Does Insurance Cover Vehicles Submerged in Natural Disasters?
2 Answers
Generally, insurance companies do not compensate for vehicle damage caused by natural disasters such as earthquakes and tsunamis. Below is relevant information about motor vehicle insurance: 1. Definition of Motor Vehicle Insurance: Motor vehicle insurance, also known as auto insurance (abbreviated as car insurance), refers to a type of commercial insurance that covers liability for personal injury or property damage caused by natural disasters or accidents to motor vehicles. 2. Development of Motor Vehicle Insurance: The true development of motor vehicle insurance occurred after World War II. On one hand, the popularity of automobiles made road accidents a common social hazard; on the other hand, many countries included third-party liability for various motor vehicles, including cars, in the scope of compulsory insurance. Therefore, motor vehicle insurance has become a universally significant insurance business worldwide.
I remember that year during the flood, my car was submerged halfway up its body. I immediately contacted the insurance company, and the claims adjuster said it depended on the type of policy. Whether natural disasters are covered mainly depends on whether the car damage insurance includes an additional waterlogging rider, as standard third-party liability insurance generally doesn’t cover flood-related incidents. If you didn’t purchase the additional coverage, you’d have to bear the repair costs yourself—engine water damage alone could cost thousands to fix. Luckily, I had bought the waterlogging coverage back then, so the repairs were covered, including towing fees. The process was smooth—just submitting photos and a report. I’d advise everyone to check their policies, especially those in rainy southern regions—adding a rider doesn’t cost much. The new policies have relaxed some rules, expanding coverage for natural disasters, but don’t expect automatic full compensation. If your car gets flooded, don’t start the engine—it might end up totaled otherwise.
