Car Insurance Coverage For Natural Disasters – When natural disasters take place, they leave destruction behind, and these damages are costly and come at a prohibitive price. One of the property types that is prone to destruction and damage includes vehicles. Furthermore, many car owners ask themselves if their insurance type can offer coverage for these unexpected and disastrous events.
This prompts a pressing question: Does car insurance cover natural disasters? Well, we are about to find out. There is no doubt that natural disasters like earthquakes, hurricanes, wildfires, and floods have different intensities and frequencies that are on the rise. In this blog post, we can discover the types of auto insurance that will offer coverage in a natural disaster.
Car Insurance Coverage For Natural Disasters
Car insurance does offer coverage for damages caused by natural disasters. However, this is only true if your policy has comprehensive coverage. Comprehensive insurance is created to cover damages that are not due to or caused by collisions. This includes events like hurricanes, theft, wildfires, hailstorms, wildfires, and floods.
Here are some of the reasons why comprehensive insurance covers natural disasters:
- Demand from customers.
- Wide coverage.
- Risk management.
- Financial protection.
What type of Car Insurance Covers Natural Disasters?
The type of auto insurance that generally covers damage caused by natural disasters is comprehensive insurance. Comprehensive coverage helps cover damages to your vehicle that are not the result of a collision. Therefore, coverage is needed for situations like theft, storms, falling objects, vandalism, floods, and fires.
On the other hand, it is essential to know that comprehensive insurance is usually optional, except when demanded by leasing or lending companies. Thus, if you do not have comprehensive insurance coverage, you will not be covered for damages from natural disasters that fall under liability policies or standard collisions.
What Policy Type Does Not Cover Natural Calamities?
Natural disasters or calamities are not covered by liability and collision insurance. Liability insurance covers damage that the policyholder causes to the other party’s property or vehicles. It also offers medical expense coverage if you injure someone. Collision insurance, on the other hand, covers damage to your vehicle in a collision with an object or another vehicle, regardless of who is at fault. Neither of these insurance types covers natural disaster damages.
How to File a Car Insurance Claim in the Case Of a Natural Disaster
If you have been hit by a natural disaster and would like to file a claim, here are the important steps you should take:
- Document the Damage: If it is safe to go back, take simple and clear photos and videos of your vehicle to document the extent of the damage. This will act as evidence.
- Contact your insurance company: Once you are done, reach out to your insurance company to report it as soon as possible. Some insurance companies set deadlines for when you can make claims after an incident.
- Fill Out the Claim Form: Your insurance company will give you the necessary claim form to fill out. Do so, and make sure that the information you are providing is accurate.
- Time for Adjuster Inspection: If you have filled out the claim form, your insurance company will send an adjuster to your home to examine the damage and your vehicle to determine the cost of the repair.
- Review Settlement Offer: Once the examination is complete, the insurance provider will make a settlement offer. Feel free to check this offer carefully to make sure its coverage is complete and accurate.
- Complete Repairs: After you agree on the settlement, you can then get your vehicle repaired.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Car Insurance Cover Hail Damage?
Yes, car owners who have comprehensive coverage can receive hail damage coverage under their policies.
Does Car Insurance Cover Tornado Damage?
Comprehensive insurance covers damage from tornadoes, as well as any junk or refuse that may hit your vehicle.
Does Car Insurance cover Flood Damage?
If you ever experience flooding and it damages your property, flood damage is usually covered under comprehensive insurance quotes.
Does Car Insurance cover Earthquake Damage?
If you have comprehensive coverage, damage caused to vehicles by earthquakes is usually covered.
Does Car Insurance cover Wildfires?
For comprehensive car insurance policies, wildfire damage to vehicles is usually covered.
Does Car Insurance cover Hurricane Damage?
Yes, auto insurance with comprehensive coverage offers coverage against damages from hurricanes, like flying debris and water damage.
Will my premium increase after a claim from a natural disaster?
If the situation is classified as an act of God, filing a claim for natural disaster damage may not necessarily increase your premiums. However, this can differ by individual situation and insurance company or provider.
Final Thoughts
When you understand the terms of your auto insurance policy, especially when it comes to comprehensive coverage, it is important because it helps you know that you are well protected if any natural disaster takes place. In addition, reach out to your insurance company to confirm your coverage details and any extra steps you can take to protect your car.