We have all seen images of vehicles fully submerged after heavy rains. You may think that instances like this are rare, but the truth is that it is much more common than you think. Extreme weather patterns have caused flash flooding throughout the country. Each year we see cars that are damaged beyond repair right here in our own community of Scarsdale.

Preparing Before a Storm

If there is any significant rain in the forecast, be sure that you pay attention to where you leave your car. If there is any body of water nearby, you need to be careful about where you park your car during a storm. A babbling stream can easily become a torrential force of nature.

Protecting Your Vehicle Before a Hurricane 

During a tropical storm or hurricane, it is important that you take extra precautions to protect your vehicle from damage. Below are a few tips for parking your car during a significant weather event:

• Fill your gas tank ahead of time to avoid lines.
• Avoid parking under power lines or trees.
• Move your car to higher ground. If your home is in a flood zone, or an area that has the potential to flood, you will want to be sure to park your car on higher ground to prevent damage.
• Park your car in the garage or in a storage facility. Parking in an enclosed space will offer protection from flying objects during high winds.
• If you are parking in a garage or storage unit that has other items stored inside, be sure to protect your vehicle by placing blankets or area rugs over the car.
• To prevent the door from buckling and crushing your car, it is a good idea to park against the door.
• If you do not have a garage or storage facility available, park your car as close to your house as you can to protect at least one side from damage due to downed trees or flying objects.
• If you haven’t already, stock your vehicle with emergency supplies such as booster cables, flashlights, and a shovel.

More Safety Tips 

If you find your car submerged after the storm has ended, do not attempt to retrieve it until the water has subsided. There are potential dangers in standing water and as we discussed earlier, if the car (or another car nearby) is an electric car or a hybrid, the water may be electrified. Once the water has receded, do not try to start the vehicle as if there is water in the engine, you could do even more damage. Instead, have it towed and file a claim with your insurance company.

If you have any questions about your insurance, don’t hesitate to give our local agency in Scarsdale a call. We are here to answer any questions, big or small!

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This article is for general informational purposes only and is not to be relied upon or used for any particular purpose. Cross Insurance shall not be held responsible in any way for, and specifically disclaims any liability arising out of or in any way connected to, reliance on or use of any of the information contained in this article. The information contained or referenced in this article is not intended to constitute and should not be considered legal, insurance, accounting or other professional advice, nor shall it serve as a substitute for the recipient obtaining such advice. The views expressed in this article are that of its author and do not necessarily represent the views of Cross Financial Corp. and its subsidiaries and affiliates (“Cross Insurance”) or Cross Insurance’s management or shareholders.