How to Protect Your Car During a Hurricane
June 20th, 2020 by Fix Auto USA
A hurricane produces devastating rain, floods, and winds that can damage cars. If you live in an area prone to hurricanes, you must find ways to protect your car or risk severe car damages.
To protect a car during a hurricane, you need to plan ahead for the storm. Fortunately, you can use various hurricane car protection measures to safeguard your vehicle against damage caused by severe weather conditions.
How to Protect Your Car from a Hurricane: 8 Tips You Need to Know
Here’s how to protect your car in a hurricane:
1. Park in a Safe Location
Store your car inside a garage whenever possible. If a garage is unavailable, park your car close to a building. You should also avoid parking your vehicle under power lines or trees, as they may fall during a hurricane.
2. Take Photos of Your Car’s Interior and Exterior
Capture photos of your car’s interior and exterior, and take pictures from multiple angles. In the event your vehicle is damaged or destroyed during the storm, you will have recent photos from before to provide to your insurance company.
3. Fill Your Car’s Gas Tank
Fuel up your car before a hurricane. In doing so, you will have sufficient gas in your vehicle if you need to evacuate during a hurricane or get help after the storm.
4. Store Important Car Documents Safely
Place your car’s insurance documents and registration in a zip-top plastic bag. In addition, make copies of important car documents and provide them to family members.
5. Avoid Driving in a Flood
Stay off the roads as much as possible during a hurricane. There is no telling how deep a puddle may be, and driving over even a foot of standing water can damage your car. So, err on the side of caution and remain sheltered in a safe place until a hurricane passes.
6. Move Your Car to a Higher Elevation
If you live in a floodplain, wait out a hurricane at a location that has a higher elevation. Also, park your car at this location to minimize the risk of flood damage.
7. Tape Your Car Windows
Apply tape in a crisscross pattern across each of your car’s windows. This won’t necessarily prevent your car windows from shattering during a hurricane, but it could make it easier to clean up the shattered glass if they do break.
8. Remove Non-Essential Items from Your Car’s Exterior
Remove any magnetic signs or other exterior accessories from your car. Otherwise, hurricane-force winds can rip these accessories off of your car and turn them into fast-moving projectiles.
What to Do If Your Car Is Flooded During a Hurricane
Following a hurricane, you’ll want to take care of flood damage immediately. To handle flood damage to your car after a hurricane, here’s what you need to do:
1. Remove Water from Your Car
Do not start your car, as doing so can further damage your vehicle’s engine, fuel system, and transmission. If possible, disconnect your car’s battery. Then, clean out any water inside your car and dry out your vehicle.
2. Clean Your Car’s Interior
Use a wet-vacuum and carpet cleaner to clean your car’s seats and floor. You can also apply baking soda to your car’s carpets to eliminate any odors.
3. Visit an Auto Repair Shop
Contact a tow company so your car can be taken to an auto repair shop. Here, your vehicle can be evaluated and repaired by professionals.
Does Your Insurance Company Cover the Cost of Flood Damage to Your Car After a Hurricane?
Most insurance companies offer comprehensive coverage that protects your car if it is damaged or destroyed during a hurricane. To find out if you have this coverage in place, get in touch with your insurance company. This allows you to gain insights into your insurance policy, as well as receive help to get your car repaired or replaced after a hurricane.
If you want to file an insurance claim after a hurricane, you should do so right away. Many cars may get damaged during a hurricane, so insurance companies may receive high volumes of requests at once following a storm. Thus, the sooner you begin the claims process, the sooner you can receive approval from your insurance company.
An insurance company may request information about your car, along with photos of any vehicle damage. If an insurance company determines your vehicle is unsalvageable, it will reimburse you for the replacement cost value of your vehicle – this value factors in the depreciation of your car’s value over time.
Keep in mind, if you file an insurance claim after a hurricane, your premium may increase. Make sure to contact your insurance company for details as each policy provider varies.x
Lastly, if you are concerned about the risk of hurricane damage to your car but do not have comprehensive insurance coverage, shop around as many insurance companies offer competitive rates. Find a policy and coverage that suits so you are covered for the costs associated with fixing or replacing your vehicle following a hurricane.
This blog post was contributed by Fix Auto Palo Alto a leading industry expert and collision repair shop servicing all communities in the greater Palo Alto area from Redwood City to the north, to Mountain View and Los Altos to the South, as well as Portola Valley, and Woodside.
