How does engine water damage insurance compensate?
3 Answers
When a vehicle is submerged in water while driving, the vehicle damage insurance mainly covers losses caused by water damage to seats, interior, and wiring. The water damage insurance primarily covers the costs of repairing the engine after it has been flooded. However, there is a crucial condition: once the engine is flooded, the vehicle must not be restarted, as a second attempt to start it will inevitably cause engine damage. If the engine is damaged due to a second start, the insurance company will not compensate. Below is an introduction to some types of auto insurance: 1. Vehicle Damage Insurance: Used to compensate for losses to the vehicle itself caused by natural disasters and accidents. It is recommended for new drivers to purchase this. 2. Third-Party Liability Insurance: Used to compensate for losses of third-party personal injury or death caused by the vehicle owner. This is a must-have for both self-protection and the protection of others. 3. No-Deductible Insurance: An additional insurance that transfers the responsibility the owner needs to bear to the insurance company, reducing the owner's losses. If both vehicle damage insurance and third-party liability insurance are purchased, it is best to also purchase no-deductible insurance. 4. Theft and Robbery Insurance: Used to compensate for damages caused by vehicle theft, robbery, or seizure. It is recommended for new car owners without a garage to purchase this. 5. Passenger Liability Insurance: Used to compensate for losses to the driver and passengers in the vehicle due to traffic accidents. Premiums are usually paid per seat. It is recommended for new drivers or family vehicles to purchase this.
My car was previously flooded and the engine was damaged due to water ingress. Fortunately, I had purchased waterlogging insurance, and the claim process went like this: First, I called the insurance company to report the incident and took photos of the scene to prove the high water level damaged the engine. Then, I waited for the loss assessor to inspect and confirm the damage was caused by flooding. They arranged for a tow truck to take the car to the repair shop. After the repairs were completed, the insurance covered the costs according to the policy, though there might have been a small deductible. Overall, it saved me a significant amount of money. It's important to note that if you attempt to restart the engine after flooding, the insurance might not cover the damage, as that counts as a human operational error. I also recommend checking before the rainy season whether your insurance includes waterlogging coverage—don’t skip it to save money, as engine repairs from flooding can easily cost tens of thousands. When driving through deep water, always go slowly, and if the water seems too deep, don’t force your way through—safety first.
Last year during heavy rain, my beloved car's engine got flooded while passing through a water puddle. Fortunately, I had water ingress insurance, and the claim process went smoothly. Simply put, after reporting to the insurance company, the loss assessor confirmed the water damage, and the insurer paid the repair shop directly, though there might be a deductible. If you restart the engine after water ingress, it's often not covered, so remember not to tamper with it. After repairs, the car was basically restored to its original condition, saving a lot on costs. Since then, I always plan my route in advance to avoid deep water sections. I recommend adding this coverage when purchasing comprehensive insurance—don't consider it expensive; you'll realize its value when something happens. The loss assessment process might take a few days, so be patient and have your policy documents ready.
