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Your collector car & hurricanes: What you should know

August and September are prime months for hurricanes. Your state’s emergency management agency, or the local Red Cross office, can provide detailed emergency planning information for your life and home. But what about your special car? Here’s some advice.

BEFORE a hurricane:

• Have an evacuation route planned
  If you are going to move your vehicle to a safer location, make sure you have a plan in place to timely relocate. Plan two routes to get there in case one is blocked or the storm track shifts. And have a current map handy, too, in case your cell is low on power or Internet service is limited.
• Fill your collector vehicle up with fuel
  If possible, try to fill up your collector car with fuel before a hurricane hits. If you have gas in your car, you may be able to drive to safety if the storm is less intense than predicted. Fuel supplies are often disrupted during storms, so it’s wise to have a full tank.
• Keep up with routine maintenance
  Because collector vehicles get less routine road time, it’s important to check the oil and other essential fluids, install new windshield wipers, and check the tires.
• Secure your garage
  If your collector car will be in your garage during the storm, install temporary vertical braces to strengthen the door and tracks. Ideally, your garage door will be made of steel or solid wood. If the height of your garage permits, jack it up, to help get it above possible flooding. In case something does happen to your garage, it’s a good idea to keep your car safe from the elements with a protective vehicle cover.
• Build ahead
  If your garage has direct access to your house, the pass-through door should be as solid as your front door, and also be installed with three hinges and deep screws, and a deadbolt. If the storm rips open your garage, you’ll be grateful that a lot more than a typical interior room door is securing the house. When you are building new, or looking to buy, in an area with some flooding risk, install or look for flood vents that can alleviate hydrostatic pressure buildup. And make sure the electrical and heating systems, like baseboard heaters, are at least 12 inches above a likely flood level.  

AFTER a hurricane:

• Follow the official notice
  Acting safely does not end when the wind stops blowing. Wait until authorities tell you it’s safe to return home if an evacuation was ordered.
• Don’t drive on flooded roads
  If a road is covered with water, treat it as a hazard. It could be washed out, full of hidden debris, or deeper than it looks. And you certainly don’t want to stall because water gets into the engine or risk being swept away or drowning.
• Check your property safely
  When checking on your garage and vehicle, look for and report downed power lines, gas leaks, and other hazards. Rodents or snakes may have taken shelter inside, too, so look closely inside and out. Dress appropriately, including sturdy boots, as you walk your property.
• File any claims
  In addition to your own health and homeowners insurance claims, you should document damages to your vehicle and file your collector vehicle insurance claim.
• One last thought
  Don’t wait for storm season. Check with your insurance agent to make sure you have the right coverage in place.

While there’s no fail-safe way to ensure your collector cars will be 100% protected in a severe storm, you can prepare with these safety tips before your rides encounter a natural disaster. Our goal is to help you help weather the storms mother nature throws your way, and make sure you reach calm seas again.

For information only. Not applicable to all situations.

Coverage is subject to policy terms, conditions, limitations, exclusions, underwriting review, and approval, and may not be available for all risks or in all states. Rates and discounts vary, are determined by many factors and are subject to change. Policies are written by one of the licensed insurers of American Modern Insurance Group, Inc., including American Modern Home Insurance Company d/b/a in CA American Modern Insurance Company (Lic. No 2222-8).