Does Auto Damage Insurance Cover Flooded Vehicles?

[Sara]

Auto damage insurance does cover flooded vehicles. After the 2020 auto insurance reform, water damage coverage was incorporated into auto damage insurance. If your car is flooded, you can file a claim under auto damage insurance. Direct losses to the insured vehicle caused by flooding, resulting from natural disasters or accidents and not falling under exclusions, will be compensated by the insurance company within the agreed limits. Auto Damage Insurance: Auto damage insurance refers to a type of commercial auto insurance where the insurer compensates for damages to the insured vehicle caused by insured accidents occurring while the vehicle is being used by the policyholder or an authorized driver, within reasonable limits. Important Notes: Auto damage insurance does not provide full compensation. Insurance companies set a deductible in the policy terms based on specific circumstances and list exclusion clauses. Currently, many insurers offer zero-deductible coverage, allowing policyholders to transfer the deductible amount they would otherwise bear for accident liability to the insurer, resulting in higher claim payouts for car owners.

[DerekAnn]

I had a personal experience last summer when my car was flooded. If you have comprehensive car insurance, the damage caused by heavy rain and floods can indeed be covered, including costs like cleaning the electrical circuits and replacing seats. However, there's a crucial point here: engine damage is more complicated. Standard comprehensive insurance doesn’t cover engine repairs due to water ingress unless you’ve specifically purchased an additional water damage rider. The worst thing you can do is attempt to restart the engine after the car has been submerged—this will lead to an insurance claim denial. After the water receded, I immediately contacted my insurance agent and used a drone to take photos of the scene. I didn’t even dare to open the car door while waiting for the tow truck. In the end, the repair cost was 38,000 RMB, and the insurance covered 35,000 RMB. During the rainy season, always park in elevated areas, keep a window breaker in the trunk, and store a copy of your insurance policy on your phone—it’s essential.

[McEleanor]

As someone who frequently handles insurance claims for flood-damaged vehicles, it's standard practice for auto damage insurance to cover body losses, such as ruined interiors and short-circuited wiring. However, the engine part is like Pandora's box—without additional flood insurance, it's absolutely not covered. Another gray area is the determination of the waterline—typically, water below the dashboard is considered Level 2 damage, while above it counts as Level 3 total loss. If the water reaches the seats but you drive to the repair shop yourself, the insurance company may refuse to cover the expanded damages. It's advisable to call your insurance company immediately after flooding; they will remotely guide you to disconnect the battery to avoid additional costs from short-circuited electronic components. Keep the rescue fee invoice, as this is also within the claim scope. Checking your insurance coverage before the rainy season is crucial.

[SanEliana]

I've repaired hundreds of water-damaged vehicles, and indeed, auto insurance covers damages inside the car body. Things like dismantling and cleaning the center console and wiring harnesses are recognized by insurance. However, engine water ingress is tricky—clients without separate water damage coverage usually have to pay out of pocket for piston ring replacements. A detail many overlook: you must report water damage within 48 hours, or it might affect your claim. Last week, a BMW owner dried their waterlogged car with towels and started it directly, resulting in a cracked cylinder block and a 120,000 yuan repair bill, with zero insurance coverage. Cutting off the vehicle's power completely can minimize damage. If the water level exceeds the wheel hubs, don't push your luck—just wait for the tow truck.