Does the first-year insurance for a new car include water damage coverage?
3 Answers
New car insurance in the first year does not include water damage coverage; it must be purchased separately. Below are relevant details: 1. Vehicle Insurance: Vehicle insurance, also known as motor vehicle insurance or car insurance, refers to a type of commercial insurance that covers personal injury or property damage caused by natural disasters or accidents involving motor vehicles. Car insurance is a form of property insurance and is considered a relatively new category within the property insurance sector. 2. Water Damage Coverage: Water damage coverage, also referred to as auto loss insurance or engine special loss coverage (terminology varies by insurer but the coverage is essentially the same), is a newly developed insurance type. It is an additional coverage that car owners can purchase specifically for engine protection.
When I bought a new car, the first-year insurance usually didn't include the additional coverage for water damage, so I had to pay extra to add it. I remember when I first picked up the car, a friend reminded me that because the engine of a new car is sensitive, water damage repairs could cost over 10,000 yuan. The basic insurance package typically only covers vehicle damage and third-party liability, while water damage coverage must be actively selected as an add-on when purchasing insurance. I discussed it with the insurance company, and they said that in cities with heavy rainy seasons, spending an extra 200-500 yuan per year for this protection is absolutely worth it. Later, I added it, and half a year later, a major storm hit—fortunately, the water damage coverage saved me from paying for engine repairs. I advise new car owners not to skimp on this small expense and to regularly review their insurance policies and weather forecasts to prepare for the unexpected.
Water damage insurance isn't automatically included in the first-year coverage for new cars—it's an add-on. During my first year with the new car, I was too busy joyriding and almost got stuck in floodwater during rain. A knowledgeable buddy later told me that water damage coverage isn't standard for new cars; insurers don't include it by default—you have to request it. This add-on covers engine repair costs from water ingress, which is totally worth the few hundred bucks extra per year in flood-prone areas like mine. New car engines are delicate, and repairs after submersion can be crazy expensive. I added it immediately and felt much more at ease afterward. Folks buying new cars, remember to confirm policy details with customer service to avoid missing this point. Pair it with the habit of driving slowly through water for extra safety.
