BY SOLO INSURANCE®  (May 2021, Updated Feb 2026)

Regardless of the season, severe weather can cause damage to vehicles which, in turn, causes car insurance claims. Soon it will be spring time. Everyone knows that spring is a time of beautiful weather, but it can turn dangerous in an instant. Warm fronts can cause severe storms, and when they strike, they can do considerable damage, particularly to a car. Simply put, severe weather can cause unwanted car insurance claims. While your auto insurance could help with repairs, you still want to do what you can to protect the car. Avoiding a claim is always less expensive and frustrating. How does storm damage impact your car insurance, and, is it covered?

Your car is meant to be used outdoors, but that does not make it immune to weather damage. And when weather is particularly severe, the damage to your vehicle could be significant. While your auto insurance could help with repairs if you have physical damage coverage, you still want to do what you can to protect the car. Avoiding a severe weather claim is always less expensive and frustrating. In the end, the protection can significantly lessen the severity of weather damage.

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Protecting Your Car During Severe Weather

Often, weather warnings advise when severe weather threatens an area. As long as you’re not driving when storms arise, take a few minutes to do what you can to protect the car and avoid claims.

• Move the car into your garage or carport if you have one. If driving, you may be able to pull under a bridge or similar area to get some degree of cover.
• If you park under trees or near bushes, try to move the car to a safer area. Should limbs fall during storms, they might hit the car.
• Consider investing in a weather-resistant vehicle cover to help protect the vehicle. It may help against light hail or flying debris.
• Roll up your windows, if they’re not already. You don’t want rain or debris getting into the car. For instance, repairing interior damage to leather seats is often difficult and may not match exactly.

Tips for maintaining control and visibility ahead of bad weather

When you get caught driving in severe weather, your safety is the first priority. Bad weather signals us to slow down, pay attention to the road.

• Stay alert. Keep eyes on both the other vehicles around you and the weather conditions.
• Check your lights and tires. Lights should not flicker. Tires need strong treads, accurate pressure, and balance. These things make a difference if you get caught driving in severe weather.
• If the weather becomes so severe that you do not feel safe driving, then find the safest location to pull over and arm your hazard lights. Wait for the weather to pass.

Severe Weather and Car Insurance Considerations

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Should a storm damage your vehicle, your auto insurance may help (if it’s not just liability). In car insurance, storm damage is considered under Comprehensive coverage. Also called, “Other than Collision,” Comprehensive coverage covers damage caused by hazards that are not collisions (i.e., deer or storms) and has a deductible. Should the worst happen, you would contact your insurer’s claims department (many have apps or online options). They can help you understand how much protection you have for storm damage to your vehicle.

    Pro Tip: Call your insurance company if the damage is clearly above your deductible. If at or near your deductible, there’s no need to put a claim on your record.

Summary

Severe weather can cause unexpected damage to your vehicle from hail or debris and that means claims. Heavy storms can be dangerous. Taking precautions, like moving your car to covered parking or away from trees, can help reduce the risk and may avoid a claim all together. If storm damage does occur, however, Comprehensive (“Other Than Collision”) coverage is the area of insurance that would apply. It may help you cover repairs, but only after your deductible.

Would you like to review your coverage? Contact Solo Insurance^® today, before the next storm hits.  No pressure, no agency fees, no hassle. Call: 800-207-7656.  Click: car insurance quote.

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