How Do Insurance Companies Compensate for Flood-Damaged Vehicles?

[BrandonRose]

Once a vehicle is submerged in water, the owner must immediately call the insurance company to report the incident. If the insurance company cannot arrive at the scene promptly, the owner should take photos of the scene and the vehicle's damage to facilitate the assessor's evaluation. Both the insurance company and authorized 4S shops offer towing and rescue services, but during severe weather, towing services may be in high demand, and the associated costs will be covered by the insurance company.

[Andrea]

Last year, my car was flooded during a heavy rainstorm. I called the insurance company to file a claim, and they quickly sent an adjuster to inspect the vehicle. I had taken photos of the water damage both inside and outside the car, including the interior and engine compartment, to help expedite the process. After the assessment, it was confirmed that the damage was severe but repairable. The insurance company covered the majority of the repair costs under the comprehensive coverage, and I paid a small deductible. The key is to check whether the policy includes flood damage coverage; otherwise, it might not be covered. The lesson learned is to park on higher ground after rain, and if faced with flooding, evacuate immediately and avoid driving.