Does Insurance Cover Water-Damaged Vehicles in Henan?
2 Answers
Yes. The prerequisite for insurance compensation is that the insured vehicle has comprehensive vehicle damage insurance and the policy is still valid. If the vehicle was parked and submerged, as long as the policy was issued after the comprehensive reform, the vehicle damage insurance includes engine water damage coverage, making it eligible for compensation. For policies issued before the reform, there is a no-deductible clause, and whether full compensation is provided depends on the actual circumstances. Below are relevant details: 1. Vehicle stalls due to water while driving: If the driver attempts to restart the engine, causing damage, this is not covered by insurance. Therefore, never restart the engine during water submersion. 2. Comprehensive auto insurance reform: Policies issued after 00:00 on September 19, 2020, include seven additional coverages: theft, standalone glass breakage, spontaneous combustion, engine water damage, no-deductible clauses, designated repair shops, and unidentifiable third-party liability, expanding upon the original coverage.
My car was flooded last time, and fortunately, I had purchased vehicle damage insurance, so I got compensated. The key is not to start the engine after the water recedes, as the insurance company may refuse the claim if you do. Remember to report the incident to the insurance company within 48 hours—they arrived pretty quickly. The compensation amount depends on the current value of the car; my three-year-old car was compensated at 60% of its original price. Always check if your vehicle damage insurance includes water damage liability—most policies purchased after 2020 cover it. In cases of severe flooding like the one in Henan, insurance companies may simplify the process, allowing claims with just photos.
