3 options if your old car is damaged in a storm or fire

If your old car took the brunt of a natural disaster, you've got a few options on the table to cash in. Whether it's a wildfire, hailstorm, flood, or even a tree that toppled onto your car, we have you covered with an ironclad umbrella to help you through it.

File an insurance claim

Your bases are covered if you have comprehensive insurance on your car. It usually covers damages caused by storms, fires, floods, and any time nature acts a fool. Liability-only coverage won't cut it here, so double-check before you go filing a claim.

Once you file a claim, an insurance adjuster will review the damage and decide if it's worth repairing or calling it a total loss. If fixable, your insurance will cover the cost—minus your deductible. If it's totaled, they'll issue a payout based on the car's value before it went toe to toe with the great outdoors.

Repair the damage

If your car isn't totaled and you're attached to it, you might want to look into repairing the damage—especially if it's something minor, like a cracked windshield or dented body panels. If your car was on its last leg, it might be best to move on and not put a lot of money into fixing it. The cost could end up being more than what the car's worth.

Sell the car as-is

Believe it or not, if your car is too far gone to fix, you still have a card up your sleeve. You can sell your car with Peddle no matter how thrashed or waterlogged it is.

Hold 'em or fold 'em?

Your best bet is to review your insurance coverage and consider the condition of your car before you go all in on repairs. But if your car is totaled, Peddle is ready to buy your bluff with a quick offer, free pickup, and fast payment.