Floridians are no strangers to hurricanes. Running from June to November, hurricane season can be especially brutal in greater Tampa. In fact, it's estimated that over 2.8 million homes in southern Florida are at risk from a category 5 hurricane. With that in mind, you may be wondering about what type of car insurance covers hurricane damage. Not all, but many comprehensive insurance packages cover hurricane-associated "weather-related vehicle damage." 

Read on to learn more about car insurance for hurricane damage, and don't hesitate to reach out to the service center at Subaru South Tampa for assistance with filing a claim near St. Petersburg, FL! 

What Type of Car Insurance Covers Hurricane Damage?

Does car insurance cover hurricane damage? Most types of "Comprehensive" or "Collision" insurance packages cover weather-related vehicle damage to vehicles, and often explicitly under the header of "Hurricane Damage." If you live in a town that's frequently subject to hurricanes like Wesley Chapel, FL, however, it's imperative that you review your insurance package for hurricane coverage.

In some cases, hurricane coverage may not be explicitly mentioned, but certain types of damage caused by hurricanes are. Therefore, it's important to review the "Covered Perils" in your insurance plan to make sure they match up with possible hurricane damages. The main categories include: 

• Water Damage: Did you know that your car can be totaled for being submerged in one foot of water? It goes without saying that you absolutely need to insure it for water damage in case of floods. 
• Wind Damage: Hurricane damage can also come in the form of damage from objects being hurled by strong winds. 
• Falling Debris: As trees bend and power lines fall, make sure your car is protected from falling objects. 
• Driving Damage: If you're driving and get into an accident during a violent storm where you lose control of the vehicle, make sure you're covered by a "Damage while Driving" clause. This will help you get hurricane damage coverage, instead of being considered to be at fault. 
• Corrosion: If you live off the ocean, make sure your insurance package covers corrosion. If your vehicle is subject to prolonged salt exposure during a major hurricane, it's at risk of rusting.

How Do You File a Hurricane Damage Claim? 

You know that car insurance does often cover hurricane damage, as well as what types of car insurance cover hurricane damage. Now, let's take a look at how to file a claim, should your vehicle ever experience weather-related vehicle damage from a hurricane: 

• Once it's safe to go outside, inspect your vehicle and its surroundings. List out and take photos of any damages it's suffered. Also, photograph the surrounding area to give evidence of a storm.
• Then, reach out to our service center to schedule an official inspection. If you get in touch with the insurance agency right away, they may try to connect you with their own inspectors, but working with an honest, disinterested third party like Subaru South Tampa ensures your vehicle gets an objective inspection. 
• File a claim with your insurance company. Be sure to describe the damage and circumstances in great detail, and email any pictures you've taken, as well as the report from the inspection you received from us. 
• Finally, an insurance adjuster will review your claim and pay out your settlement. 

Need Help Filing a Claim for Weather-Related Vehicle Damages?

Do you have more questions about what type of car insurance covers hurricane damage, or how to file a claim? Are you in need of an objective damage inspection? If so, call the mechanics at Subaru South Tampa at 813-820-5440. We'll make sure you get an objective claim inspection and a fair settlement from your insurance company, so you don't have to worry about insurance headaches while recuperating after a hurricane! Learn more about the benefits of choosing us for Subaru service today, and while you're here, find out if your vehicle has had any recalls issued for it!