Pines Salomon Personal Injury Lawyers | January 17, 2025 | Car Accidents
Hurricanes aren’t common in California. However, if one does make landfall, you should do what you can to protect your car (and yourself) from flooding, falling trees, and other hazards. But what if your car suffers storm damage despite your best efforts? The answer depends on your insurance coverage. Here’s a closer look.
Does Car Insurance Cover Hurricane Damage?
If you own a car in California, you’re legally required to carry the following insurance coverage:
- At least $30,000 in bodily injury/death per person
- At least $60,000 in bodily injury/death per accident
- At least $15,000 in property damage liability per accident
State minimum coverage is meant to protect you if you cause a car accident, so it won’t cover damage to your car. If you want to protect your vehicle from hurricane damage, the best option is to purchase comprehensive insurance coverage.
Comprehensive coverage will usually protect your vehicle from hurricane-related hazards like these:
- Hail
- Heavy rains
- Falling trees
- High winds
- Flooding
However, covered losses can vary depending on your insurance provider and policy. You should always make sure you know what your policy covers and what it doesn’t cover.
What Should You Do With A Hurricane-Damaged Car?
If your car is damaged by a hurricane, what you do with it after the storm depends on the coverage you have.
If Your Insurance Policy Covers Hurricane Damage
If your policy covers hurricane damage, you should file a claim with your insurance company as soon as you can. Usually, you will need to include photos and/or videos of the car with your claim. Be as thorough as possible when documenting damage to the vehicle.
Unless your car only has minor issues after the storm, your insurance adjuster will likely want a local mechanic to inspect your vehicle and take a complete inventory of all the damage.
If at all possible, you should be present for the inspection. Most mechanics are very thorough, but they may be overwhelmed after the storm. If you’re present for the inspection, you can point out any problems you’ve noticed.
If Your Insurance Policy Does Not Cover Hurricane Damage
If you don’t have comprehensive coverage, you likely will be financially responsible for repairs. You should have the car inspected by a mechanic to see how much it would cost to repair.
If repairs are too expensive, you may be able to sell the car to a salvage buyer. After hurricanes and other disasters, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) often offers financial assistance to those who need to repair a vehicle or purchase a new one. Depending on your situation, you may be eligible.
What To Do If Your Insurance Company Denies Your Claim
Unfortunately, having comprehensive insurance does not automatically mean your insurer will pay your claim. After a hurricane, some insurers have so many claims to deal with that they accidentally deny legitimate claims. Others try to save money by deliberately denying claims and hoping policyholders won’t question the decision.
If your insurance company denies a claim that you think should be covered by your policy, you have options. Your next step should be contacting a law firm focusing on personal injury. Personal injury attorneys don’t only help people who have been physically injured — they can also assist those whose insurance companies aren’t fulfilling their contractual duties.
Has Your Car Been Damaged In A Hurricane?
Hurricanes can be incredibly stressful experiences, and the stress doesn’t end when the hurricane does. If your car has been damaged, take a deep breath and remember that no matter your insurance status, you have options.
Contact the Car Accident Lawyers of Pines Salomon Injury Lawyers in San Diego, CA, for Help Today
For more information, contact an experienced car accident lawyer at Pines Salomon Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation today.
We proudly serve San Diego County and its surrounding areas:
Pines Salomon Injury Lawyers – San Diego Office
835 5th Avenue #302, San Diego, CA 92101
(858) 551-2090
Available 24/7
Pines Salomon Injury Lawyers – La Jolla Office
4660 La Jolla Village Dr. San Diego, CA 92122
(858) 585-9031
Available 24/7
