Does Auto Damage Insurance Cover Flooded Cars?
2 Answers
Whether a flooded car can be claimed under auto damage insurance depends on whether the owner has purchased water-related coverage. If eligible for a claim, the owner should not attempt to move or start the vehicle after the incident. Below is relevant information regarding auto damage insurance claims for flooded vehicles: The owner should immediately report the incident to the insurance company. Upon receiving the report, the insurer will dispatch personnel to the scene for inspection, verify the vehicle damage, and then arrange rescue operations to transport the affected vehicle to a state-recognized Class II or above repair facility. After the repair shop, policyholder, and insurer jointly determine the specific loss costs, the insurance company will proceed with compensation. For a flooded car covered only by auto damage insurance without water-related coverage, the insurer will not compensate for engine damage caused by water ingress. Additionally, vehicle damage occurring when the car is unregistered, lacks temporary plates, or has expired temporary plates will not be covered by the insurance company.
Yes, auto damage insurance generally covers losses from vehicle flooding, but the specifics depend on your policy terms. I once helped a friend handle this situation—his car was flooded during a heavy rainstorm, and since his auto damage insurance covered flood damage, the insurance company fully reimbursed the repair costs. However, not all scenarios are covered. For example, if you intentionally drive into deep water and cause damage, or if you handle repairs yourself without timely reporting to the insurer, the claim might be denied. Also, note that starting the engine after flooding can cause secondary damage, which may complicate the claims process. In short, if your car gets flooded, take photos as evidence immediately, contact your insurer right away to check the policy terms, and avoid unnecessary expenses. During the rainy season, be extra cautious about road conditions and avoid forcing your way through flooded areas.
