Auto insurance after a natural disaster

Produced by Massachusetts Law Reform Institute adapted from Martha Coakley Attorney General's website
Reviewed September, 2021

Not all auto insurance policies will cover damage to your vehicle from a tornado or other natural disaster.

Damage will be covered if you have comprehensive coverage in your policy. Comprehensive insurance covers damage to your car if it is damaged by anything outside of an accident, such as fallen trees and debris damage. The coverage pays to fix your vehicle minus a deductible. The deductible will be listed in your policy.

Windshield damage

Your windshield will either be replaced for free or cost $100.

Glass damage is covered under comprehensive insurance .Some policies do not require a deductible for glass. However, you could have a policy with a $100 glass deductible. This deductible is separate from the comprehensive deductible. Check your policy or ask your insurance company if you have a glass deductible. If you have comprehensive coverage, it will cover any glass damage minus the glass deductible.

Note

Insurance companies may drop your coverage or raise your rates if you file a claim, even if the damage was not your fault.

If your vehicle gets damaged, report the loss to your agent or insurer as soon as possible. If you need help to figure out if your insurance covers the damage, contact Attorney General’s Consumer Hotline at (617) 727-8400.

If you think your agent or insurance company misled you and made you think your insurance covered more than it does, contact Attorney General’s Consumer Hotline at (617) 727-8400. 

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