After a tornado, there can be many questions about where to go and what to do, especially if you're a victim of direct damage to your home or vehicle. Here's what we know about getting your car replaced after a twister.
Comprehensive for Tornado Damage
If you're impacted by a tornado and your vehicle is damaged or destroyed, you may be able to get it repaired or replaced with the right insurance coverage – usually, comprehensive insurance. This type of insurance policy covers damage caused by non-vehicle collisions and accidents, covering things like broken windows, animals strikes, and damage from storms.
Typically, if the damage done to your car is unrepairable, or will cost the same or more than the vehicle is worth, you're likely to be looking at a total replacement. If you're financing your vehicle, you likely already have the coverage you need, depending on your state. Most lenders require borrowers to carry full coverage insurance, which includes some combination of liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage.
Replacing Your Car
When you replace your vehicle, you have to file a claim with your insurance provider if you expect it to be covered. If you don't have comprehensive insurance or fail to make a claim in a timely manner, you're going to have to pay out-of-pocket for the repair or replacement of your car.
Some automakers realize that severe storms can have lasting effects, and want to help those who are hit hardest by storms. In the most recent rounds of storms that impacted several states with tornado damage, such as hard-hit Kentucky, some manufacturers are offering cash assistance for vehicle replacement.
Last week, automakers GM and Stellantis began offering assistance to those residents of KY who have been affected by recent tornados. GM is offering $1,000 in Disaster Relief Bonus Cash on nearly all new 2022 models for Buick, Chevy, Cadillac, and GMC. This bonus cash offer is good for residents of certain counties through February 28th.
Stellantis began offering $500 off select model vehicles from Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, RAM, FIAT, and Alfa Romeo. This can be applied to either a lease or a loan.
The good thing about these deals is that some can be combined with other offers for qualifying consumers to save even more.
Don't Know Where to Turn?
If you don't qualify for manufacturer incentives from disaster relief, but still need a new vehicle after a twister, we want to help. At Auto Credit Express we work with a nationwide network of special finance dealerships that can help borrowers find a car loan even if they're facing credit struggles.
To get matched to a dealership that's signed up with subprime lenders, simply fill out our fast, free, no-obligation auto loan request form and we'll get right to work for you.
