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