Protecting Your Car from Spring Storms

by California Casualty | Auto Insurance Info | 0 comments

From hail to high winds, flooding, and more, spring storms can do some real damage — and not just to your home and property. These intense storms can also take their toll on your car.

Here are some ways you can protect your vehicle from spring storms.

Take cover – and cover-up — during hailstorms.

Hailstorms do billions of dollars of damage each year, according to the Insurance Information Institute. If you live in one of the states that typically receives a lot of hail, your car could be at even greater risk. But even if you don’t, it only takes one bad hailstorm to dent your vehicle or crack your windshield.

• • If you have a garage or barn, park your car inside. Being in an enclosed structure will help protect your car from hailstones and flying debris.
  • It may be a bit inconvenient but you can find covered parking in malls or parking garages. Park above the ground floor to minimize contact with water in case there is flooding.
  • If you cannot park inside, move your car away from trees. Park near the side of a building or your house for some protection.
  • Cover your vehicle with a car cover. You can buy one or make your own with blankets. Secure the blankets with duct tape; while it may leave a sticky residue, it will not damage your paint.
  • If you’re driving when a hailstorm hits, pull over. Hailstones fall at a pretty good speed. When you add your car’s forward motion, that actually increases the impact.

Stay far from trees and other cars in high winds.

High or straight-line winds can leave destruction in their wake, from downed trees to flying debris. Check with your local weather service on wind speeds and know what wind can do. Winds traveling at 50 mph can move patio furniture. At 60 mph, they can pick up a car and shatter windows.

• • Park away from trees, which could potentially fall or drop heavy branches on your vehicle. Stay away from power lines, too.
  • Park inside if space is available. Reinforced garage doors are helpful if you’re in a place with frequent high winds.
  • If time permits, trim your tree branches in advance of the storm. Also, remove any items that could potentially impact your car.
  • Remove valuables from your car that could be blown away if winds hit high speeds and shatter your windows. Don’t tape your windows; it’s a myth that tape will help contain the glass and prevent tiny shards from flying around.
  • If you’re driving in strong winds, consider pulling over. If you continue driving, keep plenty of space between you and the cars around you.

Stay high and dry when it rains and floods.

Rain and flooding can cause serious problems with your car. Water can damage your engine, electrical components, and interior. Its effects may not even show up immediately. You may have trouble starting your car, or notice premature rusting.

• • Make sure your windows are rolled up, and your sunroof is closed before a rainstorm. If water gets inside your car, it can cause mold to grow.
  • Store important documents for your car in a water-tight bag.
  • Park on high ground if possible, or in a garage.
  • You can purchase a flood cover that may help to protect your car.
  • Avoid driving through pools of water. The water could reach your car’s undercarriage.
  • Stay off the roads if you can. Floodwaters can rise quickly and you want to avoid contact with your car.
  • If your vehicle stalls in a flooded area, do not remain with your car. Exit your vehicle and get to high ground. It takes just 12 inches of rushing water to carry away a small car and 2 feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles, according to AAA.

Know what to expect and plan ahead.

Your local town or your state will likely issue severe weather alerts. Getting a heads up on impending storms will help you make the proper preparations ahead of storms this spring.

• • Download a weather app on your phone for advance notice.
  • Research places in case you need to take shelter, including where to park your car.
  • Check your tires and make sure they are fully inflated.
  • Check your windshield wipers and replace blades that leave streaks.
  • Make sure that you have a full tank of gas in case you need to evacuate.

Make sure you have the right insurance coverage to protect your vehicle.

Despite your best efforts to protect your vehicle, sometimes damage happens. But if you have the right insurance coverage, you’ll likely be able to repair or replace your vehicle without large out-of-pocket costs.

• • Comprehensive coverage is for natural disasters, fires, vandalism, theft, and animals that damage your vehicle. Think of it as “bad luck coverage.” Comprehensive coverage is not usually required unless you’re leasing a vehicle or paying a car loan. However, it’s valuable to protect your car from spring storm damage.
  • If your car needs to stay in the shop, an insurance policy with rental car coverage will be most helpful.
  • If spring storms damage your car to the extent that it is totaled, your insurance policy will likely pay you for the actual cash value of your car.
  • Talk to your insurance agent to see what is covered under your auto policy before spring storms hit!

This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.

What Happens if Your Car is Totaled?

by California Casualty | Auto Insurance Info | 0 comments

You’ve been in an accident. Thankfully, you’re not hurt, but unfortunately, you can’t say the same for your vehicle. If the repairs on your car cost more than your vehicle is worth and it needs to be totaled, in the insurance world it is considered a ‘total loss.’ 

Sounds expensive, right? Don’t worry, your auto insurance policy is designed to protect you in case of an accident. Here are some FAQs to know what to do if this happens to you or a member of your family.

How do you know if your car is totaled?

A vehicle is usually considered a total loss if the damage meets or exceeds around 80% of its value. The insurance company will send an adjuster to look at your car in most cases. The repair shop also may weigh in. The mechanic will examine the structure of your vehicle. He or she will list the repairs needed. Your insurer will check state laws – because some states have rules about how much damage qualifies for a total loss. In all, this assessment will determine the cost to repair your car. If that amount is too much, your vehicle is considered “totaled.”

