When a storm produces hail, heavy wind, or torrential rain, your car can suffer significant damage if left in its path. Unfortunately, severe weather can come so quickly that you may not have time to move your car into a garage or get off the road. If you’re like most drivers, your next step after checking to make sure everyone is OK involves finding out how much the storm damage is going to cost you.

Types of Damage Your Car Could Incur

Vehicle damage caused by severe weather can take many forms. Here are the most common reasons why customers of NatGen Premier file claims for storm damage:

• Partial or complete flooding of the vehicle.
• Hail or heavy winds that harm the car’s exterior.
• Water entering the vehicle’s electrical system and starting a fire.
• Heat from a lightning strike that causes damage to the rear windshield, electrical components, tires, or windows. Lightning can also set your entire car on fire, depending on its make, model, and safety features.
• Electric vehicles may incur irreversible battery damage due to flooding. Large batteries in electric cars can even explode with little warning.

Regardless of the type of storm damage your vehicle sustains, be sure to take several pictures to document it for insurance purposes. You also need to document how the damage occurred while the memory of the storm is still fresh in your mind. Be certain to record such details as the date and time of the storm along with details on how it specifically damaged your vehicle.

If your car becomes flooded or you notice other severe damage, avoid driving it and call for a tow instead.

Does Your Auto Insurance Policy Cover Storm Damage?

The answer to this question depends on the type of policy you have. Comprehensive coverage generally provides at least some reimbursement for weather-related damage outside of your immediate control. Striking an animal on the road and vandalism are two other examples. However, we recommend that you check your deductible and any coverage limitations that may apply.

Collision insurance might cover some of your storm-related vehicle damage, but only in certain situations. For example, if an ice storm causes your car to slide off the road and hit an object like a road sign or tree, your collision coverage policy could cover some of the cost of repairing or replacing your auto. You must accidentally collide with an object to qualify for reimbursement. You won’t have any coverage for storm-related vehicle damage if you only have liability insurance.