September 10, 2025 | Personal Injury
If a recent storm left your vehicle underwater, crushed by debris, or otherwise wrecked, you may be asking what to do with a damaged car after a hurricane in Florida. Whether the damage is cosmetic or catastrophic, the decisions you make next can affect your insurance claim, financial recovery, and future transportation options.
Knowing your rights and responsibilities can help you avoid common mistakes and protect the value of your vehicle, even if it seems like a total loss.
Step One: Document the Damage Immediately
Before moving or cleaning the car, take clear photos of the damage from multiple angles.
Include:
- Exterior dents, cracks, or scratches
- Interior flooding or mildew
- Water lines, rust, or corrosion
- Damage to electronics or mechanical parts
Make a list of visible issues and note the time and location of the storm. This documentation will support your insurance claim and prove the vehicle’s condition before any further changes occur.
Step Two: Notify Your Insurance Company
Florida requires auto insurance policies to include personal injury protection (PIP), but property damage depends on your coverage. If you have comprehensive insurance, hurricane damage is usually covered. Call your insurer as soon as possible to begin the claims process.
Provide them with:
- Your policy number
- Details about the storm and vehicle location
- Photos and descriptions of the damage
- Any repair estimates or towing invoices
Ask your insurer whether an adjuster needs to inspect the car before you move or repair it. If your policy includes rental car coverage, request access to a temporary vehicle during the evaluation.
Step Three: Avoid Starting a Flooded Vehicle
If your car was submerged or partially flooded, do not try to start it. Water inside the engine, fuel system, or electronics can cause further damage or even total failure.
Instead, do the following:
- Disconnect the battery if it’s safe to do so
- Have the vehicle towed to a trusted mechanic or inspection site
- Let professionals assess whether the car is repairable
Attempting to drive or restart a flooded car can ruin critical components and reduce your chances of a full insurance payout.
Step Four: Understand Your Repair or Replacement Options
Once the damage has been assessed, you may have to decide whether to repair the car or accept a total loss payout. Florida law allows insurers to declare a vehicle a total loss if the cost of repairs exceeds 80 percent of its actual cash value.
Options may include:
- Repairing the vehicle if the damage is minor or cosmetic
- Accepting a settlement if the insurer declares the car totaled
- Keeping the car and accepting a reduced payout if you want to repair it yourself
Keep in mind that if you retain a totaled vehicle, the title will be branded as salvage. This can affect resale value, registration, and future insurance.
Step Five: Know Your Rights Under Florida Law
Florida’s consumer protection laws require insurers to handle claims in good faith and communicate clearly. You may have legal options if your insurer is delaying payment, underestimating damage, or unfairly denying coverage.
You are entitled to:
- A written explanation of any denial or reduced offer
- A second opinion or independent damage estimate
- Filing a complaint with the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation
- Legal representation if the insurer fails to pay a valid claim
If your vehicle was damaged while parked at a business or in a public lot, additional liability may apply depending on the location and cause.
Contact the St. Petersburg Personal Injury Lawyers at Graves Thomas Rotunda Injury Law Group for Help Today
If your car was damaged in a Florida hurricane, act quickly to document the damage, contact your insurer, and avoid making repairs without approval. Insurance policies typically cover hurricane-related losses, but delays or errors in the process can reduce your compensation. Protect your rights by staying informed, asking questions, and seeking help if your claim is denied or mishandled.
Contact the St. Petersburg personal injury attorneys at Graves Thomas Rotunda Injury Law Group today for a free consultation.
Graves Thomas Rotunda Injury Law Group – Vero Beach
2651 20th St
Vero Beach, FL 32960
(772) 758-1966
Graves Thomas Rotunda Injury Law Group – St. Petersburg
200 Central Ave Suite 304
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
(772) 569-8155
Graves Thomas Rotunda Injury Law Group – Port St. Lucie
10805 SW Tradition Square Unit 024A
Port St. Lucie, FL 34987
(772) 677-0373
