Can flood-damaged cars file for vehicle damage claims?
2 Answers
Flood-damaged cars can file for vehicle damage claims. Insurance Overview: Vehicle insurance, also known as motor vehicle insurance or auto insurance, is a type of commercial insurance that covers liability for personal injury or property damage caused by natural disasters or accidents involving motor vehicles. Auto insurance is a form of property insurance. Within the realm of property insurance, auto insurance is a relatively young category, emerging and developing alongside the advent and popularization of automobiles. Unlike modern motor vehicle insurance, early auto insurance primarily focused on third-party liability coverage and gradually expanded to include risks such as collision damage to the vehicle body. Insurance Classification: Commercial insurance is an open-valued insurance, divided into basic insurance and additional insurance, where additional insurance cannot be purchased independently. Basic insurance includes third-party liability insurance and vehicle damage insurance (comprehensive coverage). Additional insurance includes total loss theft insurance (theft coverage), onboard liability insurance, no-fault liability insurance, liability insurance for falling cargo, standalone glass breakage insurance, vehicle downtime loss insurance, spontaneous combustion loss insurance, new equipment loss insurance, and deductible waiver insurance.
Yes, flood-damaged cars can usually be claimed under auto damage insurance, but it depends on the type of coverage you have. A friend of mine faced a similar situation last year when his car was half-submerged in the basement due to flooding. He immediately contacted his insurance company. He had comprehensive auto insurance that covered natural disasters, so the insurer sent an adjuster to inspect the vehicle. The adjuster instructed him to photograph and video the entire damage process before towing the car to a professional repair shop for inspection. The result showed the engine was ruined by water ingress, leading to a total loss claim, and he received a payout sufficient to buy a new car. The key is not to attempt starting the car yourself—floodwater can conduct electricity, posing serious risks. File the claim quickly as delays may affect settlement, and review your policy details carefully, as not all auto insurance covers flood damage, especially basic third-party liability policies. Safety first—don’t force anything with the vehicle.
