Houston is a vibrant city and bustling population center. However, it’s also known for its frequent and often devastating floods. For vehicle owners, these floods can cause significant damage, leading to costly repairs or even total loss of a vehicle. With this in mind, the team at Amco Auto Insurance aims to help ensure you’re adequately covered for flood-related damages through auto insurance.

Comprehensive Coverage

One of the first lines of defense against flood damage is comprehensive coverage. This feature of many auto insurance policies can cover damage to your vehicle caused by events other than collisions, such as floods, fires or theft. In Houston, where flooding is common, comprehensive coverage should be considered crucial.

When a flood hits, it can cause extensive damage to your vehicle’s engine, electrical system and interior. Comprehensive coverage can help cover the costs of these repairs. However, it’s important to note that comprehensive coverage typically comes with a deductible, which is the amount you’ll have to pay out-of-pocket before your insurance kicks in.

Gap Coverage

While comprehensive coverage can cover the cost of repairs or the current market value of your vehicle, it may not cover the total amount you owe on your car loan or lease. This is where gap coverage can be of assistance.

Gap coverage, also known as loan/lease payoff coverage, can cover the difference between what your car is currently worth and what you still owe. This can be particularly useful in the event of a total loss due to flood damage, where the payout from your comprehensive coverage may not be enough to cover the remaining balance of your loan or lease.

How to File a Claim for Flood-related Losses

If a flood damages your insured vehicle, you should contact your insurance company as soon as possible. When working through the claims process, be sure to take photos or videos of any damage and keep records of any correspondence with your insurance company. Your insurer will likely assign a claims adjuster to your case, who may inspect your vehicle personally. When seeking estimates for repairs, be sure you are working with shops and businesses approved by your insurance company.

We’re Here to Help

While the frequent flooding of Houston can pose a significant risk to vehicle owners, having the right auto insurance coverage can provide valuable protection and peace of mind. Understanding and utilizing comprehensive and gap coverage can help safeguard your vehicle against flood-related damage.

Contact Amco Auto Insurance today to learn more about coverage options that can financially protect you and your vehicle from floods.

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.