Can I claim insurance if my car is flooded without purchasing water ingress coverage?
2 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.
