Does Car Insurance Cover Flood Damage?
2 Answers
Generally speaking, as long as the car owner has purchased vehicle damage insurance, they can call the insurance company after the car is flooded. Here are the specific details: Vehicle Damage Insurance stipulates that the insurance company will be responsible for compensating for total or partial losses of the vehicle caused by lightning strikes, heavy rain, floods, waterlogging, tsunamis, etc. However, if the engine is damaged due to water ingress, only owners who have purchased water ingress insurance can receive compensation. In other words, if the car is flooded, owners with vehicle damage insurance can claim compensation. If the engine is damaged by water, owners with water ingress insurance can claim compensation. Important note: If the car stalls during flooding and the owner forcibly restarts it, causing engine damage, the insurance company will not cover such losses. Additionally, in case of a breakdown due to flooding, the owner should immediately report to the insurance company and actively organize rescue efforts, quickly disconnect the electrical circuit, tow the vehicle out of the water, and send it to a repair shop. If the insurance company cannot arrive promptly after reporting, under the guidance of the insurance company, the owner can take photos to preserve evidence of the scene and organize rescue efforts to minimize vehicle damage, but remember not to restart the engine.
Whether car damage from floods is covered by insurance depends on the specific policy type. Comprehensive auto insurance typically covers losses caused by natural disasters, such as flood immersion, but certain conditions must be met: the engine must not be restarted in water, otherwise it may be deemed operational error and denied coverage. As an add-on, engine-specific flood coverage can provide additional protection. When filing a claim, I recommend first reviewing your policy terms, immediately calling the claims hotline, and photographing the scene and damage. Avoid moving the car to prevent insurers from suspecting aggravated damage complicating compensation. For neighborhood flooding, obtaining a property management certificate is also helpful. Ultimately, opting for comprehensive coverage when purchasing insurance is crucial, and adding flood coverage in high-risk areas can reduce exposure.
