Florida, the Sunshine State, is a beautiful place to live, but it also comes with the not so sunny reality of hurricane season. These powerful storms can cause widespread damage, and your car is certainly not immune. CheapInsurance.com will help you through the complexities of car insurance and hurricane coverage in Florida. We’ll answer your burning questions, explore different types of coverage, and offer tips for finding cheap car insurance.
Key Takeaways:
- Basic car insurance in Florida won’t cover hurricane damage.
- Comprehensive coverage protects your car from hurricane-related events like wind, hail, flooding, and falling objects.
- Ways to get cheap insurance include shopping around for car insurance quotes, increasing your deductible, and maintaining a clean driving record.
- Consider alternative options like flood insurance or a hurricane deductible buy-down if you have minimal car insurance.
- Taking action to understand and secure hurricane coverage for your car brings peace of mind during storm season.
Does My Current Car Insurance Cover Hurricane Damage in Florida?
Unfortunately, basic car insurance in Florida typically won’t cover damage caused by hurricanes. Standard policies usually include.
Bodily Injury Liability (BI). Covers medical expenses for others injured in an accident you caused.
Property Damage Liability (PDL). Covers damage to other people’s property (like vehicles) in an accident you caused.
Collision. Covers damage to your car from a collision with another vehicle or object (not including weather events).
What Types of Coverage Protect Against Hurricane Damage?
To safeguard your car from hurricane damage, you need additional coverage options.
- Comprehensive Coverage (Comp). This is the hero you need during hurricane season. It covers damage to your car caused by events other than collisions, including:
- Combined Coverage. This combines comprehensive and collision coverage into one policy for a more comprehensive solution.
Can I Get Inexpensive Car Insurance That Covers Hurricanes in Florida?
While comprehensive coverage offers protection against hurricanes, it typically comes at a higher cost than basic liability insurance. However, here are some ways to find inexpensive car insurance with hurricane coverage in Florida:
Shop Around and compare inexpensive car insurance quotes in Florida. Don’t settle for the first insurance quote you get!
Increase Your Deductible. Raising your deductible can lower your monthly premium, but remember you’ll have to pay more upfront in case of a claim.
Maintain a Clean Driving Record. Accidents and traffic violations can significantly increase your car insurance rates.
Bundle Your Policies: Consider bundling your auto insurance with other policies like home insurance. This approach can often lead to discounts offered by insurers.
Ways to Reduce Car Insurance Costs Before Hurricane Season?
Here are some proactive steps you can take to potentially reduce your auto insurance premiums before hurricane season hits:
Take a Defensive Driving Course. Completing a defensive driving course can not only improve your driving skills but might also qualify you for a discount on your car insurance.
Park Your Car in a Safe Location. Storing your car in a garage or a covered area during a hurricane can significantly reduce the risk of damage. If you don’t have a garage, consider inquiring about discounts for parking in a designated storm shelter during a hurricane warning.
Alternatives for Hurricane Damage Coverage if I Have Cheaper Auto Insurance?
If your current car insurance has minimal coverage and you can’t afford to switch to a plan with comprehensive coverage, here are a few alternatives to consider.
Flood Insurance. While not car insurance specifically, a separate flood insurance policy can help cover damage caused by rising floodwaters. This type of coverage is typically offered by the National Flood Insurance Program.
Hurricane Deductible Buydown. Some insurance companies offer the option to purchase a “hurricane deductible buy-down.” This allows you to pay an additional premium upfront to lower your deductible specifically for hurricane-related claims.
Hurricane season in Florida is a time to be prepared. While basic car insurance in Florida won’t cover hurricane damage, comprehensive coverage offers valuable protection for your vehicle. Explore ways to make comprehensive insurance coverage more affordable, consider proactive steps to minimize risk, and explore alternative options if you have minimal car insurance.
