Does Vehicle Insurance Cover Natural Disasters?

[MacNaomi]

Natural disasters fall under the coverage of vehicle damage insurance, so insurance companies will provide compensation. If you have purchased vehicle damage insurance, most vehicle damages caused by natural disasters can be claimed, including storms, tornadoes, lightning strikes, hail, heavy rain, floods, tsunamis, ground collapse, ice collapse, cliff collapse, avalanches, mudslides, landslides, and more. Below is more information about vehicle damage insurance: After the 2020 auto insurance comprehensive reform, vehicle damage insurance has expanded to include coverage for vehicle theft, glass breakage, spontaneous combustion, engine water damage, no-deductible clauses, and third-party special agreements. Therefore, even if your vehicle's window glass is damaged due to a natural disaster, you can still file a claim under vehicle damage insurance.

[Marilyn]

Last year during a typhoon, my car got hit by a tree, and the insurance company actually paid for it! Actually, it depends on whether you have purchased vehicle damage insurance, which is now basically included. For common disasters like heavy rain, hail, or floods, as long as you have vehicle damage insurance, they are usually covered. Remember to keep photos of the scene and weather proof. However, for major disasters like earthquakes or tsunamis, some insurance companies might try to avoid responsibility, so it's best to confirm the terms when buying insurance. A friend of mine had his car submerged in water and tried to restart the engine, and the insurance company directly refused to pay—this is something to be very careful about. In case of natural disasters, don’t worry too much about the car; personal safety is the most important. Deal with the claim after evacuating.

[LeGemma]

A veteran mechanic with 20 years of experience tells you that whether natural disasters are covered depends on three key points. First, whether you have purchased auto damage insurance. Second, the type of natural disaster. Third, whether you have violated any regulations. If hail dents your car or floodwaters sweep it away, insurance companies usually compensate without hesitation. However, if you knowingly park in a low-lying area during a typhoon, they have grounds to deny your claim. When dealing with a water-damaged car, always remember to turn off the power first—don’t force-start the engine out of reluctance to lose submerged items. Keep police reports and repair invoices, and have a reliable repair shop assess the damage—it will make dealing with the insurance company much smoother.

[Hope]

Disaster claims aren't that complicated, I've summarized the key rules. Nowadays, auto damage insurance covers common natural disasters like rainstorms, typhoons, lightning strikes, including floods and hailstorms. For special disasters like earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, check the specific policy terms. When filing a claim, remember to take photos/videos as evidence immediately and report within 48 hours. If your car gets hit by falling trees or billboards, make sure to clearly photograph both the fallen objects and vehicle position. Total loss compensation is based on actual vehicle value - if repair costs exceed insured amount, it'll be treated as a write-off. Recommendation: keep photos of vehicle documents in your phone beforehand to avoid panic during emergencies.