An intense rainstorm or even a hurricane comes through the area. You have plenty of cleanup to take care of, but what about your vehicle? In many situations, vehicle owners are left with damage to the interior of their vehicle or even to the engine as a result of being exposed to water damage and flooding. Could your auto insurance help to pay for these losses? Whether or not you have coverage depends on the type of plan you have and any exclusions specifically listed on the plan. Here’s what you need to know.
What Type of Car Insurance Do You Have?
If you have just general liability insurance or perhaps collision insurance, you don’t have protection for flooding or water damage. These policies do not offer that type of protection. If you have, however, comprehensive auto insurance then you do have coverage in most cases. Comprehensive car insurance provides protection from things you cannot control. This includes storms and other natural disaster-related instances.
You also need to read the details of your insurance to find out if you really do have this type of protection, though. The problem is some auto insurance policies specifically exclude water damage caused by flooding. It’s always important to know the specific inclusions on your policy and those types of instances that leave you without the ability to file a claim. Generally, these plans will cover hail damage and other storm damage, but not necessarily damage related to preventable instances.
It’s important to get coverage in place in advance, too. Most policies have a waiting period of 30 to 60 days before you can file a claim on the insurance. This prevents instances of people signing up for insurance right before an impending storm and dropping it afterwards.
Individuals who live in areas where storms can cause damage should carry comprehensive auto insurance. It can provide coverage for other types of risks as well including from fires and theft. Yet, it tends to be an affordable investment for most drivers. Read through the policy you plan to buy so you know that flooding and water damage is included in the covered types of claims. Do this before you buy the policy.
We’ll help protect your car. Call Miller’s Insurance Agency, Inc. at (610) 269-4500 for more information on Downingtown auto insurance.
