Does Insurance Cover Secondary Ignition for Flooded Vehicles?
3 Answers
Insurance does not cover secondary ignition for water-damaged vehicles. The reason for non-coverage is that it causes engine damage, which falls under the exclusions clause of the vehicle damage insurance. Below are the specific details of vehicle damage insurance: Meaning of Vehicle Damage Insurance: Vehicle damage insurance refers to a type of commercial auto insurance where the insurer compensates within reasonable limits for damages to the insured vehicle caused by an insured accident while the vehicle is being driven by the insured or an authorized driver. Scope of Vehicle Damage Insurance: Vehicle damage insurance typically covers losses to the insured vehicle caused by natural disasters such as lightning, storms, heavy rain, floods, and accidents like collisions and overturns, as well as related rescue expenses.
Last time I encountered a flooded car situation, my friend's car got soaked in rainwater. He nervously tried to start it to see if it still worked, but the engine got waterlogged and broke down immediately. The insurance company said that such a secondary ignition attempt doesn't fall under the natural disaster claim coverage, but rather was caused by improper operation by the car owner, so they wouldn't compensate. Looking back now, if the car is flooded, you shouldn't try to start the engine. Instead, you should immediately cut off the power and call for towing service to avoid further damage. Remember to regularly check your car damage insurance policy terms. After a flood, take photos to document the scene first, then contact the insurance company to file a claim. Otherwise, you might have to pay tens of thousands out of pocket for engine repairs.
After a vehicle is flooded, restarting the engine is typically not covered by insurance companies. This is because a secondary ignition is considered human error, which may cause severe damage to the waterlogged engine, exceeding the normal coverage of accidental insurance. I often see similar cases where anxious owners attempt to start the engine, only to have their claims denied. It's best to wait until the water recedes to assess the situation rather than acting rashly, as repair costs may fall entirely on the owner. Stay calm, prioritize safety, document the flood level with photos, and consult your insurer to understand the specific reasons for claim denial—there may still be room to negotiate partial liability.
