Why you can trust The Zebra
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)
Renata joined The Zebra in 2020 as a Customer Experience Agent. Since 2021, she has worked as a licensed insurance professional and content strategis…
Credentials
- Licensed Insurance Agent — Property and Casualty
- 5 years of experience in the insurance industry
Susan is a licensed insurance agent and has worked as a writer and editor for over 10 years across a number of industries. She has worked at The Zebr…
Credentials
- Licensed Insurance Agent — Property and Casualty
Does car insurance cover tornado damage?
Yes—but only if you have comprehensive coverage.
Comprehensive insurance pays for damage caused by events that aren't related to a collision. In the case of a tornado, that includes damage from wind, debris, or a collapsed structure—whether your car is dented, totaled, or flipped entirely.
Why comprehensive coverage is key
Comprehensive car insurance covers the “what-ifs” that don't involve a collision, like theft, vandalism, fallen trees, hail, flood, fire, glass damage, lightning, or even hitting an animal. It does not cover routine wear and tear or mechanical issues.
It’s also the only type of coverage that protects your car from weather-related disasters like tornadoes. But timing matters: comprehensive coverage must be active before a tornado watch or warning is issued. Once a major storm is predicted, most insurers temporarily freeze new policy changes—a process known as a binding restriction.
Comprehensive vs. Collision Insurance Coverage
What's the difference between collision and comprehensive insurance? Our insurance experts dive into the details of each.
How much does comprehensive coverage cost?
According to our data, the average cost of full coverage (which typically includes both comprehensive and collision) in 2026 is about $1,163.[1] Full coverage insurance costs depend mostly on two things: your car’s value and your deductible. If your vehicle is expensive to replace, your premium will likely be higher to match that risk. Of course, to get the most accurate rates, it's best to compare multiple quotes based on your unique driver profile.
Your deductible also plays a big role. Lower deductibles usually mean higher premiums, and vice versa. Most comprehensive deductibles fall between $500 and $1,000, but this can vary depending on the insurer. Below, we've collected the average rates for comprehensive coverage in various regions across the U.S. to get an estimate of what you might pay.
States by region:
- Northeast: Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Washington D.C.
- Southeast: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia
- Midwest: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Wisconsin
- Southwest: Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas
- West: Alaska, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Wyoming
Source: The Zebra
The Zebra’s Dynamic Insurance Rating Tool data methodology
The Zebra’s Dynamic Insurance Rating Tool for home and auto insurance rates utilizes the latest ZIP code-level rate filings from across the U.S., sourced from Quadrant Information Services and S&P Global. These filings, typically updated annually or biennially by insurers, are verified through Quadrant’s QA process and then integrated into The Zebra’s estimator.
The displayed rates are based on a dynamic home and auto profile designed to reflect the content of the page. This profile is tailored to match specific factors such as age, location, and coverage level, which are adjusted based on the page content to show how these variables can impact premiums.
For a comprehensive understanding, see our detailed methodology.
Insurance companies may block new or updated coverage right before a major storm. These “binding restrictions” help prevent last-minute policy changes during severe weather. If you already have comprehensive coverage in place, you’re good. But if you wait until a tornado is on the radar, it might be too late to add it.
Which companies offer cheap comprehensive coverage?
This depends on many factors, some of which have to do with your vehicle and some of which are more focused on you as a driver. The best way to find the most affordable car insurance option is to shop around and compare quotes. But the cheapest rate isn't always the best choice overall. Our agents at The Zebra are great at shopping for policies and can help you compare coverage to find the best option for your needs.
Take a look at our report of the best car insurance companies to get an idea of which insurers lead the way in customer service, claims satisfaction, and competitive pricing. For those who qualify, USAA typically offers cheap rates and great service. Since it's limited to military members and their families, other good options include State Farm, American Family and Erie.
Find coverage for your budget.
Will a tornado claim increase your premium?
