How Does the Insurance Company Compensate for Water Damage to a Car?
2 Answers
First, check the warranty manual to see if the part you are claiming is still under warranty. Take the car to a 4S shop for inspection to determine if a claim is necessary. Once confirmed, take photos or videos and then match the information. The 4S shop will place an order for the parts, which usually arrive in about three days. After that, the repair staff will replace them. The 4S shop typically keeps the claim form for themselves. It is recommended that the car owner also keeps a copy of the claim form or order form, including the problematic parts.
When my car got flooded last time, I immediately called the insurance company. Generally, only if you have purchased waterlogging insurance or comprehensive insurance will you be compensated, as standard third-party insurance may not cover it. I first contacted customer service to report the incident, explaining the situation, including the cause and time of the water ingress. Then they arranged for a tow truck to take the car to a repair shop, where a technician assessed the damage to check if the engine and electronic equipment were affected. The whole process was completed within a few days, and the insurance company evaluated and compensated based on repair costs or residual value; since I didn’t have full coverage, I paid 20% out of pocket. It’s advisable to purchase relevant insurance coverage in advance. After water ingress, avoid starting the engine to prevent further damage. Additionally, keeping photos of the scene and weather data records can help make the claim process smoother. After repairs, regularly maintain the air conditioning system to prevent odors.
