Storm-Proofing Your Vehicle: Insurance Tips for Mississippi’s Wild Weather

Mississippi drivers know that severe weather can roll in fast and cause serious damage just as quickly. From hailstorms to flash flooding and high winds, protecting your vehicle starts long before the storm hits. The right precautions and the right insurance coverage can keep you from being stuck with costly repairs.

Here’s how to storm-proof your vehicle and make sure you’re covered when Mississippi weather turns wild:

Protecting Your Car From Hail Damage

Hail is one of the most common causes of weather-related vehicle claims in Mississippi. Even small hail can dent hoods, roofs, and trunks — and larger hail can shatter windshields.

How to prepare:

• Park under covered areas whenever possible — garages, carports, or even public parking decks during storms.

• If you’re caught away from shelter, use thick blankets or a specialized hail cover to protect your vehicle’s exterior.

• Stay weather-alert during severe thunderstorm warnings so you can move your vehicle before hail begins.

Comprehensive auto coverage pays for hail-related repairs, including dents, cracked glass, and body damage. Without comprehensive coverage, hail repairs come out of pocket.

Reducing the Risk of Flood Damage

Flash flooding can happen quickly during heavy rain, especially in low-lying parts of Mississippi.

How to prepare:

• Avoid parking near ditches, creeks, or known flood-prone areas.

• Never drive through standing water — just a few inches can disable a vehicle.

• Move your car to higher ground when a flood watch is issued.

  
  

Flooding is not covered under liability or collision. Comprehensive coverage is the only auto protection that pays for water damage, including ruined electrical systems, engines, and interiors.

Protecting Against Wind and Debris

Powerful winds can knock over trees, toss debris, and damage vehicles parked outdoors.

How to prepare:

• Avoid parking under large trees when storms are predicted.

• Keep your own trees trimmed and healthy to reduce the risk of limbs falling.

• Secure outdoor items like grills, patio sets, or trampolines that might become airborne.

Wind-related vehicle damage — including fallen trees or flying debris — is covered under comprehensive auto coverage.

Why Comprehensive Coverage Matters

Mississippi’s unpredictable storms make comprehensive coverage one of the most important parts of an auto policy. It usually includes:

• Hail damage

• Flood damage

• Fire

• Falling trees or debris

• Theft and vandalism

• Storm-related glass damage

If you want full protection from the state’s wild weather, this is the coverage to have.

Stay Protected With Dehmer Insurance

Storms may be part of Mississippi life, but dealing with the damage doesn’t have to be stressful. Dehmer Insurance can review your policy, explain your coverage options, and help you find a plan that keeps you protected year-round.

Want to make sure your vehicle is storm-ready? Contact Dehmer today for a quick coverage check or quote.

Steele Dehmer of Gluckstadt is the agency owner at Dehmer Insurance Agency in Madison, Mississippi.