Kentucky averages 21 tornadoes a year. A bad storm can result in flooding and physical damage to your vehicle that can cost thousands to repair. Storm damage can be covered with the proper Kentucky auto insurance, but you need more than the bare minimum.

Luckily, a Kentucky independent insurance agent knows the exact car insurance policies you need to be covered in the event of a storm. Here's why Kentucky drivers should consider additional coverage for their vehicles.

What Does Car Insurance Cover In Kentucky?

Kentucky drivers are required to have bodily injury liability, property damage liability, and personal injury protection. Through these state requirements, you'll receive coverage for things like:

• Third-party medical bills in an at-fault accident
• Lost wages and follow-up doctor appointments for third-party injuries
• Any third-party property damage you cause, such as hitting another vehicle, fence, or mailbox
• Medical bills associated with personal injuries

For additional coverage you can purchase uninsured motorist, collision, and comprehensive insurance, which cover things like:

• Damage to your vehicle in an at-fault accident
• Personal property damage in an at-fault accident
• Damage from falling objects
• Damage from storms, fire, wind, and other weather-related events
• Theft
• Vandalism
• Damage caused by an uninsured or underinsured motorist

"Most drivers can benefit from adding collision and comprehensive insurance to their policies," explained insurance expert Paul Martin. "Unless your vehicle has a very low value, then collision coverage is the only way damage to your vehicle will be covered if you're the at-fault driver."

Vehicle crashes in the US

More than 70% of vehicle crashes in the US only include property damage.

What Isn't Covered by Kentucky Car Insurance?

Car insurance is flexible in that you can purchase a variety of coverages in order to protect yourself from the personal risks you face. However, most insurance policies will exclude a few things:

• Flooding due to a maintenance issue
• Personal belongings inside your vehicle
• General wear and tear
• Breakdown from poor maintenance
• Using your vehicle for business purposes

If you plan on using your vehicle for business purposes, you need to purchase a commercial auto policy. Your Kentucky independent insurance agent can help you add any additional coverages to your car insurance package.

Does Car Insurance Cover Storm Damage in Kentucky?

Yes, comprehensive coverage, also known as "other than collision" insurance, will cover any damage to your vehicle from a storm. 

Since this coverage is not required by the state, you will need to make sure you ask your Kentucky independent insurance agent to add it to your policy. 

Weather-related risks for Kentucky drivers

Are My Belongings inside My Vehicle Covered against a Storm?

Your personal belongings are not protected under your car insurance policy, but they will be covered in your Kentucky homeowners policy.

"It doesn't matter if your belongings are in your home or your vehicle, if they're damaged in a storm the claim comes out of your home insurance," explained Martin.

This will include coverage for your clothing as well as electronics. 

How Can a Kentucky Independent Insurance Agent Help?

Insurance agents will chat with you, free of charge, and help you shop for full coverage auto insurance. They'll pull multiple quotes and discuss which carriers have a good reputation for prices and handling claims.  

With the right coverage, you can get reimbursed for any damage that your vehicle sustains in a storm. Work with a Kentucky independent insurance agent to make sure you have more than the minimum coverage at the best price available.