Protecting Your Vehicle from Natural Disasters with Auto Insurance
What if you ended up paying a small fortune for something that never worked properly?
If you have good car insurance, it can sometimes feel that way when a natural disaster strikes. This is because drivers sometimes have trouble getting their carriers to pay out after making claims for such events. Far too many drivers are unclear about what is and is not covered when something unexpected happens.
Does car insurance cover natural disasters? What weather perils do you need to be wary of, and what can you do to keep your vehicle safe in the event of a completely unexpected calamity? Keep reading to discover everything you need to know to protect your car from the dangers of tomorrow.
The Role of Auto Insurance in Disaster Preparedness
On the most basic level, the role of automobile insurance is to help drivers prepare financially for future perils. Even the best driver can make a mistake and cause an accident, but as long as you have a collision insurance policy, you can rest easy knowing the damage to your vehicle will be covered. Similarly, you never know when you might cause an accident, but a reliable liability policy can help pay for damage you cause to people or property.
When it comes to car insurance and natural disasters, though, the problem is that most drivers only have liability and collision policies, and those are designed to protect you from perils on the road. For protection against disasters that strike when you are not behind the wheel, you will need the protection of comprehensive coverage.
Understanding Comprehensive Coverage
What is comprehensive automobile coverage? In short, this is a type of insurance designed to protect your car from non-driving calamities, including theft and vandalism. It protects against falling trees, storms, and more. This policy happens to be the only car insurance coverage for natural disasters, so buying it is a great way to secure some peace of mind if you are worried about the wrath of Mother Nature.
Types of Natural Disasters and Insurance Coverage
Does car insurance cover natural disasters? The short answer is “yes,” but only if you have a comprehensive policy. Such a policy acts as a kind of “act of God car insurance,” protecting your vehicle against certain perils that other policies will not cover.
However, while comprehensive policies provide the only real car insurance coverage for natural disasters, they will not protect against everything. That is why it is always important to check the fine print on every policy well before you spend any money. Below, you will find a breakdown on some of the different natural disasters your vehicle might face and whether this act of God car insurance will cover that particular peril.
From Hurricanes to Hail: What Is Typically Covered
When it comes to car insurance and natural disasters, what is typically covered by a comprehensive policy? Hailstorms are typically covered, as are hurricanes. The latter is particularly good news for drivers who live in Florida and other areas traditionally plagued by storms (be sure you and your family have memorized a procedure for tornado preparedness and storm safety ahead of the season).
Speaking of storms, comprehensive policies also protect against vehicle flooding, so you do not usually need flood insurance as a separate rider. And while these threats may seem relatively rare, such policies also protect against other “acts of God,” including sinkholes and volcanoes.
In short, comprehensive is a great option for anyone who needs car insurance coverage for natural disasters. However, there are certain coverage limitations and exclusions you should be aware of before disaster strikes.
Recognizing Coverage Limitations and Exclusions
Does car insurance cover natural disasters? Now we know that the answer to this question is a resounding “yes.” Still, there may be certain coverage limitations and exclusions you will need to be aware of before disaster strikes. For example, when you check the fine print, you may discover your carrier has certain coverage restrictions built into the policy that may affect your odds of getting a payout.
Like collision, your comprehensive coverage policy has a value equal to the fair market value of your vehicle. These policies also come with a deductible, unlike your basic liability coverage which does not have a deductible. Keep in mind that carriers can place restrictions on buying policies or even making claims when something like wildfire strikes or if your area is prone to certain disasters. Be sure you know what these restrictions look like before relying on your existing comprehensive policy for protection.
Navigating Policy Details and Claims
Here is a gentle truth: If you are trying to find answers to questions like “Does car insurance cover natural disasters?”, it may mean you are unsure about what your own policy does or does not cover. Fortunately, all the details you are looking for are in your policy paperwork. Some people, though, are not entirely sure about how to navigate those details and verify what is and is not covered.
When checking your own policy, verify that you have comprehensive automobile coverage and the covered perils. Next, review any restrictions, limitations, or exclusions in your contract.
As for making a claim after a natural disaster, the best course of action is to document the damage to your vehicle as thoroughly as you can while your memories of the disaster are still fresh. This will help you file a more accurate claim and, most importantly, improve your odds of that claim being successfully processed.
Financial Aspects of Disaster Protection
Most drivers who hesitate to get comprehensive coverage worry about the added cost. After all, nobody wants to see their monthly premium increase. However, a comprehensive policy is almost always worth the cost unless you have a very old car.
That is because the policy is designed to replace your entire car if need be. Should your vehicle be destroyed by a flood or even stolen outright by a thief, your policy will help you get a new set of wheels in no time. The small increase in your monthly premium ultimately pales in comparison to the cost of buying a brand-new vehicle, all while providing great peace of mind.
Why, then, is comprehensive coverage not necessarily worth it if you drive an older vehicle? Basically, the older a car is, the less it is worth. If you are simply going to buy or lease a new vehicle when the old one dies, you may be better off skipping comprehensive rather than trying to prolong the life of an aging car.
Tailoring Your Insurance for Maximum Protection
For those worried about natural disasters, comprehensive coverage offers great protection for your vehicle. However, there is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all policy. That is why drivers are encouraged to tailor their policies to cover their individual needs.
Local carriers like InsureOne can help tailor coverage to your needs because these agents live and work in the same neighborhoods as you. And if that neighborhood is at an enhanced risk of certain disasters, the agents can help you pursue additional coverage options.
Additional Coverage Options in High-Risk Areas
Another important reason to check the fine print of your comprehensive coverage is that not all policies cover all disasters. For example, some areas are naturally prone to earthquakes or flooding, and carriers in these areas may not automatically cover these disasters. However, you may be able to add additional riders to further protect yourself from these perils.
Take the First Step Toward Protecting Your Vehicle
Does car insurance cover natural disasters? Now you know the answer is “yes,” and you know which perils are protected by comprehensive car insurance. You also know to check the fine print of your policy and add riders as needed. However, do you know who you can trust to protect you and your ride when disaster strikes?
At InsureOne, we are here to protect your ride no matter what tomorrow brings. Are you ready for a carrier that offers the best in protection and price, all while offering the customer service of which you have been dreaming? If so, it is time to get a quote online. Alternatively, you can also pick up the phone and give us a quick call at 800-836-2240. Finally, feel free to find an InsureOne office near you.