If you live in a flood-prone area, you’ve likely heard that the law might require you to carry flood insurance.
Flood insurance is a policy that usually supplements your standard property insurance. The standard property policy usually doesn’t include coverage for flood damages. Flood insurance might cover home repairs and replacement for lost personal property.
In the event of a flood, your personal property may sustain serious damages. Based on your flood insurance, you may be able to afford repairs to a wide range of your personal property. However, there is one big personal item that flood insurance usually won’t cover—your car.
Why Flood Insurance Excludes Cars
Flood insurance means to protect your property, not your vehicles. For that reason, flood insurance policies usually don’t cover flood damages to your car. Even if your car is on flooded property, you likely can’t claim vehicle damages as part of your flood insurance.
Flood insurance may still protect small vehicles that are not standard modes of transport. You might be able to use the flood coverage to replace lawnmowers, golf carts, or other small vehicles. However, check your policy before trying to claim these items.
Cars come with their own insurance policies, separate from that of your home or business. Auto insurance covers a wide variety of damages, including many external threats.
If a flood damages your car, you can usually claim damages on your auto insurance. The comprehensive coverage usually protects damages that arise from perils unrelated to accidents. Perils can include flood damages.
Protecting Your Vehicle From Flood Damages
Even though you have auto coverage for water damage, do everything your can to protect your vehicle from floods. Don’t knowingly expose your vehicle to situations that may result in water damages.
- Be aware of how water pools in your local area. Avoid roads, bridges and parking areas that have a reputation for flooding.
- Never drive through flood waters. These could easily flood your vehicle and trap you inside.
- If flooding threatens, store your car in a garage or covered area if available. However, don’t store the car under trees or shrubbery. Falling shrubs could damage the car.
- Always close all your windows and doors in the event of precipitation. Water can easily seep into vehicles. If you notice leaks in your doors or windows, repair these breaks quickly.
- If you visit a car wash, always close your windows.
- In the event of flooding, try to evacuate your vehicle from high-risk property. However, don’t risk your own safety attempting to do so.
In the event of water damages, use your auto insurance to see if you can get any help repairing your car. Don’t forget to get the proper flood insurance for your property in the meantime.
Williams & Associates Inc can help you get El Paso insurance for your property or car. Call us at (915) 401-3320 for more information.