Walking the car insurance tightrope can be difficult since not all policies extend coverage to natural disasters or unforeseen events, like the recent floods caused by Storm Babet or the Luton Airport fire that damaged 1,500 cars.
Storm Ciarán is forecast to bring 80mph winds and heavy rain to southern parts of the UK on Wednesday night until Thursday which may be a cause for concern for many drivers as these severe conditions could lead to hazardous road conditions,
Following the Luton Airport fire, numerous victims found themselves grappling with insurance companies that have refused to provide financial coverage, leaving many policyholders without the support they expected.
Founder and Managing Director of GAP insurance provider, ALA Insurance, Simon England says, “Many consumers are unaware of the actual worth of their vehicles, raising consumer awareness on the true worth of their vehicle is an essential stride towards ensuring fairness in insurance settlements.”
He continues, “GAP insurance, with its dedicated third-party evaluation and customer protection, eliminates uncertainty in situations like natural disasters or unforeseen incidents, whether that’s a flood or a fire, guarantees policyholders receive the compensation they rightly deserve.”
ALA Insurance have outlined some tips to consider in the event of a natural disaster or an unforeseen circumstance that’s damaged your vehicle:
Document the Damage
Take photographs and videos of the damage or loss. This visual evidence can be crucial when filing a claim and working with your insurance company.
Review Your Policy
Thoroughly read your insurance policy to understand the extent of your coverage and any limitations. Some policies may exclude natural disasters or certain unforeseen events, but others may provide coverage. Knowing what is covered and what isn’t will help you manage your expectations.
Record Expenses
Maintain records of any expenses incurred as a result of the disaster, such as temporary lodging, meals, or other emergency costs. Your policy may cover some of these expenses.
Work with an Adjuster
Your insurance company may send an adjuster to assess the damage. Be present during this assessment to ensure all damage is documented accurately. If you disagree with the assessment, you have the right to request a second opinion.
Consider GAP Insurance
Consider purchasing GAP insurance when you buy a car. GAP insurance can help fill the financial gaps in your coverage, especially in situations where the value of your vehicle exceeds the amount provided by your standard insurance policy, particularly when your vehicle is declared a total loss, for instance, due to events like a natural disaster.