Does Auto Insurance Cover Natural Disaster Damage?

Natural disasters can come in many forms, potentially inflicting devastating damage to everything in their paths. While homes and buildings might be the first thing to come to mind when seeking insurance against such perils, other valuable, tangible assets, such as cars and other motor vehicles, must also be accounted for. Fortunately, a well-crafted auto insurance policy can address these needs.

How Can I Insure My Car Against Natural Disasters?

The key element of auto insurance policies, as it pertains to natural disasters, is known as “comprehensive coverage.” This financial safeguard is available as part of both personal and commercial auto insurance, and couples with collision coverage to assist with physical damage sustained by insured vehicles. While the latter can cover crash-related losses, the former can issue aid for other incidents, including natural disasters.

When Can I File a Claim?

As its name suggests, comprehensive coverage may offer financial assistance in response to a wide variety of noncollision-related damage, including theft, fire, vandalism and, yes, severe weather and natural disasters. Specifically, you might be eligible for a payout in the following scenarios:

• If a hurricane’s powerful winds blow a garbage can, patio furniture or debris through your vehicle’s windshield, your insurance may help pay for repairs.
• Floodwaters can rise rapidly and quickly envelop your vehicle, potentially damaging its engine and electronics. Fortunately, such losses may be covered by your auto insurance.
• Thunderstorms may topple trees or cause branches to fall on your vehicle, potentially inflicting significant body damage for which your comprehensive coverage may account.
• Wildfires are also typically covered by an auto insurance policy equipped with comprehensive coverage, meaning that if such a disaster damages or destroys your vehicle, you could be eligible for aid.

We’re Here to Help

At Cathy Boyd's 1st Class Insurance Services, we can help motorists financially protect their vehicles against the dangers of Mother Nature. Contact our team today to discuss your options and address your coverage needs.

This blog is intended for informational and educational use only. It is not exhaustive and should not be construed as legal advice. Please contact your insurance professional for further information.