How to protect your car during storm season
Taking a few preventative steps can help protect your vehicle, improve safety and reduce the risk of expensive repairs.
Park smart to protect your vehicle
One of the easiest ways to reduce the risk of weather-related damage is by choosing where you park.
During storm season, a garage or carport can help shield your vehicle from hail, strong winds and falling debris.
If you don't have access to covered parking at home, consider using undercover parking facilities when severe weather is forecast.
Avoid parking beneath trees, particularly during storms and strong winds, as falling branches can cause significant damage to vehicle body panels, windscreens and roofs. Check local council flood mapping and avoid parking in flood-prone areas.
Check your vehicle's essential safety features
Inspect components that are critical during wet-weather driving, including:
- Windscreen wipers
- Tyres and tread depth
- Headlights and brake lights.
Replacing worn wiper blades and ensuring your tyres have adequate tread can significantly improve visibility and grip during heavy rain.
Be prepared for hail and heavy rain
If hail is forecast, consider using a purpose-built hail cover to help protect your vehicle if you can’t park under cover.
In an emergency, thick blankets or padded coverings may provide some protection for vulnerable areas such as the roof and bonnet.
Windscreens are particularly susceptible to damage during hailstorms, so any extra protection can be worthwhile.
Drive safely during summer storms
If you find yourself driving during a severe storm or hail, slow down, turn your lights on, double your following distance to the car in front to at least four seconds (allow more space if you are towing) and find a safe spot to stop well away from high-speed traffic, not on the side of a highway or motorway.
It's also important to remember: if it's flooded, forget it. Never drive through floodwater.
Road conditions beneath the water may have been damaged or washed away, and even shallow water can cause a vehicle to lose traction. Floodwater can also cause severe damage to engines, electrical systems and safety components.
Don’t attempt to start a water-damaged vehicle
If your vehicle has been damaged during a severe weather event, it’s important to ensure it is safe to start before turning the key.
If there has been any water in the interior of the car, the engine bay or exhaust, do not attempt to start it.
Take photos for an insurance claim
Once it’s safe to do so, document any flood damage before moving, cleaning or drying your vehicle.
Take photos and videos of the car from all angles, including waterline marks, interior damage, debris and any affected mechanical areas, as this evidence can be critical when lodging an insurance claim.
It's also helpful to photograph the surrounding environment, such as flooded streets or nearby waterways, to support how and where the damage occurred.
Detailed records can help insurers accurately assess the claim and reduce the likelihood of disputes during the process.
Contact your insurer as soon as possible to start the claim process.
*Insurance products issued by RACQ Insurance Limited ABN 50 009 704 152. Conditions, limits and exclusions apply. This is general advice only and does not take into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs and you will need to consider whether the advice is appropriate for you. Consider the PDS. PDS and TMD available at racq.com. Excesses and exclusions may apply. Refer to your Certificate of Insurance. For detailed terms, conditions, limitations, and exclusions, please read the Product Disclosure Statement.
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