Does Car Insurance Cover Hurricane Damage?

• Your car insurance cover hurricane damage, if you carry comprehensive insurance.
• Liability-only will not cover hurricane-related losses.
• When a storm warning is active, insurance companies may temporarily pause selling new car insurance policies or making changes to existing ones. This temporary freeze is called a moratorium.

When most people think about hurricane destruction, they picture damaged roofs, flooded homes, and downed power lines. But vehicles are also vulnerable during severe storms.

In fact, a 2024 CARFAX report revealed that more than 347,000 cars sustained flood damage during the hurricane season, that highlights how widespread the risk is for drivers.

The good news is that car insurance can cover hurricane damage, but not every policy provides this protection. Only comprehensive coverage will protect your car from flooding, high winds, falling debris, and other storm-related losses.

If you’re comparing policies, make sure you understand which carriers offer the best car insurance in Nashville, Tennessee, since not every plan automatically includes comprehensive protection.

Your vehicle is only protected from hurricane-related damage if your auto insurance policy includes comprehensive coverage. Sometimes referred to as “other-than- collision” coverage, this protection pays for losses caused by natural disasters, theft, vandalism, or fire.

In some cases, collision coverage may also come into play if you’re involved in an accident during storm conditions. Together, comprehensive and collision are often packaged as full coverage car insurance.

Here are the most common ways car insurance applies during a hurricane:

• Falling debris – If a tree branch, street sign, or other object crashes onto your car during the storm, comprehensive coverage can help pay for repairs.
• Wind damage – Powerful hurricane-force winds that flip your car or cause body damage are usually covered under comprehensive insurance.
• Flooding and water damage – Whether it’s heavy rain, storm surge, or flash flooding, comprehensive insurance protects your vehicle from most water-related damage.
• Accidents in hurricane conditions – If you collide with another car while driving in the storm, your liability insurance covers damage you cause to others. To repair your own vehicle, you’ll need collision coverage, which pays for damages minus your deductible.

Keep in mind that comprehensive and collision coverages are optional add-ons in most states. You’ll need to request them from your insurer. The liability-only policies won’t protect your car from hurricanes.

For budget-conscious drivers, it’s also worth exploring options for cheap auto insurance in Nashville that still allow you to add comprehensive coverage without overspending.

Hurricanes pose the greatest risk to states located along the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf Coast, where warm waters fuel stronger storms. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and historical storm data, these states are the most vulnerable to hurricane-related damage:

• Florida – The most hurricane-prone state, frequently hit by both Atlantic and Gulf storms.
• Texas – Especially at risk along the Gulf Coast, including cities like Houston and Corpus Christi.
• Louisiana – Known for devastating storms such as Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Ida.
• Mississippi – Faces significant flooding and storm surge threats during Gulf hurricanes.
• Georgia – While less frequent, coastal Georgia still experiences hurricane and tropical storm impacts.
• South Carolina – Often sees powerful Atlantic hurricanes making landfall.
• North Carolina – Vulnerable to both coastal flooding and wind damage from storms tracking up the East Coast.
• Alabama – Gulf Coast areas are highly exposed to storm surge and flooding.

Even states outside these core regions—like Tennessee—can experience the remnants of hurricanes, leading to flash flooding, heavy rainfall, and wind damage. That’s why comprehensive coverage is worth considering, even if you don’t live directly on the coast.

Even though hurricane damage isn’t your fault, filing a claim can still affect your future car insurance premiums. Comprehensive claims, like those for storm damage, generally don’t raise rates as sharply as at-fault accidents, but many insurers may still adjust your premium after you’ve filed.

For example, Progressive notes that it typically won’t increase rates for claims under $500 unless they occur repeatedly. However, every insurance company has its own rules, and your premium may also depend on your claims history, driving record, and where you live.

Taking proactive steps to protect your vehicle before a hurricane can help minimize damage and ensure you’re ready if evacuation becomes necessary.

Here are some important ways to prepare your car:

• Park your vehicle in covered area – If possible, park in an above-ground garage or covered structure to reduce flood exposure and protect your car from flying debris.
• Keep your insurance documents handy – Store a digital or physical copy of your auto insurance policy, including your declarations page and policy number. Write down important contact numbers for your insurance agent and claims department in case of power or internet outages.
• Fill your gas tank in advance – A full tank ensures you’re ready to evacuate if ordered. Since power outages often follow hurricanes, gas stations may be closed or pumps inoperable after the storm.
• Equip your vehicle with an emergency kit – Being prepared for unexpected delays or road closures can make a big difference. Consider packing:
  • Tools for towing
  • Reflectors and flashlights
  • Emergency food and bottled water
  • Warm blankets and extra clothing
  • A cell phone charger and backup power bank
  • A first-aid kit

Will my insurance premium go up after a hurricane?
If you file a claim for hurricane-related damage under your comprehensive coverage, there’s a chance your premium may rise. Even without filing a claim, drivers in high-risk coastal states often see higher rates because insurers factor in the increased likelihood of storm-related losses. In some cases, proving that you park in a secure or elevated location may help lower your premium.

Do I have to pay a deductible for hurricane damage to my car?
Yes. Both comprehensive and collision coverage come with deductibles, which you choose when setting up your policy. After a covered claim, you’ll pay this amount out of pocket before your insurer covers the rest. One exception is if you’ve purchased “full glass” coverage under comprehensive insurance—glass-only damage may not require a deductible, depending on your policy.

How do I find the best car insurance for hurricane coverage?
There isn’t one insurer that’s best for everyone, but the right choice often includes:

• Affordable comprehensive coverage with options like full glass protection.
• Rental car reimbursement, since rental demand spikes after a storm.
• A strong track record of customer service and fast claims handling in storm-prone areas.

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