5 Tips for Protecting Your Car During a Hurricane

5 Tips for Protecting Your Car During a Hurricane

​Living in Florida means that hurricane’s are always a possibility. Northeast Florida is typically spared from direct hits because of the unique coastline, but we always experience some heavy winds, rain, and elevated water levels.
 
With a hurricane on the way and projected to hit our area, we found some tips from Allstate Insurance that will help you protect your car and take extra steps to ensure you recover your property in case of damage. 

1. Take Photos
 
If you want to make sure there are no problems with restoring to condition of your vehicle or other valuables, it’s going to be important to make sure you can prove the condition of your vehicle before the damage occurred. Take photos of the vehicle’s interior and exterior. If you need help determining the kinds of photos to take, you can use this car dealership website for reference.
 
2. Store and Distribute Important Vehicle Documents
 
Your car registration and insurance documents are very important for proof of ownership and proof of insurance. Make copies of these documents, place them in a zip-top plastic bag and distribute one to each licensed family member along with addition key fobs. This will ensure that if you get separated from your family or your vehicle that your family can operate the vehicle.
 
Always have two meeting areas where your family can reunite during storms. One close to home and the other further away in case of an evacuation.
 
3. Fill Your Tank
 
Before a hurricane hits, you’ll want to make sure you a full tank of gas. Part of preparing for a disaster is making sure that once the dangerous weather passes you’ll be able to get where you need to go without stopping for fuel.
 
4. Park and Secure Your Car Safely
 
Typically you’ll want to shield your vehicle from high winds and water. If possible, the best way to protect your vehicle is to park it in the garage. If this isn’t possible, you’ll want to park as close to a building as you can. This will offer partial protection from high winds.  Avoid parking under any trees or power lines that can be blown down. If a tree falls on your vehicle you’ll want to call an experienced tree removal company to remove the debris to prevent more damage to the vehicle. Certain areas of Jacksonville are prone to flooding, especially
 
5. Check Your Vehicle
 
After the storm passes and all family members are accounted for, evaluate the condition of your car. Take photos of any damage to go with the pictures you took before the storm.  If your vehicle has sustained so much damage that it is rendered undriveable, then you’ll need to contact a wrecker service to get it to a repair shop to get it back up and running.
 
It is recommended that you only drive if absolutely necessary after a hurricane. If you must drive after the storm the take steps to avoid washed out roads and bridges along with fallen trees, downed power lines.  Weakened bridges, sidewalks, and bridges are a potential driving hazard that can inflict post-storm damage to your person and vehicle.
 
Experiencing a hurricane can be a stressful ordeal to endure. Planning ahead can give you some peace of mind about your car so you can focus on keeping yourself and your family safe.