Does No Response During Second Attempt Count as a Second Ignition?
1 Answers
After a vehicle has been submerged in water, the starter motor will only engage again if the engine has stalled. If the starter motor does not respond at this point, it is considered a second ignition attempt. A second ignition refers to the situation where the car stalls underwater, and the driver turns the key to ignite the engine again while still submerged. If the vehicle is covered by flood insurance, the distinction between not attempting to ignite and attempting a second ignition can determine whether the claim is payable or not. Engine Damage: Typically, if a vehicle stalls in water, there is a 50% chance of engine damage. However, if the engine is restarted after stalling, the engine is almost certain to be 'totaled.' No Compensation: Whether driving or parked in a residential area, underground garage, or street, vehicle owners must never attempt to restart the engine after it has stalled due to water submersion. Some insurance companies include a clause in their flood insurance policies that exempts them from covering damages caused by a second ignition attempt after the engine has stalled due to water. This means that if the car is submerged and the owner attempts a second ignition, resulting in engine damage, the insurance will not compensate for the repairs, even if the vehicle is covered by flood insurance.
