The National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI) of NOAA states that there were eighteen weather-related and climate-related disasters in the United States in 2022. Natural disasters are defined as “catastrophic events with atmospheric, geological, and hydrological origins (e.g., droughts, earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, landslides),” and they can result in environmental disturbance, property damage, and fatalities.
As of June 2023, there have been nine confirmed natural catastrophes, according to the NCEI report, putting us on pace to either equal or surpass the amount from the previous year. The subject of how weather-related disasters, such as flooding and severe weather, may affect auto insurance costs is undoubtedly raised by the current trends.
Regardless of whether they do (we’ll address that in a moment), it’s crucial to understand that, based on your location, you should constantly make sure your insurance policy provides the appropriate level of coverage for you. Our Our insurance service members provided us with the overview when we chatted with them.
Location, insurance rates, and natural disasters
A mailing address and a garaging or location address are typically requested by the insurance company when you get a quote for auto insurance.
Does a location or garaging address actually matter, and what does it mean? Your car will actually be parked here; no, despite the name, it is not required to be in a garage, and yes, it is important. Your auto insurance provider will use this address to generate an accurate quote and premium for you.
Your insurance company may base your rate on a variety of criteria, including the type of car you drive, how safe you drive, and the number of auto accidents in your area.
One more element?
The surroundings. Climate, topography, and the distance between your car and any bodies of water can all affect your rate. Insurers may charge you more to cover damages if you reside in a region that is more vulnerable to natural catastrophes or simply severe weather outside of typical weather patterns or circumstances.
Car insurance with telematics-based coverage is one option to avoid a rate hike. Telematics is a cutting-edge way to reduce your auto insurance costs without compromising coverage as compared to traditional auto insurance.
Is weather damage to autos covered by auto insurance?
Yes, weather-related damage to autos is covered by auto insurance. On that note, more on that in a moment, it’s crucial to distinguish between normal weather-related mishaps and catastrophic weather-related damage.
It might be challenging to determine which coverage applies in whatever weather scenario because natural disasters aren’t a one-size-fits-all situation (much like auto insurance). What kind of auto insurance covers natural disasters is covered by these frequently asked questions.
Disclaimer: Depending on your particular scenario, you should always review your contract and auto insurance policy for precise details and coverage information.
Do auto insurance policies cover hail damage?
One type of coverage you’ll be grateful to have in your policy is comprehensive coverage, in case your automobile gets struck by a hailstorm and ends up looking like golf balls on the fairway. Your car’s hail damage repairs may be partially covered by this coverage, which usually involves a deductible.
Coverage for wind damage by auto insurance?
Blown with the wind and blown by the wind are two different things. Wind has the ability to harm your car if it blows fast enough. Since most auto insurance providers will classify these damages as weather-related, they will once more come under the umbrella of comprehensive coverage.
Do auto insurance policies cover fire damage?
Summer and early fall seem to be a common time for wildfires to occur. Adding Comprehensive coverage to your insurance policy is always a good idea if you live in a region where wildfires might threaten homes and cars. Your car’s damage from fire is covered by this coverage. That way, you’ll know which policy to use when you question yourself, “My car caught on fire, will my insurance cover it?”
Weather-related incidents versus weather-related property damage
Let’s discuss how two scenarios differ by using some instances.
a weather-related vehicle collision. Let’s imagine you get into a car accident in this scenario where the rain from the tropical storm causes you to hydroplane off the road and strike a tree. It qualifies as a collision even though the weather had nothing to do with it; to help with any damages to your vehicle, you would require collision coverage under your policy.
What we have been discussing thus far is weather-related vehicle damage. For example, if you park your car in your driveway and a sudden hailstorm hits, causing multiple dents, cracks, and dings to your vehicle, the damage would be covered under comprehensive coverage because it was caused by the weather.
It’s a good idea to think about adding comprehensive and collision coverage to your policy when weighing your alternatives for coverage, especially when it comes to where you plan to travel and park your car.
With a severe weather car kit, get ready.
Being ready for those unforeseen weather events might be lifesaving because Mother Nature can be unpredictable at times. Although we have already discussed the contents of an emergency automobile pack, the following extreme weather events need further preparation for your bag.
Heavy snow: bring tire chains, sand or cat litter, warm clothes, and a tow rope.
Strong winds and rain should be prepared for. Bring extra clothes, batteries, evacuation maps, and waterproof bags for critical documents.
Fires: have a portable fire extinguisher and an escape kit in your automobile.
It is as vital to have coverage for the unexpected as it is to be ready for the unforeseen with the items you keep in your car. What does that imply to us? Keep in mind that which coverage applies to the damage depends depend on how your automobile was damaged—whether it was from weather or an accident.
Reviewing all of the coverages offered by your auto policy is a fantastic place to start because unforeseen events sometimes happen.
And all that coverage, now? It could seem expensive. Fortunately, though, especially for careful drivers, auto insurance need not always be. A conscientious driver will drive at the posted speed limit, observe traffic laws, and drive less distracted. Additionally, drivers who engage in certain behaviors are rewarded with a monthly savings on their insurance bill by telematics-based insurance providers like Our.
Cost need not be a reason to forgo coverage. With Our, you can enjoy the best of both worlds and save on those rainy days.