Auto Trader

What are your chances of running into a tornado in the UK? Until earlier this week, we would have said ‘slim’.

But yesterday Nottingham, Northampton, Luton, Derbyshire and Farnborough were hit by the weather phenomenon more closely associated with the US.

If you were caught in one, would you know what to do? Neither would we. That’s why we found out. Here’s our guide to surviving a twister.

How to tell if a tornado is approaching

Look out for these signs:
• Dark skies
• Low, swirling clouds
• Strong winds
• Large hailstones

How to prepare

According to US Homeland Security in America, motorists are the group most at risk from tornadoes.

Follow this simple checklist to ensure you (and your car) stay as safe as possible:

1. Don’t use your car unless it’s absolutely vital.
2. Check weather reports regularly.
3. Keep a disaster supply kit with you in the car, consisting of:
• A three-day supply of water (one gallon per person per day)
• Food which won’t spoil
• A first aid kit
• Torch
• Extra batteries
• Portable radio
• Spare set of car and house keys
• Cash or a credit card

What to do if you’re in a vehicle

If you get caught in a tornado on the road, remember to look for the signs first, be prepared and then take action:

DO:
• Get out of the vehicle immediately, and seek shelter in the nearest and safest building.
• If you can, park in a flat, open space and away from trees (so your vehicle has less chance of being damaged).

DON’T:
• Get under a bridge or an overpass. It could collapse on you and your car.

What to do if you’re on foot

If you’re outside when a tornado strikes, or you’ve abandoned your vehicle, then follow these final steps:

DO
• Seek shelter. If you can’t find any, lie flat in a ditch or depression.
• Watch out for any flying debris - these are the major cause of injuries in a tornado.

DON’T
• Stay under a bridge or underpass - it could collapse.
• Stay next to a tree, building or any other large structure (for the same reason).

What to do when you reach a building

Being inside a building is the safest way to get through a tornado - so make sure you stay inside and follow these steps:

DO:
• Stay indoors at the lowest possible level - in the basement for example.
• Stay in the centre of the room.
• Crouch under a table and cover your head and neck with your arms.

DON’T:
• Open windows.
• Stand near any corners, walls, doors or windows.

Get car insurance

Finally, it’s important to check with your car insurance firm if you’re covered for damage caused in a natural disaster.

Nick Starling, of The Association of British Insurers said: “Damage to motor vehicles will be covered under comprehensive motor insurance.”

However, after contacting some leading UK car insurers, we discovered tornado damage to a vehicle is not always covered, since it is considered an “Act of God.”

We suggest you contact your insurance company as soon as possible and ask them if your vehicle is covered if struck by a tornado.

If you’re not covered, it would be a good idea to upgrade your car insurance or find another company who offer a more broad range of cover.

Auto Trader links

Auto Trader insurance
Guardian UK: Residents face tornado repair bills
Flood advice for motorists
Choosing the right car insurance policy
Replace or repair a car part
Car breakdown centre
Car care