Hurricane season is here and as much as we hope every storm will skirt on by us and head out into the Atlantic, there's always a chance that it won't. And one of the big risks that comes along with living in a state prone to hurricanes is that your personal property will be damaged... like your car.
What should you do if your car suffers hurricane damage?
So what should you do if your car suffers hurricane damage despite all of your careful hurricane prep? Here are some tips from our Orlando Toyota body shop experts on how to handle this stressful situation with as much ease as possible.
First things first - after the storm is over, head outside to take pictures of your car. Do this regardless of the type of damage (wind or water) so you have proof to submit to the insurance company when you file a claim. You'll want photos inside and out, and try to be as comprehensive as possible.
Next, assess the situation. Obviously, if your car has been damaged by debris, you don't want to try to drive it. Your best bet is to file a claim with your insurance and call a tow truck to bring it to your nearest auto body repair shop (like Toyota of Orlando).
Toyota of Orlando's tips for handling hurricane damage
However, if your car is flooded, it's a different story. You might be tempted to try to drive it in for repairs, but whatever you do... don't. Here are a few quick tips on how to handle flooding hurricane damage.
Don't try to start the car - this can cause major damage to your engine. If the floodwaters haven't receded yet, you can try to push it to higher ground so it's not sitting in water.
Once you're out of the water, try to disconnect the battery under the hood.
Now's the time to call your insurance company and get the car looked at. If there's water in the mechanical system, it's likely that things can dry out, be cleaned, and get up and running again. However, if water hit the electrical system, you may be looking at a total loss. Let your auto repair techs help you figure out the best course of action.
After your car is safely home again, set to cleaning things out and restoring it to like-new condition. You'll want to ensure that all mud and silt is out of the engine bay, suspension, and tires. You'll also want to give the interior the detailing of a lifetime. You can steam clean it and when it's dry, sprinkle baking soda on it. Vacuum the baking soda up after a few minutes to try and eliminate odors.
Have questions about hurricane damage to your car or need auto body repairs in Orlando? We're here to help - call Toyota of Orlando today at (407) 298-6006.
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