Questions and answers for after a hurricane
Browse common hurricane recovery questions if your vehicle weathered a storm, or click on your question to jump right to the answer.
- What should I do if I find my car submerged in water?
- I took one vehicle when I evacuated and left another in a storm-affected area, but I don't know where that car is or its condition. What should I do?
- How do I file a claim if I temporarily live in another state?
- If my house is gone, will I lose my homeowners discount on my auto policy? If one or more of my cars are gone, and I only have one car left, will I lose my multi-car discount on my auto policy?
- I'll be away from home for a long time. Can I change the address on my policy?
- I've relocated to a new state and don't know if or when I'll return home. Do I need a new insurance policy?
- I lost my job due to the storm and can't make my payment. What do I do?
- How do I protect myself against buying a car that may have sustained flood damage?
What should I do if I find my car submerged in water?
Leave the car where it is. Never attempt to start a car that's been submerged in water — you'll cause further damage. When possible, call 1-855-347-3939 or report your claim online, and a claims representative will begin working on your claim immediately. Provide your claims representative with as much information as possible about the water level. They can evaluate the damage and the feasibility and cost of repairing the car based on the type of water, how high the water was on the vehicle, and other considerations.
I took one vehicle when I evacuated and left another in a storm-affected area, but I don't know where that car is or its condition. What should I do?
The first thing you should do if you suspect a vehicle on your policy is damaged is report your claim online.
How do I file a claim if I temporarily live in another state?
To file a claim, report your claim online.
If my house is gone, will I lose my homeowners discount on my auto policy? If one or more of my cars are gone, and I only have one car left, will I lose my multi-car discount on my auto policy?
The homeowners discount you received when you purchased your policy will remain. You may lose your multi-car discount since this discount only applies when there is more than one car on the policy. Call us at the following numbers, 24/7, if you have questions about your policy.
Customers who purchased policies from an agent/broker: call 1-800-876-5581.
Customers who purchased policies online or by phone: call 1-855-347-3939.
I'll be away from home for a long time. Can I change the address on my policy?
Yes. Call customer service and let us know where you'd like your mail forwarded. When you can go home, call us to let us know so we can update your address. Please have your policy number available when you call one of these numbers, available 24/7.
Customers who purchased policies from an agent/broker: call 1-800-876-5581.
Customers who purchased policies online or by phone: call 1-855-347-3939.
I've relocated to a new state and do not know if or when I'll return home. Do I need a new insurance policy?
If you plan to return or are undecided about returning to your home state, you should keep the policy issued in your home state and use your temporary location as the mailing address on the policy. Please call us to change your mailing address temporarily. If you know you'll be moving to a new state, you should buy a new policy in that state because your new state may have different coverage requirements. Having a new policy will also make registering your vehicle and getting a driver's license easier. To report a change of address or to purchase a new policy, call one of these numbers, available 24/7.
Customers who purchased policies from an agent/broker: call 1-800-876-5581.
Customers who purchased policies online or by phone: call 1-855-347-3939.
I lost my job due to the storm and can't make my payment. What do I do?
We want you to continue to be a customer. Please call us to discuss available payment options. Please have your policy number available when you call one of these numbers, available 24/7.
Customers who purchased policies from an agent/broker: call 1-800-876-5581.
Customers who purchased policies online or by phone: call 1-855-347-3939.
How do I protect myself against buying a car that may have been flooded?
If you're in the market for a used car, check the car's title history before you buy it to determine if the vehicle registry has branded it as totaled, salvaged or flooded. You also should run a vehicle history report. Several services, including CARFAX, are easy to find and use online.
Following a major storm, many flooded cars will likely be declared total losses. Progressive complies with all state laws addressing how to handle flooded or totaled vehicles in each state. Learn about common problems with flood-damaged cars.
If your vehicle was damaged by a hurricane, start your claim to get in contact with a representative who can talk you through the catastrophe claims process.
