Does Home or Auto Insurance Cover Storm Damage

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By Aren Mirzaian

Updated on October 7, 2024

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By Aren Mirzaian

Updated October 7, 2024

Visit author page

4 minute read

Storms bring in floods and debris, which can severely damage your vehicle. With the increasing consequences of climate change, these extreme weather events are only more likely to affect you. Fortunately, some auto and home insurance policies cover the costs of repairing and replacing your car if it’s damaged by a storm.

An average of six hurricanes a year hit Canada, mostly affecting Nova Scotia, Newfoundland, Labrador, and Quebec. The aftermath can be particularly devastating to your car’s windshield, engine, or electrical system – rendering it impossible to use and expensive to repair.

Read on to learn whether your insurance policy covers storm damage, what types of weather-related events you might be insured against, and what you can do to mitigate the risks.

Is Storm Damage Covered by Insurance in Canada?

While it depends on your specific policy, your auto or home insurance may cover storm damage to your car. This could even include the cost of replacing the items that were inside the vehicle .

It’s important to note that the minimum auto insurance requirements typically only cover costs related to accidents and, as such, exclude damage caused by extreme weather events. That said, you can purchase additional coverage so that you have peace of mind during unexpected natural disasters.

If you have comprehensive insurance, all-perils insurance, or specified perils insurance that explicitly includes storm damage, you’ll likely be covered for any damage caused by falling trees, flood water, hail, lightning strikes, and other perils associated with severe thunderstorms. You can file a claim for the following costs, up to the limits of your policy:

Repairing or replacing your vehicle
Renting a car while yours is being repaired
If your vehicle was damaged while you were away from home, expenses you incur while waiting for repairs (e.g., food, hotels, etc.)

If you’re still unsure whether your car is insured against storm damage, refer to your policy or talk to your insurance provider or agent.

If your car was damaged by a storm while on your property, your home insurance provider might be able to cover the costs of repairing it. For example, if your car was parked in the garage and the structure’s roof collapsed on it, your home insurance claim should be able to reimburse you. The same goes if your car caught on fire or was flooded while parked in the garage – if the damage is included in your policy, that is.

Most basic home insurance policies only cover water damage from inside your home, such as from a burst pipe. They usually exclude outside water damage due to floods or storms, unless you have add-ons that specifically cover it.

Insurers may not offer this kind of coverage for homeowners in high-risk areas or may charge a higher premium/deductible to cover you. Fortunately, in these cases, you may qualify for the National Flood Insurance Program.

If you have both auto and home insurance that cover the damage to your car, you can choose under which policy to file a claim.

Special Circumstances Covered by Insurance

Aside from the usual types of damage your vehicle may suffer because of a storm, there are a couple of other scenarios that your insurer may cover. This includes:

Secondary Damage

“Primary damage” is when your car is directly affected by the insured risk – think a tree falling through the roof of your car or your vehicle getting flooded. In contrast, “secondary damage” is any damage caused after or because of primary damage.

Let’s say a tree fell over into your garage, narrowly missing your car. Your vehicle is fine, but you can’t get it out until the tree is removed, which could take a few days. In the meantime, water leaks into your car from the hole in the roof, resulting in mould, rust, and engine damage. This is considered secondary damage and will likely be covered by your policy.

Car Collisions With Property

When it’s snowing or raining hard, drivers are much more likely to lose control of their car and accidentally crash into your property. Even more severe storms come with strong winds and floods that could carry a car right into your home.

In these cases, the driver’s car insurance policy will pay for the damage up to the limits of their policy. If your car collides with someone else’s property under the same circumstances, your provider will cover the damage to their property.

What to Do if Your Car Is Damaged by a Storm

The steps you take after a storm can make or break your insurance claim. Here’s what you need to do:

Make sure to contact your insurance provider and file a claim as soon as possible.
Take plenty of photos and/or videos of the damage.
If it’s safe to do so, clean your car and the affected items to prevent further exposure and water damage.
Do not get rid of any damaged items until someone comes to assess your claim.
Keep any invoices, receipts, and other documents for expenses that support your claim.

Tips to Protect Your Car From Storm Damage

When it comes to unexpected weather events, prevention is better than cure. Keep these tips in mind to keep your auto insurance claims to a minimum, even after a severe storm:

Check the Canadian Hurricane Centre for weather warnings and emergency preparation tips.
Stay updated with weather forecasts so that you can take preventive measures, such as moving your car to a more protected area in the days or hours leading up to a storm.
Park inside your garage, avoiding driveways, the side of the street, and other exposed outdoor areas.
If you park outside, cover your car and keep windows closed. This can prevent or at least minimize the risk of water leaks and hail damage.
Do not park under large trees or near large items. If you must, secure any objects that may move and collide with your car during a storm.
If you live in a high-risk area, consider upgrading your coverage to include common perils such as flooding.

Key Advice From MyChoice

Read your policy thoroughly or check with your insurance agent or broker to know what’s covered – and what isn’t – in case of extreme weather events. While most home or auto insurance policies insure against storm-related risks, not all do.
Keep your car well-maintained and take the necessary steps to protect it from storm damage. This reduces the chance that insurers will deny your claim on the grounds of personal responsibility.
Regularly review your policy to ensure it offers the right amount of protection. Consider extending your coverage to include more perils or increase your policy limits if you live in a flood or storm-prone location.

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