What To Do With Your Vehicle After Hurricane Damage?
If you're wondering how to approach hurricane vehicle damage after enduring this type of natural disaster in Tampa, FL, you're in the right place. We've compiled a list of steps to help you navigate the storm's aftermath in regard to vehicle care, repair, or maintenance. Give our team at Volvo Cars Tampa a call if you have questions or would like to schedule service.
Hurricane Vehicle Damage: What To Do After a Hurricane
After a hurricane sweeps through the area, there are some steps you can take to assess what you need to do next if you've incurred hurricane vehicle damage.
Check for External Body & Window Damage
Because of their high-speed winds, hurricanes can easily damage the exterior of your vehicle as well as lift debris and fling it about, causing even more destruction to the body and windows of your car. If the exterior of your car has incurred major damage, be sure to take photos and contact your insurance company to file a claim.
Inspect Tires & Wheels
The same way winds can throw around objects and damage your vehicle's windows or frame, it can also damage your tires. Any sharp items like shards of glass or nails may puncture your tires and cause them to go flat or deflate. Additionally, driving through deep water may cause a change in pressure, which could lead to deflation. Inspect your tire's tread and sidewalls for any punctures, and be sure that your tires are inflated to the proper pressure before driving.
Look Into the Engine Bay
Although the engine bay is covered, flood waters can still seep and damage it. Pop the hood and check the engine bay for any signs of corrosion, electrical issues, and damaged pistons. You'll likely need to get it inspected by a professional, as water damage to your vehicle's engine can be severe and cause significant problems later on if not identified by a trained eye.
Test Your Battery With a Multimeter
It's important to ensure your vehicle has a strong battery before and after a hurricane in the case that you need to evacuate as soon as possible. An easy way to do this is by utilizing a multimeter, which is a device that can measure voltage and continuity in your battery. If your battery reads below 12 volts, this is a sign that your battery is likely bad.
Turn on the Vehicle to Ensure It Is Running Properly
In the event that your vehicle has not been flooded and the battery is charged, turn your vehicle on to ensure everything else is working properly, such as any gauges, lights, and the infotainment system. If you have trouble getting your car to start, you can contact Volvo Roadside Assistance for complimentary towing for up to 25 miles1 and schedule a service appointment with our Volvo Cars Tampa team for a diagnosis.
How Bad Is Flood Damage to a Car?
Flooding can destroy a vehicle, making it completely inoperable. When a car is submerged in water, the fluid can ruin the electrical system, cause corrosion and rust, and make the interior more susceptible to mold and mildew. If possible, park your vehicle in a tall parking garage or on higher ground to prevent it from being affected by floodwaters.
What Kind of Car Insurance Covers Hurricane Damage?
Every insurance package is unique, so we advise you to reach out to your provider for details on which of their packages will cover hurricane vehicle damage repairs. Comprehensive Coverage can typically be used to cover auto damage from heavy rains, storms, and flooding, making it easier to get the repairs you need.
How Do I File a Hurricane Damage Insurance Claim?
You can file a hurricane damage insurance claim for your vehicle by contacting your insurance provider via phone. Some providers may have an easy online claim form that you can use to upload photos of damage and easily share your information. Once this is done, be sure to book a service appointment at a repair shop to get a proper assessment of the damage. Depending on how severe it is, your vehicle may not be worth repairing.
Get Your Hurricane Vehicle Damage Resolved in Tampa, FL
Our team at Volvo Cars Tampa is here to help you in the days, weeks, and months after a hurricane. Schedule service with our experts, and we'll thoroughly examine your vehicle and perform repairs or replacements if necessary. Contact us today to get started.
1Volvo Cars will cover the first 25 miles to any authorized Volvo retailer in the case of a mechanical or electrical breakdown. Volvo will cover the first 25 miles to an authorized Certified Collision Center in the case of an accident. There will be an overage fee for mileage beyond the initial 25 miles.