The Effects of Water Damage on Your Vehicle

It’s still winter, but here in Beaumont we are nearing the beginning of spring and summer. This also means the beginning of hurricane season on June 1. Seasonal weather, as well as the more severe hurricanes can bring rain, flooding and wind. We certainly saw the effects of  severe water damage last year when Hurricane Harvey paid us a visit.

Among your many possessions to protect from water is your vehicle. Given that cars have exposure to precipitation, you must take care of it. Preventing water damage to your car requires commitment.

Steps to Avoid Water Damage

The reason your car has multiple seals to keep out water is because it contains many sensitive items. These include the internal workings of the engine, interior features, undercarriage and trunk. Not only that, there’s also you and your possessions to think about.

Preventing vehicular water damage usually starts and ends with the owner.

• It starts with rolling up your windows. Make sure that if there’s water outside the car, that you take steps to protect its interior. Water threats might include precipitation, automatic car washes, sprinklers and more. If you think there might be a water threat, double check to make sure the windows are up.
• Check the other vehicle seals as well. Your vehicle often has waterproof seals around the windows, doors, engine, trunk and other parts. If you begin to notice leaks or water accumulation in inappropriate places, it usually warrants a trip to the mechanic.
• When severe weather threatens, always take care to protect the vehicle. It might be as simple as double checking that you rolled up the windows. Other drivers park their vehicles in garages or cover them with tarps for extra protection.
• In cases of extreme weather, like flooding, it’s best to move your vehicle to the safest possible place. This might mean parking in an elevated area or even evacuating the vehicle. Always know how water accumulates around your property. This can help you determine how best to protect the care.

Read your car insurance policy to determine if you can get coverage for water damage. Events that are out of your control will likely have coverage under the comprehensive section of a policy. Keep in mind that every policy is different. Some instances of damage might not have protection. For example, flood damage usually has protection. Carelessly leaving your windows down in a rainstorm often doesn’t, however. For more information, one of our agents can help you better understand your policy call us today at 409-203-2027. 

Continue Reading:

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