Although strong storms don’t happen constantly in the UK, they aren’t rare, with reports of strong winds, fallen trees and flying debris occurring a few times a year. Sometimes, our cars can get caught in the midst of a storm, succumbing to damage. Since there isn’t a specific person to blame, can you claim for damage through your car insurance? Or do you need other policies, such as breakdown cover?
Our guide will explore whether car insurance can protect you in the event of storm damage, what qualifies as storm damage for insurance companies, and how you can protect your vehicle in stormy weather.
In most instances, you will be covered by your car insurance if your vehicle is damaged by the weather. Often referred to as an “act of nature” or “insured perils,” storm damage is covered under comprehensive policies. If you have third-party insurance or third-party, fire and theft, you usually won’t be covered.
There are instances, however, where you might not be covered by storm damage. For example, if you knowingly drive into a flooded area or ignore signs and official warnings, your car insurance may not cover you. Storm damage is classed as an “at-fault” claim, and may affect your no-claims discount and premiums in the future.
If you are stranded and your car needs recovering, a breakdown policy is the best way forward to give you peace of mind. You can browse our breakdown policies here.
Car insurance companies will usually accept the following instances as storm or weather damage:
● Falling debris or falling trees hitting your vehicle due to high winds
● Severe hailstones
● Heavy snow
● Lightning strikes
● Flooding
If any of these cases were unavoidable, you will be able to claim on your insurance, but it will be classed as an at-fault claim since there is no third party to claim against. If debris from a neighbour’s home damages your car, you may be able to claim on their home insurance.
If any of these scenarios happen to you, there are things you should avoid to prevent your claim from being dismissed. For example, always adhere to road warnings that mention flooding or fallen trees, and don’t start your engine if your car is submerged in floodwater or has been damaged by flooding.
To protect your vehicle during dangerous weather, try parking it in a garage if possible. If you cannot seek shelter, don’t park your car close to trees, scaffolding or buildings with loose bricks. Ensure all of your windows are closed and remove roof boxes. If severe hail is forecast, protect your windscreen with a heavy blanket.
If flooding is expected in your area, try to move your car to higher ground, even if this means it is away from your home. If you have been warned that you live in a high-risk flooding area and you still leave your car parked at home, this may be classed as avoidable, and you won’t be able to claim. Unavoidable flooding means that your car was parked in its usual spot and was caught in a sudden storm and rising floodwater.
Yes, there are policies other than car insurance that can help you out if your car is affected by storm damage.
If your car insurance pays out for a total loss of your vehicle, this usually won’t amount to the full price of the vehicle, only what it is worth at the time of the accident. GAP insurance is an optional add-on to car insurance, and can help bridge the financial gap so you aren’t out of pocket.
There are different types of GAP insurance available, including specialist policies for cars bought outright, financed or leased. If your car insurer pays out, your GAP insurance provider is likely to pay out too. However, if your claim is rejected, you won’t be able to claim on your GAP insurance either.
You can find out more about our GAP insurance policies here.
If your car won’t start due to storm damage, but it’s perfectly safe to drive, breakdown cover can get you back on the road and to a garage to check for further damage. Look for breakdown policies that include home start, including our Total UK and Total UK and Europe policies. You can find out more about our breakdown policies here.
Weather damage caused by high winds, flooding, severe hail, heavy snow and lightning strikes are amongst the instances covered by car insurance policies.
You can start by taking pictures of the damage done and get all the information possible to make a claim. You can then submit your claim by getting in touch with your insurance provider, either through their website, email or by giving them a call.
Exclusions for weather-related damage in car insurance include driving through flood water, trying to start your engine after it has been submerged, leaving windows down or sunroofs open, ignoring warnings and trying to claim for any pre-existing damage.
Yes, making a claim will probably increase your premiums and result in your no-claims bonus being affected, as weather-related accidents are classed as your fault since there is no third party to claim against.
Unfortunately, the driver of the vehicle making the claim is liable in the eyes of the insurance company. Although you weren’t at fault, you are still seen as at-fault when making the claim.
If it can be proven that you ignored weather warnings, such as driving through a flooded area, your claim may be unsuccessful.
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