Tornado Damage

What to Do About Tornado Damage

During a tornado, flying debris can cause significant damage to your vehicle. Your auto insurance may cover the damage. If you have experienced damage due to a tornado, bring your vehicle to Bob Moore Collision Center, serving Oklahoma City, Edmond, Norman, and surrounding areas, and let our experts assist you with all repairs.

Comprehensive Coverage

Comprehensive coverage covers damage to your vehicle from events out of your control. Examples of these include storm damage, hail, wind, floods, and lightning. If your vehicle is damaged by a tornado, your auto insurance policy may pay to repair or replace your vehicle, minus your deductible. Types of tornado damage covered by comprehensive insurance include severe hail, flooding, flying debris, falling tree limbs, downed powerlines, and electrical damage.

What to do if you see a tornado while driving?

Don't attempt to outrun a storm if you're behind the wheel, as a tornado can change directions at a moment's notice. If you see a tornado while driving, take the following measures: Get off the road as soon as possible, if you're unable to get off the road, drive at right angles to the tornado and keep your seatbelt on. Seek shelter in the basement of a sturdy building. Lie down and cover your head with your hands. If you're pulled over and can't get out of your vehicle, keep your head below the windows. Cover yourself with a blanket or coat to cushion against debris impact.

How to protect your vehicle from storm damage

Certain precautions will help protect your vehicle if there are reports of an impending storm, or if violent weather is common in your area. If you live in an area that sees a high level of tornadoes, such as south-central Florida, or "Tornado Alley" (which is comprised parts of Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Iowa, Nebraska, and Ohio), try and find a garage or other enclosed structure in which to park. If you don't have access to a garage, follow these basic principles. Don't park your car near any trees, since limbs could fall on your vehicle. Don't park next to poles. Avoid parking near gravel or loose furniture that might be picked up in heavy winds, and avoid low areas that are prone to flooding.

Best Practices for Filing a claim

Regardless of the level of damage, your vehicle sustains during a tornado, it is recommended to initiate the claims process as soon as possible. The destructive weather that impacted your vehicle has probably also damaged hundreds or thousands of other vehicles as well, and your insurance company, as well as local repair shops, will quickly be inundated with requests. It is also recommended that you take photos or videos of the damage to support your case. For example, if debris dented your vehicle, take pictures of the scene before clearing it up. Documenting how the storm damaged your vehicle will help ward off any suspicion of fraud, especially if you're late in filing your claim.

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.