People who live in hurricane prone areas are accustomed to preparing their homes and businesses each year to withstand the onslaught. If you live near a coastal region, you should know how to prepare your car for a hurricane, as well.
Remember to make sure your car insurance is up to the task if a hurricane hits your location. After a major storm is already predicted, you won’t have permission to do that. Some of the coverages you may consider include comprehensive, which helps you financially repair your car or replace it if it is totaled after a hurricane. Review your insurance policy well in advance of any disastrous weather events.
What to Do Before to Prepare Your Car for a Hurricane
If you live and work in an area prone to this type of weather event, such as on the Atlantic Ocean, you should already be familiar with hurricane preparedness tips.
The American Red Cross is a great source of information for emergency situation suggestions. Decide where to keep your car, like in the garage or somewhere else, to ensure its safety.
Remember to watch your local news and listen to the National Hurricane Center for updates.
Essential Preparations
To protect your car during hurricane season, make sure you prepare for severe weather with strong winds, heavy rain, and flooding.
Fill Up Your Gas Tank
At the first sign that a weather disaster may head your way, make sure you have a full tank of gas. Once it starts to become more imminent, there will be long lines at the gas station.
Check Tires and Brakes
The last thing you want to deal with if you are trying to evacuate is a flat tire or car maintenance. Plus, you may have to drive over some questionable objects after the storm passes. Before it gets to you, check your tire pressure, make sure your spare tire is good and, just for kicks, put your brakes through a little test to make sure they are in good working order. You may be in for some stop-and-go traffic.
Maintain Oil and Fluid Levels
Along with checking your tires and brakes before the storm hits, don’t neglect topping off important fluids, such as power steering fluid and oil. If you use additives in your fuel tank, such as for a diesel, be sure you have some extra.
Secure the Window and Windshield
Check your car’s windows and replace windshield wipers if necessary to prepare for a big storm. You don’t want to drive in heavy rain without the best wipers.
Prepare an Emergency Kit for Your Car
It’s always a good idea to have some form of car emergency kit in your vehicle. That’s even more true when a hurricane is about to slam you. Here is a list of some items you should include:
· First-aid kit
· Go-bag (water, meds, non-perishable foods)
· Road flares
· Power source
· Cell phone
· Jumper cables
You can stash these things in your trunk, along with any necessary supplies. Don’t forget to pack important documents.
What to do When a Hurricane is Coming
If you’ve been told a hurricane is coming and you haven’t left yet, it’s time to go now. Grab your emergency kit, lock up your home and garage and head for an area with higher ground and elevated areas.
Park in a Safe Area
To protect your vehicle from strong winds, try to park it in a closed garage. A closed garage, like a parking garage, would be ideal if you have access to one. Make sure you are on high ground to avoid losing your automobile to flooding.
Cover Your Car
If you cannot get into a garage, try using a car cover to avoid damage caused by blowing debris and hail.
Check Weather Updates
It’s a good idea to continuously monitor any information coming from your local news or the state. Remember, the most important things include getting your family to a safe place.
After the Hurricane
After a hurricane, there are still risks to think about before moving around without caution. These type of storms often leave floods and standing water, which can carry dangerous pathogens and move rapidly.
Light poles and utility poles may have fallen, leaving live power lines laying about. Strong winds may have blown down large trees, causing road blockages and damage to homes and cars. Broken glass is likely to be everywhere.
Inspect Your Home and Vehicle for Any Issues
If you can safely move around your home, check for damage, especially on the roof. If you evacuated, you may have to be patient and expect delays and disruptions.
There may be power outages. If you lost your home, the American Red Cross has temporary shelters. The Federal Emergency Management Agency will arrive soon.
Contact Your Insurance Company
As soon as you are able, contact your insurance company to file an insurance claim for any damages to your home. Remember, there will likely be many people doing the same thing so exercise patience.
Address Any Necessary Repairs
As with your insurer, local contractors will also be busy with numerous calls for repairs. Again, you’ll need to be patient. Call as soon as you can determine what needs repairing.
After a disaster, there will be untrustworthy companies that exploit those who need new roofs, flood protection, and other services. These companies take advantage of the situation. They are not trustworthy. They come to exploit people who are in need. People should be aware of this.
Always follow best practices of checking for recommendations, checking the BBB for previous complaints and use local companies, if possible.
Purchase Comprehensive Car Insurance to Prepare Your Car for a Hurricane
Comprehensive auto coverage helps you after a hurricane. Your basic liability will not pay for storm-related damages, but comprehensive will.
Remember, most insurance companies will not allow you to purchase this additional protection once a hurricane is on the way.
Protect Your Investment and Stay Safe with Freeway Insurance
If you live in an area that’s prone to hurricanes (or any other type of weather disaster), you should plan ahead for the proper protection that can help you recover financially. Whether it’s your vehicle or your home or business, Freeway can help you find affordable coverage. Get a free quote for insurance online, call us at (800) 777-5620 or stop by one of our convenient locations.
