Can I claim insurance if my car is flooded without purchasing water ingress coverage?
4 Answers
Typhoon damage to a vehicle is covered by insurance. One of the insurance liabilities under the vehicle damage insurance is accidental damage or natural disasters. If the car is flooded without water ingress coverage, the claimable scope includes all parts except the engine. Below are specific details about water ingress coverage: Definition: Water ingress coverage, also known as automobile damage insurance or engine special loss insurance, varies in name among insurance companies but is essentially the same. It is a newly derived type of insurance, referring to an additional coverage purchased by the car owner specifically for the engine. Function: It primarily provides compensation for engine damage caused by driving through waterlogged roads or being submerged in water. However, if the car owner forcibly starts the engine after submersion, resulting in damage, the insurance company will not compensate. Additional auto insurance coverages include comprehensive theft insurance, standalone glass breakage insurance, vehicle downtime loss insurance, spontaneous combustion insurance, and water ingress insurance, among others.
I've seen many cases of flooded cars. If you haven't purchased waterlogging insurance, most standard auto insurance policies don't cover flood damage. For example, regular vehicle damage insurance typically only covers collision accidents. Waterlogging insurance is an additional coverage specifically designed for issues like engine water ingress. Unless it's a natural disaster (such as officially declared flooding), insurance companies might partially compensate, but it generally depends on your policy details. Reporting to the insurance company immediately is crucial: take photos of the flooded vehicle to document the water level and situation, and contact your insurer as soon as possible to explain the circumstances. Don't start the car's engine to avoid short circuits and further damage. Have a professional repair shop inspect the entire electrical system to prevent future problems. In the long run, adding waterlogging insurance is essential, especially in rainy regions, as it can save you a lot of trouble.
Last time my colleague's car got flooded in a heavy rain, with water reaching up to the wheel hubs. He didn't have water damage insurance, and the insurer directly said they couldn't cover it. He ended up paying thousands out of pocket to repair the engine and water-damaged circuits. I suggest you call your insurance company immediately to inquire—though chances are slim, there might still be a turnaround. Don’t forget to take photos of the flooded scene for documentation. After the car is submerged, avoid starting the engine; have it towed directly to a repair shop to remove seats and carpets for drying to prevent mold. Make it a habit to avoid parking in low-lying areas or under bridges as a precaution. Bonus tip: Regularly checking door seals can also reduce the risk of water ingress.
When you haven't purchased flood insurance, it's generally difficult to successfully claim water damage compensation from regular car insurance as it doesn't cover such situations. Act quickly: call your insurance company to report the incident and inquire about their policy terms. Take photos of the flooded vehicle, noting the time and location. Avoid starting the engine to prevent internal wiring short circuits and potential fires. Paying for repairs out of pocket is often the outcome, making flood insurance a wise preventive choice. The safest approach is to avoid driving through waterlogged areas during rainy weather.
