If you experienced property damage in the wake of Hurricane Florence, now is the time to see if your auto insurance coverage can help you. One of the items that might have sustained damage is your car. Will your insurance cover weather damage to the vehicle? How can you protect the car from future damage?

Protecting Your Car From Hurricane Damage

In the event of severe weather, you should always do what you can to protect your vehicle.

• It is best not to drive during severe weather. Don't venture out during bad conditions if you can absolutely help it.
• Know when to pull over during times of reduced visibility or unsafe road conditions. Avoid driving through areas of standing water. By avoiding flooded roads, you cut the risk of hydroplaning.
• Make ample use of your wipers, lights and emergency flashers when driving in rain.
• Check your tire treads to make sure they can support the vehicle.
• Protect a parked car as best you can. Don't part it in low-lying areas or under foliage at risk of falling. Generally, you should place the vehicle in a covered area, like a garage.

Again, until the full side effects of Florence have subsided, try to avoid driving. Safety risks on local roads will remain high during this time. You might also face backups in emergency services, as well.

Filing A Claim For Storm Damage To The Vehicle

If your vehicle sustained damage in the storm, you might have recourse from car insurance. However, whether you can file a claim will depend on the exact coverage you carry.

• If you have a wreck while driving in the storm, you'll need collision insurance to pay for your damage.
• Should the weather itself damage your car, you must have comprehensive coverage. Comprehensive insurance covers damage from such things as weather, fire or theft. For example, if hail or falling branches damage the vehicle, you'll make a claim on this coverage.
• Unlike home insurance, many car insurance policies do allow claims for flood damage. Therefore, if floodwaters damage the vehicle, you might be able to get compensation.
• Your policy should already contain liability insurance. If you cause damage or injuries to another party while driving in adverse weather, you'll be able to compensate them.

Tread carefully, however. If you do not have coverage already, you cannot add it for damage that occurred during Florence. Furthermore, your policy will contain limits on how much it will pay for damage or total losses. Talk to a Dean Heckle & Hill agent about how much coverage you stand to receive for your losses. We'll help you start the appraisal process to get the best most appropriate compensation.

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