Yes. Any claim can raise your premium. However, for a comprehensive claim, the rate increase is comparatively small compared to a collision or liability claim. Most insurance companies view comprehensive claims as being outside the driver's control. You didn't cause the tornado, so you shouldn't be penalized. The average rate increase after a comprehensive claim is around $100 per year.
Updating data...
| Company | No Claims | One comp claim | Two comp claims | Difference between claims |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American National | $570 | $587 | $590 | $33 |
| Travelers | $671 | $821 | $858 | $218 |
| USAA | $683 | $683 | $689 | $9 |
| Nationwide | $738 | $738 | $738 | $0 |
| GEICO | $771 | $782 | $796 | $32 |
| American Family | $784 | $871 | $949 | $174 |
| State Farm | $785 | $785 | $785 | $0 |
| Farmers | $893 | $942 | $1,024 | $128 |
| Progressive | $941 | $1,048 | $1,140 | $174 |
| Allstate | $1,206 | $1,244 | $1,282 | $59 |
Source: The Zebra
How to file a claim
Most insurance companies offer 24/7 claim support—online, through a mobile app, or by phone. When you're ready to file, be prepared to share key details like what happened, when and where it occurred, and any damage you’ve noticed. Having your policy info handy can speed things up. Remember: your insurer’s job is to help you recover. Don’t hesitate to ask questions if you’re unsure about anything.
What happens after a tornado claim?
Filing a comprehensive claim—especially after a total loss from a tornado—can raise your premium, but only temporarily. Most insurers apply a rate increase for about three years after a claim is filed. Still, filing a claim is usually the smarter move considering the cost of repairing or replacing a totaled car.
You might also see a rate increase due to a rate revision—an annual adjustment insurance companies make based on how much they paid out in claims the year before. Premiums may rise across the board after a year with widespread tornado damage or other natural disasters. These changes vary by insurer, so if your rate jumps significantly, it could be a good time to shop around and compare quotes.
FEMA can sometimes offer assistance with transportation and vehicle repair after a tornado, depending on the designation and specifics of the weather event. If the loss was from a presidentially declared disaster, you can apply for assistance via the FEMA website to help get back on your feet if you don't have another vehicle to use.[3]
Is comprehensive car insurance required?
Sometimes, but it depends on the situation. If you can afford it, we recommend including it in your coverage, especially if you live in an area with frequent tornadoes or other weather risks. According to our data, 70% of drivers carry full coverage (which includes comprehensive and collision, along with liability).[1]
Comprehensive coverage is likely required in three instances: if you are leasing a vehicle, financing a vehicle, or planning to resell the vehicle.
Insider knowledge, trusted guidance.
Amber Vigil has three years of experience in the insurance industry and joined The Zebra in 2024. As manager, she leads a group of sales agents, ensu…
Credentials
- Licensed Insurance Agent — Property and Casualty
Eric began his insurance career at The Zebra in 2020, starting in an unlicensed role assisting customers before earning his Property & Casualty licen…
Credentials
- Licensed Insurance Agent — Property and Casualty
Alejandro joined The Zebra in 2019 with over a decade of insurance experience. He began his career as a bilingual sales agent at Progressive Insuranc…
Credentials
- Licensed Insurance Agent — Property and Casualty
Find the best deal on comprehensive coverage today.
Car insurance and tornadoes: FAQs
RECENT QUESTIONS
Does liability insurance cover windstorm damage to my car?
Are my seats covered from damage caused by a rat?
Should I file a claim for raccoon damage?
What coverage do I need if I hit a deer?
About The Zebra
The Zebra is not an insurance company. We publish data-backed, expert-reviewed resources to help consumers make more informed insurance decisions.
- The Zebra’s insurance content is written and reviewed for accuracy by licensed insurance agents.
- The Zebra’s insurance editorial content is not subject to review or alteration by insurance companies or partners.
- The Zebra’s editorial team operates independently of the company’s partnerships and commercialization interests, publishing unbiased information for consumer benefit.
- The auto insurance rates published on The Zebra’s pages are based on a comprehensive analysis of car insurance pricing data, evaluating more than 83 million insurance rates from across the United States.
