What To Do With Your Car After Hurricane Damage?

Hurricane & Flood Vehicle Damage

Hurricane vehicle damage can be devastating, especially if your life has already been turned upside down by a natural disaster. Turn to our dealership in Wesley Chapel, FL, for expert advice on how to take care of cars that have been affected. If you're scouring the web with questions like, "How bad is flood damage to a car?" or "Is it safe to drive a flooded vehicle?", you'll find the answers you need in this guide. The Volvo Cars Wesley Chapel team is here to help, too, so give us a call or visit our service and repair center for assistance with hurricane vehicle damage.

Hurricane Vehicle Damage: What To Do After a Hurricane

Before the Storm

Obviously, the best way to avoid hurricane vehicle damage is to take preventative steps to protect your car from the storm. Crisis professionals recommend performing the following actions beforehand:

  • Fill up the fuel tank.
  • Make sure the battery is fully charged.
  • Take "before" pictures of the interior and exterior.
  • Remove important paperwork and documents from your car.
  • Stash an emergency hurricane kit inside the vehicle.
  • Park on higher ground.
  • Lock the doors and windows.

After the Storm

Hurricanes can arrive or escalate quickly, and we understand that it will not always be possible to complete all of the preventative steps in time. If your car is caught in the storm, here's what you should do the first time you're able to attend to it:

  • It may be tempting, but do not start your car. Instead, disconnect the battery.
  • Assess the damage, and take "after" photos of your interior and exterior.
  • If your vehicle has been flooded, remove all water and moisture as soon as possible to prevent further damage.
  • Use baking soda and other cleaning agents to clean dirtied fabrics and other surfaces inside the car.
  • Call the experts: Reach out to auto professionals, like our team in Wesley Chapel, FL, and your insurance provider to report the damage and get advice on how to proceed.

What Kind of Car Insurance Covers Hurricane Damage?

Unfortunately, not all car insurance providers cover hurricane vehicle damage. Even before hurricane season begins, you should take a closer look at your policy to ensure that your vehicle is protected. Hurricanes typically fall under a category called "windstorm," but flood insurance may be listed separately.

Often, the auto insurance that covers hurricane damage is known as "comprehensive coverage." The best way to know whether or not you have the right type of policy is by contacting your provider to discuss your current coverage. Once again, we strongly suggest doing this far in advance of hurricane season because some insurance companies will begin to limit coverage in certain areas as storms begin to roll in.

How Do I File a Hurricane Damage Insurance Claim?

After the storm, don't hesitate to file a hurricane damage insurance claim. The company will probably be bombarded with claims and requests from other policyholders in your area, so try to be patient. You should also take "after" photos of damaged areas immediately, with an emphasis on capturing cracks, dents, blown-out windows, or flooding in the cabin. If you purchase anything for the protection of your vehicle, keep the receipts – your insurance company may reimburse you.

The next step is to cooperate with your assigned insurance adjuster. Answer their questions, provide all the requested information, and be as honest and accurate as possible. Prompt communication and teamwork with the adjuster will encourage a quick and easy claims process.

It's usually a good idea to follow the adjuster's instructions for the restoration of your vehicle, but you have a say in the matter, too. For instance, you can choose your own service center if you wish.

Handle Hurricane Vehicle Damage Like a Pro in Wesley Chapel, FL

Living through natural disasters is beyond stressful, and hurricane vehicle damage may not even be the most serious thing you have to deal with right now. We wish all our neighbors in Florida the best.

When you're ready to attend to any car trouble, please contact our team at Volvo Cars Wesley Chapel. We'll work as hard as we can to get your vehicle looking and performing as well as it did before the storm, whether or not you drive a Volvo model.