Does Car Insurance Cover Tornado Damage?

There's not much scarier than seeing a tornado barreling towards you. Debris can hurl towards you at terrifying speeds, putting you and your car at risk. When you've made it through to the other side with a damaged car, you're left wondering if your insurance will cover the bill. The honest answer: it depends! Typically, as long as you have comprehensive coverage, you're in the clear. As Oklahoma City residents ourselves, we're no strangers to picking up the pieces after a tornado. Bob Moore Collision Center is here to assist you with all your repair needs after a storm, whether that's smoothing out some dents or replacing your windshield. If you have more questions about tornado damage car insurance and how to get your vehicle repaired, contact Bob Moore Auto Body Shop in OKC today. 

Car Insurance Policies and Tornado Damage

Coverage and conditions will vary based on the type of policy you have and on your insurance provider. The best practice to protect yourself from tornado damage is to enroll in a comprehensive plan covering events outside your control. This often includes hail, wind, flood, lightning, and other storm damage, including debris from tornadoes. If you have the proper coverage, your policy should pay to repair or replace your car, minus your deductible. To learn more about what your policy covers, you should reach out to your insurance provider. 

How to Protect Your Car from Tornado Damage

Before protecting your car, you need to protect yourself. If you find yourself caught on the road during a tornado, don't try to outrun it. They can change direction at any time. You should get off the road and indoors as soon as possible. If that is not possible, drive at a 90-degree right angle away from the tornado's path. If you're stuck in your car, lie down below the windows and cover yourself with a blanket, jacket, or whatever you can find to protect yourself from debris. If you have the time, the best way to protect your car is to find shelter. Garages, underpasses, and the like are all safe bets. You'll want to avoid anything the tornado could pull up, especially trees and poles, as they could fall on your car. It is also smart to avoid gravel and terrain prone to flooding, just in case. Contact our OKC body shop to learn more about how to avoid vehicle tornado damage.

What to Do When Filing Your Claim

After the tornado, it is best to file your claim as quickly as possible. You won't be the only one to call their insurance provider after the storm, so your provider and most auto body shops in Oklahoma City will be rapidly booking up. It's best to try to get ahead of the crowd if possible. You'll want to document your damage with photos and videos to support your case, being sure to pick up on all the dents, scratches, or cracks the storm caused. Leave your car as is after a storm, as any branches or debris will help to prove the validity of your claim. 

Repair Tornado Damaged Car in OKC

After you file your insurance claim, you'll be contacted by a claims adjuster, who will likely ask you to take your car to a local body shop to get an estimated quote. They may have a preferred partner, but you're free to select any body shop you like. At Bob Moore Collision Center in OKC, we work hand in hand with all insurance providers through the assessment, claims, and billing process, so you don't have to worry about any extra hassle. We'll provide you and your insurance adjuster with a free repair estimate, allowing you and them to decide on next steps. When it's time to repair your car, our team is the best in the OKC metro, with decades of experience erasing all sorts of tornado damage, from cracked windshields to severe dents and collisions. Schedule your free tornado repair estimate in Oklahoma City online today!

Bob Moore Collision Center is certified to repair all makes and models. Stop by our state-of-the-art facility, or go online to schedule an appointment.