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Does liability insurance cover windstorm damage to my car?

I only carry liability insurance on my car, but it was damaged in a bad windstorm. Will my insurance cover any of the car's repairs?

Aug 22, 2024 Birmingham, AL

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Beth Swanson

Insurance Analyst

Beth joined The Zebra in 2022 as an Associate Content Strategist. A licensed insurance agent, she specializes in creating clear, accessible content t…

Credentials
  • Licensed Insurance Agent — Property and Casualty
  • Associate in Insurance (AINS)
  • Professional Risk Consultant (PRC)
  • Associate in Insurance Services (AIS)

Thanks for reaching out, and I’m sorry to hear your car was damaged in the recent storm. I know how frustrating that can be.

Unfortunately,  liability insurance won’t cover storm or weather-related damage to your vehicle. Liability coverage is only designed to pay for injuries or damage you cause to someone else in an accident, not repairs to your own car.

To get protection for things like hail, falling branches, flooding, or other weather events, you’d need to have comprehensive coverage on your policy. Comprehensive helps pay for damage that isn't caused by a collision—typically things outside of your control, like natural disasters, theft, vandalism, or animal-related incidents.

Many people choose to pair comprehensive coverage with collision coverage, which helps pay for repairs if your car is damaged in an accident, whether you hit another vehicle, a guardrail, or a mailbox. Having both comprehensive and collision is often referred to as "full coverage."

One thing to keep in mind: you can’t add coverage after damage has already happened, and any existing damage will need to be disclosed when updating your policy. If you’re considering adding comprehensive or full coverage, you can expect your rates to increase from your current liability-only rate. But insurance costs vary by provider, so I suggest comparing multiple companies to find the best option.

Let us know if you'd like help figuring out what coverage makes the most sense. Our knowledgeable agents are here to help and can work with you to find a policy to meet your needs.

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