The tremendous flooding resulting from natural disasters like Hurricane Helene may have you wondering about what you would do in such a situation. Does car insurance cover flooded cars? Or would you lose all that you’ve invested in your vehicle? Since flooding and natural disasters are becoming more frequent and more severe, it’s important to understand what your insurance does and doesn’t cover.
Free Car Insurance Comparison - Save up to 30%
No junk mail. No spam calls. Free quotes.
No Signup required
Whether your car insurance covers flood damage will depend on the type of policy you have. If you bought your state’s minimum car insurance requirements, then you may not have car insurance for flood damage. State minimums usually require liability insurance, but comprehensive and collision coverage are optional.
For car insurance to cover flood damage, you will need comprehensive coverage. Comprehensive insurance pays to repair or replace your car if it’s stolen or vandalized. It also covers damage caused by fire, falling objects, and water, including flooding, hail, and heavy rain.
If you have comprehensive insurance and your car is damaged in a flood, you should contact your insurance company right away to file a claim. You will need to provide information on where and when the flood occurred, and your insurance company might ask you to submit photos or video of your vehicle. From there, the insurance company may send out an adjuster to evaluate your car and determine whether it can be repaired or if it’s a total loss.
As your claim is processed, you will receive a payout for either the repair costs or the value of your totaled vehicle. The value of your deductible will be subtracted from the amount of your benefit.
Your comprehensive insurance typically won’t cover the cost of any electronics that you installed yourself, such as a GPS, CD player, or mobile radio.
Free Car Insurance Comparison - Save up to 30%
No junk mail. No spam calls. Free quotes.
No Signup required
If your vehicle is flooded and you don’t have comprehensive car insurance, you will be responsible for the costs of repairing your vehicle. Since flood waters can damage your car’s electrical system and lead to mold and corrosion, your vehicle may be irreparable.
If you’re worried about flood risks, then it’s important to buy a comprehensive car insurance policy to protect your vehicle. You can get free car insurance quotes online today to start shopping for insurance and to find the policy that will offer the flood protection you need.
Paige Cerulli Paige Cerulli is a freelance content writer and journalist who specializes in personal finance topics. She graduated from Westfield State University and brings more than a decade of professional writing experience to the ConsumerCoverage team. Paige’s work has appeared in outlets including USA Today, Business Insider, and more.