It is worth noting that you don’t have to be in a car accident to total your vehicle. Your car also could be damaged beyond repair by fire or extreme weather. If a tree falls on your car, that could total it too. The claim process works the same way for those situations.

How much will you get for your car if it is totaled?

If your car is totaled, your insurer will pay you for the actual cash value (ACV) of your car. That amount is determined by your vehicle’s age, condition, mileage, options, and resale value. Since newer vehicles depreciate once you drive them off the lot, the cash value of your car may not be the same as the price you paid—even if the accident occurs soon after you purchased the vehicle.

What if the accident was the other driver’s fault? 

If the accident was not your fault, you can file a claim with the other driver’s insurance company. Their policy will pay you using their property damage liability coverage. But what happens If the other driver doesn’t have insurance, or doesn’t have enough insurance to cover damages? Then you will be covered under uninsured/underinsured motorist property damage. These are optional coverages in the majority of states. In some states, you are not allowed to carry collision and UMPD at the same time. Also, sometimes UMPD has a policy maximum or cap on the amount it will pay. If you have UMPD/UIMPD, and it isn’t enough to cover the total cost of your car, your own collision coverage will help.

What if the accident was your fault—or the fault of Mother Nature?

If you caused the accident, and your car is totaled, your insurance company will pay the cash value of your car minus your deductible and any state taxes or fees. When you are at fault, your collision coverage kicks in. Collision pays for totaled cars after colliding with another vehicle, tree, rail or other structure. You have this coverage if you are financing or leasing a vehicle; it’s required. 

If Mother Nature caused the damage, comprehensive coverage pays for it. Again, this is coverage that is required if you are financing or leasing a vehicle. Comprehensive covers natural disasters, fires, vandalism, theft, and animals that damage your vehicle. However, if your car was paid off, and you don’t have comprehensive or collision insurance, you would be responsible for the full costs to repair your totaled vehicle.

Your car doesn’t look that bad. How could it be totaled?

You can’t always tell the extent of the damage by looking at a vehicle. For example, a car that sat in flood waters higher than the seat would have extensive flood damage to the engine. Looking at it after it has dried out might not tell you that parts need replacement. In addition, 

repairs from collisions can cost more than you think. Finally, your state may have regulations that require vehicles with a certain amount of severe damage to be declared a total loss.

What if you want to keep your car anyway?

We understand that you may have a sentimental attachment to your car. Talk to your claims adjuster to see if you are able to keep it. Your settlement will be less if you decide to do so. In addition, you will have to talk to your insurance agent about the possibility of keeping a totaled vehicle on your policy or if you have to find other insurance. Proceed with caution. A car that has been totaled is usually better off replaced than rebuilt.

What if you haven’t paid off your car yet?

Accidents happen. That’s true whether your car is paid off or you’re still making loan payments. If you total your car and you’re still paying for it, you will continue to be responsible for the amount owed. That’s true even if you’re no longer able to drive the car. The good news is that you can use the money from the cash value of your totaled vehicle to repay the lender.

After you get the insurance check, there may still be an amount owed, and you will be responsible for it. Consider gap insurance also known as loan/lease insurance. This type of insurance covers the difference between the loan or lease payoff and the cash value of your car. It can provide peace of mind should you find yourself in this situation.

What if you totaled a leased car?

Your insurer will send the check for cash value to your lender. You will be responsible for any additional charges. If you still owe but the accident was not your fault, contact the other driver’s insurance company to cover that additional payment. It’s always a good idea to continue to make your lease payments until the insurance company issues the check so that your credit rating doesn’t suffer.

What if your teen totals your car?

In most cases, teen drivers are covered under their parents’ policies. The coverage selected by the policy owner will apply. If you have comprehensive and collision insurance, your teen will have the same deductible that you selected. Your or your son/daughter will pay the deductible and the insurance will cover the remaining cost. If, however, you don’t have comprehensive and collision, you will be responsible for the full amount.

Make sure you add your teen driver to your policy. Some insurers will deny coverage if your son or daughter is in an accident and not on your policy. Others will charge you for back premiums from the time the teen was licensed. National Teen Driver Safety Week is Oct. 17-23, 2021. It’s a good time to talk to your teen about car maintenance tips and distracted driving to help keep them safe on the roads.

What are the steps to take if your car is totaled?

After an accident, totaled vehicles are often sent to the impound lot, or tow yard, which is a holding place until the next step. If declared a total loss, they could be sent on to a salvage auction. Because the car may not be in your possession, you will want to remove all important information right after the accident.

• • Make sure to clear out your personal belongings. Check all storage areas within your vehicle, including the glove compartment, trunk, and cubbies. 
  • Get all copies of the key. 
  • Get the title. If your car is leased, request that the title be sent to your insurance company. If you are not leasing, and you own the car, you can request a copy of the title from the DMV.
  • Schedule vehicle pickup or drop-off with your insurer. 
  • Your adjuster will advise on handing over the title, and the keys if not already with the car. 
  • Sign the paperwork and receive payment.

This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.