How to Prepare Your Car For a Hurricane

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Preparing your home for a hurricane is essential, but your vehicle deserves attention, too. Our Hurricane Preparedness Guide offers trusted resources to help Virginia families prepare for severe weather. Your car is a significant investment and may be essential for evacuation or accessing supplies, so taking a few steps before a storm can help protect it and support your family’s safety. Here’s how to prepare your car before the next hurricane reaches Virginia.

How to Prepare Your Car for a Hurricane

Fuel Up, Charge Your EV, and Pack an Emergency Kit

Power outages can disrupt fuel pumps, charging stations, stores, and digital payment systems. Before a hurricane, fill your gas tank or charge your electric vehicle, and keep cash available in case electronic payments are temporarily unavailable. If you store fuel, use only an approved container and follow local fire-safety guidance. Preparing early can help ensure you have transportation and access to essential supplies when you need them.

Have a good car emergency kit with:

• a first aid kit
• a blanket
• flares or triangle reflectors
•  jumper cables
•  a flashlight
•  extra batteries
• an extra phone charging cable
• water and some protein bars or other healthy nonperishable snacks.

Keep Your Car's Maintenance Up-to-date

Hurricanes historically bring a lot of rain and wind. Having your car's maintenance current can help you avoid mechanical problems when help may be hard to find. When was the last time you changed your wiper blades? If they leave streaks or make noise, it's time for new ones. While you're at it, check the air pressure in your tires. There are a few other things you can do to get your car ready in case you need to evacuate. 

Be Smart About Where You Park Before a Hurricane

If possible, park your car in a garage and close and secure the garage door. Move shelving or other loose items that could fall and damage your vehicle. If a garage is unavailable—or your usual parking area is low-lying or prone to flooding—move your car to higher ground. This is especially important for electric vehicles, which should not be exposed to standing water or saltwater from storm surge.

If you must park outdoors, choose a location away from trees, utility poles, and other objects that could fall or become airborne. Close all windows and the sunroof, and remove valuables and important documents, including your vehicle registration. A properly fitted car cover may help protect against some debris, but it cannot prevent all storm damage.

Document Your Vehicle Before Severe Weather

A simple record of your vehicle’s condition before severe weather can be valuable if damage occurs. Taking photos in advance can help document the vehicle’s condition and support the claims process. In the event of a claim, take photos again if there is any damage to your car before you clean it up. And check out our severe weather home and car claim FAQs!

Driving During and After a Hurricane

Before attempting to drive, inspect your vehicle for any signs of water damage, debris, or structural issues. Check the undercarriage and wheel wells for debris that may have accumulated during the storm.​

Driving in heavy rain can be dangerous. Driving in a hurricane is very dangerous! The most important thing to remember is to avoid driving through flooded roadways after a hurricane or heavy rainfall. Flooded roadways may not look deep, but taking the chance can be life-threatening and damaging to your vehicle.  Avoid downed power lines. It's best to stay home as much as possible unless instructed by authorities to evacuate. 

Special Considerations for Electric Vehicles (EVs)

EV owners should exercise additional caution, as saltwater exposure can pose fire risks. After potential exposure to saltwater, refrain from operating or charging the vehicle and consult with manufacturers or emergency services if battery damage is suspected.

Does car insurance cover hurricane damage?

It's good to know you're financially protected by your car insurance in case your car does suffer hurricane damage. Comprehensive car insurance covers wind, hail, falling objects, and damage if your car floods. It's optional coverage and separate from the collision and liability insurance required by Virginia. If you don’t have full coverage car insurance, check out our car insurance offerings and connect with a local agent today to see if more hurricane car insurance coverage is right for you.