Does a sunroof leak count as a flooded car?
2 Answers
Water entering through the sunroof does not count as a flooded car. Here are specific steps to handle water ingress in a car: 1. Close the doors: Use a dry towel to absorb and wipe the wet areas. 2. Sun exposure: On sunny days, open all doors to allow air circulation. Remove and wash fabric seat covers; for leather seat covers, wipe them with a towel soaked in transparent soap, then clean with a damp towel twice. If the car has floor mats, water won’t seep through—just dry them. If there are no floor mats, opening the doors to air dry is sufficient. If possible, use a brush to clean the affected areas.
I usually enjoy keeping up with car maintenance, and from what I understand, water entering through the sunroof generally doesn't classify a car as flood-damaged. A flood-damaged car refers to a vehicle that has been entirely submerged in water, such as after a flood or heavy rain where the water level rises above the dashboard, potentially damaging the engine or electrical systems. Sunroof leakage is just a top-side issue, like blocked drainage holes or aging seals causing a small amount of water to enter the cabin, which can be fixed by simply cleaning out the drainage tubes. I've dealt with this a few times—if the water only reaches the floor and doesn't soak critical components, it's not a big deal. However, don't ignore the risks: prolonged water accumulation can corrode metal or cause electrical shorts. Therefore, it's important to regularly maintain the sunroof and check the seals before the rainy season. Insurance companies also make a clear distinction—flood-damaged cars have higher claim thresholds and require professional assessment of the water level. Routine water ingress doesn't count, but if left unattended, small issues can turn into major problems. Safety first—always dry any water stains immediately.