Who Pays When Your Car Is Damaged In A Florida Storm?

Understanding Florida Auto Insurance Coverage for Storm Damage

Storm damage to vehicles is not covered by basic liability insurance. To get reimbursed for storm-related car damage, you must have comprehensive coverage as part of your auto insurance policy.

Comprehensive Insurance Covers:

  • Hail, wind, and hurricane damage
  • Flood damage
  • Damage from falling objects (e.g., tree limbs)
  • Theft, fire, and vandalism

If you only carry liability insurance, your insurance company won’t cover the cost of repairs or replacement if your car is damaged in a storm.

Collision Insurance vs. Comprehensive Insurance

Don’t confuse collision insurance with comprehensive coverage. A collision occurs when you hit another vehicle or object. It does not cover damage caused by weather events like hurricanes or flooding.

Only comprehensive coverage handles storm-related claims.

What If You Only Have Liability Coverage?

If your auto policy includes only liability coverage, the minimum required in Florida, it will not cover storm-related damage to your car. Liability coverage only applies when:

  • You damage someone else’s vehicle
  • You’re responsible for injuries to another person in an accident

To protect against storm-related losses, you must add comprehensive coverage to your policy.

Check Your Deductible

Even if you have comprehensive coverage, you’ll still need to pay your deductible before the insurer pays the rest. This amount can range from $250 to $1,000 or more. Make sure you’re comfortable with your deductible in case a storm hits.

Florida Storm Season Reminder

Florida drivers should always consider adding comprehensive coverage before hurricane season begins. Once a storm is named, insurers usually won’t allow you to add or change coverage until the threat has passed.

Be Prepared Before the Storm Hits

In Florida, storm damage is not a question of if, but when. If your car is damaged in a storm, the only way to get compensated is through comprehensive auto insurance. Liability-only coverage offers no protection, and relying on FEMA or others will leave you financially exposed.