing in comprehensive insurance for your car, you’re preventing financial losses in the unlikely event your vehicle is damaged in a disaster.