Replace Your Hurricane-Damaged Car
In the wake of Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton, damage along the Clearwater, Florida, coast was described by some as “a war zone.” Barbra Hernandez, Pinellas County Director of Communications, said, “It will take weeks, if not months, to clear the debris.” A wall of water up to 8 feet high hit the barrier islands, and Florida residents throughout the area are struggling to recover from severe flooding of their homes and vehicles.
If the hurricane damaged your vehicle, our team at Lokey Volkswagen can help. Read as we share what you need to know about recovering your vehicle after a flood.
How Hurricanes Impact Vehicles
All water is detrimental to your vehicle, but hurricanes are especially so because they sweep in corrosive saltwater that eats away at magnesium and aluminum. The brake lines, fuel lines, and exhaust components can all suffer damage from saltwater exposure, leading to hazardous leaks and malfunctioning systems.
Even rainwater damages your vehicle because the acid content eats away at the paint and slowly corrodes anything it touches. Standing water causes mold and mildew, affecting areas from the upholstery to the dashboard. Vehicle electronics are especially susceptible to water damage. Modern vehicles rely on computer systems for everything from the lights and transmission to the window and seat controls.
It’s vital to assess a vehicle for water damage as soon as possible. Otherwise, the issues associated with flooding will only worsen over time, which may mean you’re driving a vehicle that’ll eventually fail.
Evaluating Your Hurricane-Damaged Car: Is It Salvageable?
If your vehicle experienced the major flooding from Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton sweeping across Florida, it’s likely a complete loss. A car can withstand minor flooding that recedes quickly, but vehicles can’t safely withstand the damage resulting from the storm surges we’ve experienced, which topped 20 feet in some areas.
Repairing this type of flood damage is so costly and complex that insurance companies consider such vehicles totaled. Be wary of purchasing low-priced vehicles after major flooding, even in areas outside the flood zone. Unscrupulous sellers can get flood-damaged vehicles up and running briefly, but these repairs are short-lived.
Navigating Insurance Claims for Hurricane-Damaged Vehicles
If you carried comprehensive insurance coverage before the storm, your insurance company may help you replace your vehicle after Helene and Milton. However, you can’t purchase retroactive insurance, so your coverage will depend on the policy and provisions you had before the storm hit.
How Comprehensive Coverage Helps in Natural Disasters
Comprehensive coverage typically applies to any damage your vehicle may sustain in a hurricane, including damage from falling branches, high winds, hail, heavy rain, and flooding. Contact your insurance provider for more details on the coverage available under your plan.
Tips for Filing a Successful Insurance Claim
Document the water damage to your vehicle. If it was submerged, take photos and record how high the water level came and how long the vehicle was underwater. List and photograph all items damaged in the flood and include as many details as possible, including the date of purchase and value of the item. Report the loss so the claims process can start immediately. You must file a complete Proof of Loss within 60 days of the flood damage.
Some areas are hosting “Insurance Villages” in the wake of the storm, where you can connect with dozens of insurance companies for assistance filing expedited home and vehicle damage claims. Follow the latest news to identify these and other local events that can assist with your recovery needs.
What To Do If You Don’t Have Flood Insurance for Your Vehicle
If your insurance policy doesn’t cover flood damage, you may have a costly replacement ahead of you. Allow your car to dry out completely before you attempt to start it. Have a professional mechanic evaluate the vehicle post-flood to determine if it’s salvageable. In most cases, however, you’ll need to invest in a new vehicle.
Replacing Your Hurricane-Damaged Car at Lokey Volkswagen
If your vehicle was totaled in Helene and Milton, our team at Lokey Volkswagen wants to help. Our extensive inventory of new and used vehicles is free from flood damage, so you can drive away in a safe, dry car today. You can count on us to provide superior customer service to every individual throughout the Clearwater area as we recover together as a community from the impact of Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton. Once you find a vehicle that fits your needs, you can count on our Lokey Volkswagen service department to help you maintain it.
Exclusive Offers and Programs for Replacing Hurricane-Damaged Cars
At Lokey Volkswagen, we’re supplying every customer who has a payoff verification with a replacement vehicle, even if the insurance process isn’t complete. We understand your need to restart your life and regain stable transportation. We’re also offering a $500 cashback bonus on all new Volkswagen models (with the exception of the ID.Buzz and Golf R) through January 2, 2025.
The Benefits of Choosing a Volkswagen for Your Next Vehicle
Volkswagen vehicles have an average reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars. There’s only an 11% chance a typical Volkswagen repair will be severe, and Volkswagen drivers visit a repair shop only once every two years on average. New Volkswagens come with Carefree Coverage that provides the following benefits:
- Scheduled carefree maintenance for the first two years or 20,000 miles
- New Vehicle Limited Warranty coverage for four years or 50,000 miles
- 24/7 roadside assistance for three years
- Complimentary access to the myVW app for five years
Next Steps: Transitioning From Loss to New Beginnings With Lokey Volkswagen
If you need a replacement vehicle, visit our team at Lokey Volkswagen in Clearwater, Florida, for assistance. As the top Volkswagen dealership in Florida, we can help you understand the insurance process, evaluate replacement vehicles, and budget for your next purchase. We’re here to make your obligations easier and quicker during this difficult time so you can get back on the road shortly to tackle the remainder of your recovery tasks.
car on body of water by Chris Gallagher is licensed with Unsplash License