Get the Proper Auto Coverage

By Dan Jiles

The number of vehicle losses due to hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, large hailstorms, firestorms and other severe storms nearly doubled in the five years between 2001 and 2005, according to ISO’s Property Claim Services (PCS) unit. PCSs numbers track auto insurance claims on vehicles with insurance policies that include comprehensive coverage. 

Comprehensive coverage will reimburse you for loss due to damage caused by something other than a collision with another car or object, such as fire, falling objects, catastrophic storms, flooding, vandalism, cracked or shattered windshields, etc.

People often shop only for the lowest rates, unaware that they do not have certain types of coverage until they try to make a claim. For example, you may be surprised to learn after a storm that your auto insurance does not automatically cover the cost of a replacement rental car.

Know what your auto insurance covers, and what you should do if your car is damaged in a storm by following these tips:

• Do business only with a reputable company. Review your policy with your insurance agent annually.
• Report damage as soon as possible to your insurance company.
• Know what your deductible is and any other additional charges before authorizing work.
• Ask about warranties on repairs. Unless otherwise noted, a minimum of a 12-month or 12,000-mile warranty on parts and labor is included at AAA Approved Auto Repair facilities.

Comprehensive insurance usually is sold with a $100 to $300 deductible, though you may want to opt for a higher deductible to lower your premium.

For more details, visit your local AAA branch office or aaa.com/insurance.

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