Can I File an Insurance Claim for a Car Flooded in Heavy Rain?

[LeonardoFitz]

Can I File an Insurance Claim for a Car Flooded in Heavy Rain? Only Compulsory Traffic Insurance Does Not Cover: If you only have compulsory traffic insurance, the insurance company will not compensate. If you have not purchased any commercial insurance besides compulsory traffic insurance, the loss will have to be borne by the car owner. Having Compulsory and Commercial Insurance: Engine damage is not covered. If you have both compulsory traffic insurance and commercial insurance, and the commercial insurance includes vehicle damage insurance, you can call the insurance company's claim hotline to report the case if your car is flooded. The insurance company will then follow the procedure to compensate. However, the vehicle damage insurance does not cover engine water damage. For other parts of the car, such as the interior and computer boards, compensation will be determined based on specific circumstances.

[OLucy]

Oh, I had this happen before - left my car outside overnight during heavy rain and the water rose up to the windows. Actually, if you have comprehensive insurance, you can generally file a claim with the insurer. Don't just rely on compulsory traffic insurance. Call your insurer immediately to report it, take photos of the flooded car as evidence, and absolutely don't start the engine to avoid further water damage. The insurer may cover part of the towing fees too. Afterwards, I spent some time towing it to the shop - cleaning mud and replacing electronic parts cost about 10k, but thankfully insurance covered most. Checking if your policy includes flood coverage beforehand is crucial, or you'll just waste effort. For daily driving, avoiding low-lying areas is the easiest solution.

[DelKevin]

Driving in a heavy rainstorm is thrilling, but flooding is such a headache. Last time after the rain, I found my car submerged and immediately checked my phone to confirm I had comprehensive insurance, which covers natural disasters. You should take photos and videos as evidence right away, then call your insurance company to confirm the extent of the damage. Generally, comprehensive car insurance includes mechanical damage caused by flooding and mold in the interior. Never attempt to start the engine after water ingress, or the engine might be totaled, and the insurance might not cover the entire vehicle. The claims process usually takes about a week, but you need to prepare your vehicle registration and repair quotes. By the way, checking the weather forecast in advance during the rainy season and choosing a good parking spot can save you a lot of trouble.

[DiKarter]

Be extra careful with flood-damaged cars. I had a similar experience when I was younger—my car got submerged in low-lying parking. First, check if your insurance has comprehensive coverage that includes natural disasters for potential claims. Don't touch the key or attempt to start the engine; instead, take clear photos documenting the time and location. Contact your insurer promptly—they'll send an adjuster to assess the damage and determine repair scope, such as replacing electronic systems or drainage costs. Before rainy seasons, ensure your garage location is safe to save both money and hassle.