Can I Apply for a Total Loss Claim if My Car is Flooded?

[VonCamilla]

If a car is flooded, you cannot apply for a total loss claim. If a vehicle suffers damage due to flooding or water submersion, as long as the engine is not affected, other damages can be claimed through the vehicle damage insurance. However, if the engine is flooded and you do not have special engine loss insurance, the engine damage will not be covered. Additional Information: 1. Partial Loss: If a part of the insured vehicle is damaged and the insured amount reaches the actual value at the time of underwriting, regardless of whether the insured amount is lower than the actual value at the time of the incident, partial loss will be compensated based on the actual repair costs. If the insured amount of the vehicle is lower than the actual value at the time of underwriting, partial loss will be compensated proportionally based on the ratio of the insured amount to the actual value at the time of the incident. 2. Insurance Limit: The maximum compensation amount for vehicle damage is limited to the insured amount.

[Sawyer]

I had my car flooded during the heavy rains in the south last year, so I'd like to share my experience. Whether your water-damaged car can be declared a total loss mainly depends on whether you have comprehensive or flood insurance. I had it, so I immediately called my insurance company to file a claim, and they sent someone to inspect it. The assessment report showed that the engine was submerged, with repair costs reaching nearly 200,000 yuan, while my used car was only worth 150,000 yuan. Since the repair costs exceeded 75% of the vehicle's value, it was directly declared a total loss, and I received a full payout. However, without insurance, you’d just have to accept the loss. My advice is not to move the car after flooding to avoid further damage and to get a professional assessment at a 4S shop right away. If the water level exceeds the seats or the engine, insurers are more likely to approve a total loss; otherwise, it might only qualify for partial repairs. In short, check your policy details carefully and act quickly to minimize losses.

[Truman]

Having worked in auto repair shops for over 20 years, I've seen too many flood-damaged vehicle cases. Whether a waterlogged car can be declared a total loss isn't something that can be determined with a simple yes or no. Insurance companies assess the water immersion depth: if only the floor is submerged, repairs might suffice; but if water reaches above half the vehicle height - such as entering the engine or electronic systems - when repair costs typically exceed 60-70% of the car's value, you can apply for a total loss. I recommend not attempting to start the vehicle; instead, have it towed to a shop for thorough inspection to evaluate battery, wiring, and chassis damage. In most cases, not only are repairs expensive, but flood-damaged vehicles may develop subsequent malfunctions affecting safety. Contact your insurance company promptly as they have established procedures for such cases. Adding flood coverage when purchasing auto insurance is the safest bet, especially in flood-prone areas.

[Rick]

I recently dealt with the water damage issue on my car and successfully applied for a total loss claim. The key factors are insurance coverage and vehicle damage assessment. First, do you have comprehensive insurance or specific flood damage coverage? If so, contact your insurance company to file a claim—they will send someone to inspect the extent of the water damage. Typically, the repair costs need to exceed 60% of the car's value for them to approve a total loss payout. In my case, after an assessment at the 4S shop, the repair estimate was 120,000 RMB while the car was only worth 100,000 RMB, meeting the criteria for compensation. I recommend acting quickly and keeping photos of the scene and towing receipts as evidence. Without insurance, there's no chance for a claim, so make sure to get adequate coverage next time you buy a car.

[Ortega]

Having driven for thirty years, I've gained quite some experience with flood-damaged cars. It's possible to file for a total loss claim if your car gets flooded, but it depends on the specific circumstances. Insurance companies assess based on water submersion height and duration: vehicles with water above the dashboard are generally considered totaled and eligible for a full payout; those with shallow flooding might only receive partial repair coverage. First, I check my policy—once flood coverage is confirmed, I immediately contact the company. They typically require a cost assessment at an authorized facility. If repair costs exceed 60% of the car's value, it's usually declared a total loss. Note that flood-damaged cars pose significant safety hazards—electrical shorts can easily cause fires, and even after repairs, they're unlikely to last long. My advice is to address the issue promptly; don’t compromise safety to save money.