What You Should Know
- For the most part, standard auto insurance policies don’t cover flood damage
- Comprehensive coverage usually covers hurricane and flood damage caused to vehicles, but even that can have limitations
- Federal assistance could step in and help with any excess costs — think of it like a flood damage GAP insurance
Understanding the different types of auto insurance coverage can help you navigate topics like auto insurance coverage for damage caused by a flood or hurricane. Well, auto insurance coverage for natural disaster damage is critical for vehicle owners in areas prone to these occurrences.
In this article, we’ll discuss whether you’re covered against flood and hurricane damages, the role of comprehensive coverage, and the availability of federal assistance programs for storm-related damages to your car — which insurance might not pay.
Standard Auto Insurance Doesn’t Cover Flood and Hurricane Damage
By default, standard auto insurance policies usually don’t cover your car against flood and hurricane damage. However, comprehensive coverage does provide protection against these natural catastrophes.
If you have comprehensive coverage, this tends to fall under “Acts of God.” Depending on your policy terms and conditions, it will likely cover any damages caused by floods or hurricanes. But again, this is subject to your policy agreement.
It is important to know whether auto insurance covers hurricane damage. You should also understand that comprehensive coverage can have its limitations. For example, it may not cover all damage costs associated with repairing or replacing your vehicle after these natural disasters.
Remember also that policies have deductibles you must pay out-of-pocket before the insurance company covers the remaining costs. So, as a priority, you should be prepared to handle that.
However, in some cases, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) may provide financial assistance for storm-related vehicle damage when a major disaster is declared.
This assistance can help cover costs not covered by your insurance policy, such as expenses exceeding policy limits or even your deductible.
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Check Your Auto Policy for Flood and Hurricane Coverage
To determine if your insurance covers flood and hurricane damage to your car, you should read over your policy, specifically looking through your comprehensive coverage section — as this is the one that would cover your damage costs.
If you’re still unsure about affordable full coverage auto insurance, contact your insurance agent for help or a better understanding of whether your auto policy covers flood and hurricane damage.
Your agent would be able to point you in the right direction and provide concrete answers to your question of how to know if you chose the right coverage.
Preparing Yourself and Your Car for Floods and Hurricanes
If you’re in a disaster-prone area, while it’s not always possible to prepare for a flood or hurricane, you should plan ahead — if at all possible. Understand the likelihood of those phenomena in your area, and make informed decisions about your insurance coverage.
Being prepared for floods and hurricanes can help minimize damage to your vehicle and ensure a smoother recovery process. According to FEMA, you should consider the following:
- Keep track of local news and weather warnings — by following advice from your authorities.
- Keep your car in good working condition. Ensure your tires, brakes, and other important parts are well-maintained.
- Know your evacuation routes to reach higher ground or a safe location. A well-planned route can help avoid getting stranded during a flood or hurricane.
- Create an emergency kit for your vehicle. Include items like bottled water, non-perishable food, flashlights, batteries, a first-aid kit, blankets, etc.
- Keep your vehicle’s gas tank full when a hurricane or flood is expected. Gas stations will be packed before — and may be closed or without power during a natural disaster.
- Do not attempt to drive through flooded streets. Floodwaters can be deeper than they look, and your car might stall or even submerge under what you thought was a shallow puddle.
If you don’t have flood or hurricane coverage, you may need to switch policies before one of these disasters occurs. If a storm is approaching, some companies won’t change your existing policy until afterward. With all this in mind, contact your insurance company to speak with an agent about your policy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does standard auto insurance cover flood and hurricane damage?
No, standard auto insurance policies typically do not cover flood and hurricane damage. You would need coverage that handles more, aside from liability.
What is comprehensive coverage?
Comprehensive coverage is a full, all-encompassing auto insurance option that covers damage to your vehicle from non-collision events, such as floods, hurricanes, theft, vandalism, falling objects, etc.
Can FEMA provide financial assistance for car damage from floods or hurricanes?
Yes, in some cases, FEMA may provide financial assistance for storm-related vehicle damage when a major disaster is declared. This can help cover costs not covered by insurance, such as deductibles or expenses that exceed policy limits.
How can I check if my auto insurance policy covers flood and hurricane damage?
Review your policy documents and talk with your insurance agent about the specifics of your coverage. Directly ask if your policy includes this particular protection. If it’s a comprehensive policy, it typically covers flood and hurricane damage.
Am I required to have flood insurance?
No, you’re not required to have flood insurance for your car. You’re only required to have a liability policy. But liability insurance alone doesn’t protect against flood and hurricane damages.
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Leslie Kasperowicz
Farmers CSR for 4 Years
Leslie Kasperowicz holds a BA in Social Sciences from the University of Winnipeg. She spent several years as a Farmers Insurance CSR, gaining a solid understanding of insurance products including home, life, auto, and commercial and working directly with insurance customers to understand their needs. She has since used that knowledge in her more than ten years as a writer, largely in the insurance…
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