The Atlantic hurricane season is fast approaching, and if you live in the state of Florida, you’re likely already making plans for your home and business well ahead of the June 1 start date. But one thing you also need to look at is protecting the vehicles you own, along with getting Florida car insurance quotes to guarantee you have the best coverage available in the event of a storm.

Predicted Storm Activity for 2025

Time will tell what the 2025 hurricane season will bring, and that will depend on everything from ocean patterns and temperatures to wind shear and air moisture. The 2024 season had 18 named storms — 11 of which became hurricanes — with five major cyclones. The active 2024 Atlantic season also brought with it devastating impacts for areas of Florida from record-setting hurricanes Helene, Milton and Debby.

Importance of Early Preparation for Vehicle Safety

Given the unpredictability of hurricane season, which runs all the way to November 30, early preparation is key to ensuring your vehicle’s safety. Here are some tips to getting your car storm-ready well before a hurricane makes landfall:

Perform Regular Vehicle Maintenance Checks

Don’t get caught in the contraflow of an evacuation route without ensuring your car can make the trip should you need to leave for safer ground. You can perform these checks, or bring your car to an expert to determine the health of your vehicle:

• Check all fluid levels, including oil, transmission, brake and power steering fluid, as well as coolant and windshield wiper fluid.
• Inspect tires for wear and tear — including your spare — and make sure they’re correctly inflated. Consider keeping a tire inflator in your vehicle in case you get stuck on the road.
• Test your car’s battery health, and replace it if necessary. Also consider investing in a portable battery jump-starter.
• Examine all belts and hoses for signs of wear and damage.
• Replace worn windshield wipers so you have clear visibility during heavy rain.

Safeguard Your Car’s Exterior

Even tropical storm winds or Category 1 hurricanes can knock trees, powerlines or other objects onto your vehicle, causing damage in the process. A garage provides the best protection against debris and flooding, but if you don’t have one, invest in weatherproof car covers and park away from trees, powerlines or other objects that could fall on your vehicle.

Protect Against Flood Damage

Moving your car to higher ground is one of the most effective ways to protect it from flood damage. If your home is in a flood-prone area, identify safe, elevated locations where you can park during a storm. This might be a nearby parking garage or a friend’s driveway on higher ground. If you do have a garage, consider hiring an expert to dry floodproof the structure. If none of these is an option, consider temporary flood barriers, like sandbags around your car, that may be able to stop a few inches or up to 2 feet of water.

Review Insurance and Get Documents in Order

Don’t get stuck with cheap car insurance in Florida that doesn’t provide the coverage you need when a storm hits your vehicle. Review your policy yearly to check for any changes since your last renewal, and ensure that the policy includes comprehensive coverage for extreme weather events. Also be sure to keep all your important documents, including your insurance policy, in a secure, waterproof location or digitally stored with password protection.

Stay Informed & Ready

Anytime a storm begins churning toward the state, it brings with it anxiety to all residents waiting to see which way things will turn. You likely have a trusted source of news for weather forecasts and hurricane predictions, but here are a few other ways to remain weather-aware:

• Familiarize yourself with local evacuation routes and have a plan in place.
• Prepare an emergency kit for your car. This should include items like a flashlight, extra batteries, first aid kit, jumper cables, nonperishable food and water.
• Always keep your gas tank full during hurricane season. If you have an electric vehicle, ensure it’s fully charged.

Remember, the goal isn’t just to protect your vehicle, but to ensure it’s ready and reliable if you need to evacuate. A well-maintained car can be a lifeline during a hurricane — and after the fact — providing transportation to safety and peace of mind during a stressful time. You can’t control the weather, but you can control how prepared you are. By taking these steps to protect your vehicle, you’re not just safeguarding an important asset, you’re also ensuring you have a means of transportation when you need it most.