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

If you live in an area of the United States where tornadoes are common, you might wonder, “Does auto insurance cover damage caused by a tornado or other windstorm?”

As the Storm Prediction Center notes in their FAQ about tornadoes and cars, this is a valid concern: An intense tornado can fling a vehicle for hundreds of yards and cause severe damage.

Keep reading to learn about auto insurance coverage for tornado and windstorm damage if you want to add to the types of auto insurance coverage you currently have and some related tips.

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

As long as you have comprehensive insurance as part of your auto policy, your car insurance coverage will cover damage caused by a tornado.

Affordable comprehensive auto insurance will typically cover storm-related damage to your vehicle minus the cost of your deductible. This can include wind, hail, flooding, and falling tree limbs landing on your vehicle.

Does my auto insurance cover damage caused by a lightning strike, Your deductible may also cover related damage.

How can I get comprehensive insurance added to my policy for tornado coverage?

If you are not sure if you have comprehensive auto insurance, you should start by giving your agent a call, if you have one. While comprehensive insurance is optional in most states, it tends to be very affordable and can allow you to be proactive about tornado damage to your vehicle.

The tornado forecast for the United States from AccuWeather predicts that up to 1,200 twisters will occur in the United States in 2023, so adding comprehensive insurance to your policy can be a wise investment.

What should I do if a tornado or a windstorm damages my vehicle?

If a tornado or windstorm has damaged your vehicle, you should file a report with your insurance agent as soon as possible. The sooner you get started with your claim, the faster you will get paid by your auto insurance company and can start repairing your vehicle.

To ensure everything is moving smoothly, you might want to regularly check the auto insurance claim status.

If your agent wants to see photos of your damaged vehicle, take extra precautions before going outside. For example, after a tornado or windstorm, your neighborhood might have downed power lines.

Walk around your vehicle slowly to assess the damage and take photos of the entire car. Also, note the date and time the tornado or other windstorm occurred. If you are unsure how auto insurance companies pay out claims, including when you will get your money, contact your insurance agent.

Can I prevent my car from being damaged by a tornado or other windstorm?

While getting the answer to the question “Does my auto insurance cover damage caused by a tornado or other windstorm?” is very important, it is also a good idea to think about how to prevent your vehicle from being damaged by storms.

Downloading a weather app to your smartphone, like the one from the National Weather Service for the mobile phone, is a great place to start, as is watching news reports about possible tornadoes or windstorms in your area.

If a severe storm is headed your way, try to get your vehicle in some shelter. This can be a garage, carport, or another covered area. Granted, not everyone has access to a covered spot for their vehicle. If this is the case, try to park away from tall trees that may fall onto the car.

The Bottom Line on Auto Insurance Coverage for Damage Caused by a Tornado or Other Windstorm

Experiencing a tornado or strong windstorm can be very difficult. Going outside after the storm and finding tree limbs all over your vehicle, or your auto on its side is also extremely stressful. This is especially true if you wonder how you will pay for the damage.

By speaking with your insurance agent and, if you don’t already have it, adding affordable, comprehensive insurance to your policy will help set your mind at ease by knowing you are covered if a tornado or other windstorm damages your vehicle.

If you add comprehensive insurance to your policy, your agent can also answer questions like “How quickly do changes I make to my policy go into effect?”