Does my car insurance cover damage caused by a tornado or other windstorm?

Tornadoes and windstorms can do significant damage to your vehicle. Whether your car is lifted off the ground by a tornado or hit by flying debris, the repair or replacement costs can be overwhelming.

If you live in an area prone to these kinds of storms, it’s a good idea to check to ensure your car insurance covers damage caused by a tornado or other windstorm. In most cases, comprehensive car insurance would cover most of your expenses. Here’s what you need to know.

Comprehensive Car Insurance Covers Tornado and Windstorm Damage

Comprehensive insurance is a type of car insurance coverage that covers non-collision events such as fire, hail, theft, vandalism, and more. Most comprehensive insurance policies also cover a wide variety of damage your car might incur in a tornado or windstorm.

This includes damage caused by branches, debris, and other items that are caught in the wind or situations where the wind picks up your car and becomes the debris.

If a windstorm damages your car and you have comprehensive coverage, you’ll generally only be responsible for your deductible. That’s the amount you agree to pay out of pocket for claims, and it can range anywhere from $100 to $2,000 on average.

Due to the destructive nature of tornadoes, hurricanes, and other windstorms, your vehicle may be damaged beyond repair in one of these storms.

In that case, your car would be considered totaled, and your comprehensive coverage would reimburse you for the actual cash value of the car (as determined by your insurance company. However, due to depreciation, this may not be enough to get you a suitable replacement vehicle.

Tornadoes and Windstorms Are More Common Than You Think

If you don’t live in a state that usually experiences tornadoes, that does not mean you or your car are safe from wind-related damage. Many other kinds of windstorms can cause significant damage, including hurricanes, cyclones, and tropical storms.

That means that, no matter where you happen to live, there’s always a chance that you might experience a strong, destructive windstorm at some point, so it’s important to understand your insurance coverage.

Compared to vehicle repairs or replacement costs, comprehensive insurance is relatively inexpensive, ranging from $89–$230 per year, depending on your state, type of vehicle, deductible, and other factors.

If you can’t afford repair costs, comprehensive coverage is generally a good idea. The best comprehensive coverage car insurance companies offer affordable options for protecting your vehicle.

What to Do If Your Vehicle Suffers Damage In a Storm or Tornado

If your car is damaged in a tornado and you have the proper coverage, contact your insurance company as soon as possible to start the claim process and document as much as possible.

Sometimes, emergency services or cleanup crews will want to clear damaged vehicles and other debris from the area, so ask your insurance company what you need to do to ensure your claim can be processed.

For example, they may require some kind of report or photographs of your vehicle to complete your claim, and it’s usually easier to get those before cleanup operations get underway.

Case Studies: Car Insurance Coverage for Tornado and Windstorm Damage

Case Study 1: Maria’s Comprehensive Coverage

Maria lived in an area prone to tornadoes. When a powerful tornado struck her town, her car was severely damaged by flying debris. Fortunately, Maria had comprehensive car insurance that covered tornado damage. She promptly filed a claim with her insurance company, providing photographs of the damage and any other necessary documentation.

The insurance company assessed the claim and approved it, allowing Maria to get her car repaired without incurring significant out-of-pocket expenses.

Case Study 2: James’ Total Loss

James parked his car outside during a windstorm and woke up to find it completely totaled due to a fallen tree. He had comprehensive car insurance, which covered the damage caused by windstorms. James contacted his insurance company and started the claims process.

The insurance adjuster assessed the damage and determined that the repair costs exceeded the car’s actual cash value. As a result, the insurance company declared the vehicle a total loss and provided James with a settlement based on the car’s value. With the insurance payout, James was able to purchase a new vehicle.

Case Study 3: Sarah’s Policy Exclusion

Sarah’s car sustained damage during a windstorm, but her car insurance claim was denied. She discovered that her policy explicitly excluded coverage for windstorm damage. Disappointed but determined, Sarah decided to review her insurance options. She found a new car insurance policy that included comprehensive coverage for windstorm damage.

Later, when another windstorm caused damage to her car, Sarah filed a claim under her new policy, and it was approved. She learned the importance of carefully reviewing policy exclusions and ensuring comprehensive coverage for wind-related incidents.

The Bottom Line on Car Insurance for Wind Damage

Regardless of how badly your car is damaged, as long as your policy includes coverage for weather and natural disasters, you should be able to get your claim paid out so you can get your vehicle repaired. Of course, you’ll need to pay your deductible, but your insurance company should take care of the rest.