Is Your Auto Insurance Hurricane-Ready? 5 Things To Check

Posted on August 13th, 2025

 

Florida’s sunshine is unbeatable, but hurricane season always crashes the party.

We board up windows, stash bottled water, and double-check the flashlight stash—but how often do we think about our cars? Storm prep isn’t just a home game.

A hurricane can turn your ride into a costly paperweight, and ignoring that risk could cost more than you expect.

Your insurance might seem like a safety net, but fine print can be a slippery thing. Comprehensive coverage is excellent to have when wild weather hits, handling damage from flooding or airborne junk that basic liability skips.

If your car is an absolute necessity like having a morning coffee, it’s worth knowing exactly what protection you have before the wind starts howling.

The road to peace of mind starts before the storm shows up on the radar.

 

Do All Policies Typically Include Car Insurance for Hurricanes?

Not every auto insurance policy has your back when a hurricane hits.

Some will step up; others will leave you holding the bill. The real shield in storm season is comprehensive coverage. It handles damage from non-collision events—exactly the kind of chaos hurricanes bring.

Floodwaters creeping into your driveway or wind turning lawn chairs into projectiles can total a car fast. Without insurance, you could be paying for that mess yourself.

Even the most careful prep—parking in a garage, moving to higher ground—can’t guarantee safety. That’s why knowing what your policy says is as important as having bottled water in the pantry. Insurance isn’t a one-size-fits-all deal.

Companies word policies differently, and the fine print decides if you get a check or a headache.

When you pull out your policy, here are five things worth checking:

• Whether comprehensive coverage is included and active

• Specific wording around flood damage and storm surge

• If wind-driven debris is listed as a covered cause of loss

• Coverage for business use if you drive for work

• How aftermarket parts or modifications are handled in claims

Each of these can make or break a payout. Take flood coverage, for example. Some insurers define it narrowly, tying it to flood zones or certain causes.

Miss that detail, and you could be out of luck if your car gets swamped in a “non-qualifying” flood. The same goes for wind damage—make sure your policy clearly covers flying debris, not just collisions.

Using your car for business? A personal auto policy might not cover it if a storm wrecks your work vehicle.

And if you’ve added a lift kit, roof rack, or other aftermarket parts, they might not be insured unless you’ve declared them. Those shiny extras could vanish from your coverage faster than you think.

If you regularly tow gear or trailers, ask about those too. They often need separate coverage to be fully protected in a hurricane claim. Skipping that step can leave a big, uncovered gap.

The key is to go past the headline of “comprehensive” and dig into the actual terms. A quick review with your insurance agent now can save hours of stress and thousands of dollars later. Hurricanes are unpredictable, but your coverage shouldn’t be.

 

Preparing Your Vehicle: Emergency Car Prep Checklist

Hurricane prep isn’t just about boarding up windows—it’s also about making sure your car is ready to roll at a moment’s notice.

If evacuation orders drop, you want a vehicle that’s dependable, stocked, and fueled, not a half-prepped headache.

This isn’t just “park it somewhere safe” advice. It’s about making sure your car can get you out quickly, safely, and without surprise breakdowns.

Mechanical health comes first. A storm is no time to gamble on bald tires or low oil. Fluids, brakes, and lights all matter more when you’re driving through heavy rain and congested roads.

And don’t wait until the last minute to fill your tank—gas stations can run dry fast when a storm’s on the way. Think of this as tuning up your escape route before the clock starts ticking.

When you’re getting ready, keep this checklist close:

• Check fluid levels, including oil, brake fluid, and coolant

• Inspect tires for tread wear and proper inflation

• Confirm all lights work, from headlights to brake lights

• Fill the fuel tank before lines and shortages hit

• Secure or store your car in a safe, elevated location

• Remove nearby loose items that could become projectiles

Physical protection matters too. A garage is ideal, but if you don’t have one, scout out elevated parking decks or other safe spots away from flood-prone areas.

Even small steps—covering an open sunroof, sealing windows, or parking away from trees—can save you from costly repairs. Clearing the area around your vehicle keeps flying trash and furniture from becoming someone’s insurance claim.

An emergency kit in your trunk is just as critical as your car’s condition. Pack enough food and water for at least three days, along with a first-aid kit that includes any necessary prescriptions.

Add in a flashlight with spare batteries, jumper cables, and a few basic tools. Blankets, a poncho, and a change of clothes can keep you comfortable if you’re stuck longer than expected.

Don’t skip portable chargers and a physical map—you’ll appreciate both if cell service drops or GPS goes down.

The point is simple: in a hurricane, your car is more than transportation. It’s your lifeline. Preparing it now means you won’t be scrambling later, and when the winds start howling, you’ll know you’ve already done what it takes to stay safe and keep moving.

 

Tips For Submitting Insurance Claims After Hurricane Damage

Hurricanes leave more than fallen trees and flooded streets—they can leave your car looking like it went through a demolition derby.

Once the storm passes, the real work begins: getting your insurance claim moving. A little organization on your part can make the process faster, smoother, and far less stressful.

Start with proof. Before touching anything, grab your phone and take clear photos and videos of the damage from multiple angles. Get the exterior, the interior, and any spots that might hide water damage, like carpets, seat cushions, and the trunk.

Water can also wreak havoc under the hood, so watch for electrical or engine issues that might not show up right away. The more evidence you have, the harder it is for your insurer to dispute your claim.

Once you’ve got documentation, it’s time to involve the people who can actually get your repairs paid for. Your licensed auto insurance agent should be first on that list. They know your policy inside and out and can tell you exactly what’s covered.

They’ll also walk you through the paperwork, help submit your evidence, and act as your go-between with the claims department. If the insurance company asks for additional information, your agent can make sure it gets handled quickly so your file doesn’t stall.

When you’re ready to file, keep these tips in mind:

• Document every detail before moving the car or starting cleanup

• Contact your insurance agent as soon as it’s safe

• Ask for a clear claims timeline so you know what to expect

That timeline matters. Hurricanes tend to flood insurers with claims, which can slow everything down. Knowing the process helps you plan transportation while your car is in limbo.

Also, ask your agent if your insurer partners with specific repair shops. These preferred shops often speed up the process and may offer perks like reduced rates or priority scheduling.

An experienced agent isn’t just there to shuffle papers—they’re your advocate when policies get technical and timelines get fuzzy. They can help you avoid missing small but critical details, like including damage to accessories or clarifying whether towing fees are covered.

Being proactive here means less back-and-forth later. With solid documentation, a reliable point of contact, and a clear vision of the claims process, you’ll be in a much better position to get back on the road without unnecessary delays or disputes.

 

Worried About Storm Damage to Your Car? Let New Look Insurance Review Your Coverage

Hurricane season doesn’t wait for anyone, and neither should your coverage. The right auto insurance can be the difference between a quick recovery and a long financial setback.

At New Look Insurance LLC, we know what it takes to prepare for Florida’s unpredictable storm season.

Our team in Jacksonville specializes in tailoring policies that fit your life—whether that means accounting for business use, covering aftermarket modifications, or making sure you’re protected from flood and wind damage.

A personalized review of your policy now can prevent costly surprises later. Our licensed agents break down the fine print, highlight potential gaps, and recommend options that keep your vehicle and your family secure.

We also offer broader solutions for family insurance and business coverage, ensuring every part of your life is shielded from hurricane-related risks.

If you’re unsure how your current policy stacks up, there’s no better time to find out.

You can speak directly with a Licensed Auto Insurance Agent today. For immediate assistance, call (904) 727-0107 or email [email protected].

Stay ahead of the storm, stay protected, and drive with confidence knowing you have coverage built for whatever the season brings.