Vehicle storm damage claims: FAQs

Once the storm has passed, learn what steps to take if your vehicle or boat has sustained damage. Get answers to frequently asked questions about what your insurance policy may or may not cover, and how to file a claim after it has sustained damage from severe weather.

Questions and answers for what to do after the storm

Browse answers to common storm recovery questions, or click on your question to jump right to the information you need.

My vehicle or boat was damaged by a storm. What should I do?

For auto claims, log in to report your claim online. For boat, RV, or travel trailer claims, call 1-855-347-3939 to report your claim to Progressive 24/7.

Is storm damage to my vehicle and/or boat covered?

If you purchased comprehensive coverage, it generally covers storm damage to vehicles, minus the deductible you selected. If you purchased comprehensive coverage on your policy, it includes storm damage on a qualified claim. A deductible usually applies, and payment is subject to terms of the policy.

How long will it take to settle my claim?

After you report a claim, your claims representative will work hard to settle your claim as quickly as possible. Learn more about time limits for car insurance claim settlements. For auto claims, log in to report your claim online. For boat, RV, or travel trailer claims, call Progressive 24/7 at 1-800-776-4737 to report your claim.

I can't tell if the damage to my vehicle and/or boat has exceeded my deductible. What should I do?

You should promptly report all claims to us for which you expect coverage. A trained claims representative will inspect your vehicle or boat to determine how much repairs will cost. After you report your claim, a Progressive claims representative will inspect the damage and prepare a repair estimate outlining the extent and cost of damage.

Does my car insurance cover the personal items in my car that were lost or damaged?

No, your auto insurance only covers damage to the car itself. If you have homeowners insurance or renters insurance, check with your carrier to see if lost or damaged items in your car are covered under that policy.

Does my boat policy cover damage my boat causes to the dock or nearby boats?

Only if you're considered liable for the damage. In most situations, though, the storm is considered responsible, and you would not be liable for others' property damage involving your boat but caused by a storm. Learn more about boat coverage for storm damage.

Review your boat insurance contract and declarations page as well as any attached policy endorsements. These attachments would replace coverages and/or exclusions outlined in your initial policy contract. You may easily locate your policy documents online by logging in to your policy.

Will my insurance cover a rental car for me?

If you purchased Rental Reimbursement coverage when you purchased your insurance policy, the coverage will be available on qualified claims for up to 30 days while the claim is being resolved.

To determine if you have Rental Reimbursement coverage, review your policy documents, or log in to your policy to view your coverages. Your Policy Summary page lists all your coverages. Progressive policyholders who have a claim but do not have Rental Reimbursement coverage can still receive special pricing from our rental car providers. Ask your claims representative for more information.

The body shops in my town are all busy with other hail-damaged vehicles. Is it safe to drive my vehicle with a broken windshield? With broken side windows?

Driving any vehicle that has broken or missing glass can be dangerous. Exercise extreme caution before deciding to drive a vehicle with broken or missing glass. Progressive works with mobile glass vendors that are not dependent upon body shop availability, so they can usually perform glass repairs quickly. Other related repairs to your vehicle can be scheduled for a later date that is convenient for you and the repair facility of your choice.

Learn more about windshield coverage and what to do if you have a broken windshield.

What is paintless dent repair

Paintless dent repair (PDR) is a method for repairing hail damage to a vehicle's sheet metal. PDR involves using specially molded metal tools on the underside of a damaged part that won't disturb the factory finish. This method is often used by manufacturers and dealers to repair new vehicles and will not invalidate paint warranties.

Your Progressive claims representative will consult with you and the body shop where you choose to have your vehicle repaired about whether PDR should be used to restore your vehicle to its pre-accident condition.

My car was towed. Does my insurance cover it?

If you purchased Roadside Assistance coverage, towing is covered on qualified claims. If you haven't purchased Roadside Assistance coverage, towing and labor coverage may be available through a motor club you belong to or from the manufacturer of your vehicle.

If you don't have your policy documents or are unsure about your coverage, log in to your policy online to view your coverages, or call a customer service representative. 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.

What should I do if my only car is declared a total loss? Should I cancel my policy?

In some cases, it will be better for you to keep a policy in force — it will provide protection if you drive other people's vehicles. In other cases, people with no access to a car won't need a policy. However, people who maintain continuous insurance are likely to receive lower rates when they buy a new policy than people who let an auto insurance policy lapse.

For questions about your policy, call customer service. Please try to have your policy number available when you call.

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 need another set of policy documents. How do I get them?

Log in to your policy to print new documents or call a customer service representative for assistance. 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 can I make a change to my policy?

To make a change to your Progressive policy, you can log in online, or call a customer service representative. 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 cancel my policy?

We want you to continue to be a customer. However, if you need to cancel your policy, call a customer service representative for assistance - your Progressive claims representative cannot cancel your policy for you. 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 can I log in to service my policy online now if I never signed up before?

On the policy login page, click "Register" and follow the steps to create an account. You'll be able to make payments, get policy documents, and more — all online.

Will my rate go up after my storm-related claim?

Filing a comprehensive claim will typically not cause your rate to increase. However, policy rates for areas strongly affected by a major storm eventually may increase because of our loss experience in these areas. In cases like this, it's possible that all drivers in the affected areas, including those who didn't file a comprehensive claim, may see rates increase due to their catastrophe-prone location.

If my credit is adversely affected after of a storm, will my rates go up?

Customers who have questions about their own credit history information can call our Credit Information Team at 1-800-876-5411. The Credit Information Team can review your credit history information and determine if events related to a storm will negatively affect your rate. They will review your situation individually and let you know what your options are.

You're sure to have many questions regarding damage to your vehicle from the severe weather. We make it easy to file a claim, make changes to your policy, and get all your questions answered.

Report your catastrophe damage or track your claim

Report/view claimOr, call 1-855-347-3939