Does Insurance Cover Cars Damaged by Natural Disasters?
1 Answers
Insurance companies cover vehicle damage caused by natural disasters, provided that the policyholder has purchased auto damage insurance. Auto damage insurance primarily safeguards the vehicle, and if the damage is due to a natural disaster, the losses can be compensated by the insurance company through this coverage. Natural disasters refer to natural anomalies on Earth, including those induced by human activities, which occur constantly and everywhere. When these anomalies cause harm to human society, they constitute a natural disaster. Key insurance considerations when a vehicle is affected by a natural disaster: 1. If the claim hotline is unreachable: First, locate the nearest insurance company's damage assessment center and have staff take photos. If the vehicle is at a repair shop, assessment can proceed alongside disassembly. If the claim filing deadline is missed due to unreachable hotlines, the insurance company will handle it as a special case. 2. Whether standalone glass damage is covered: If vehicle glass is shattered due to heavy rain, and only the front, rear, or door glass is damaged without coverage under standalone glass insurance, the insurance company is exempt from liability. However, if the body is also damaged, all losses will be compensated. 3. Comprehensive insurance does not include flood damage coverage: According to insurance company representatives, flood damage coverage is not part of comprehensive insurance. Thus, even with full coverage, engine damage caused by water submersion will not be compensated. 4. No coverage for engine damage due to forced startup in flooded vehicles: If the engine is damaged due to the policyholder's mistake of forcibly starting it while submerged, even with flood damage coverage, the insurance company will not compensate. 5. Avoid self-cleaning before damage assessment: After an insured incident, immediately secure the scene, rescue injured parties and property, preserve evidence, and report to the traffic management authorities.
