How Does Water Damage Insurance Claim Work?
2 Answers
If the engine is flooded, the insurance company cannot compensate for it because it falls under the exemption clause, so the engine part is not covered. However, if the owner has purchased water damage insurance, compensation can be made. Water damage insurance is an additional coverage and cannot be purchased separately; it must be bought together with the main auto insurance policy. For injuries and hospitalization caused by floods while driving, out-of-pocket medical expenses during hospitalization can only be claimed if the owner has purchased passenger seat liability insurance.
That time my car got flooded during a heavy rainstorm, with the entire wheel submerged and water entering the interior. I didn't start the engine immediately because water in the engine could cause hydro-lock and total engine failure. I quickly took photos and videos showing the water depth and the car's condition from multiple angles. I checked my insurance policy to confirm I had either water damage coverage or comprehensive coverage (excluding the engine), then immediately contacted the insurance company to file a claim and describe the situation. I waited for the claims adjuster to assess the damage—they determine the compensation amount based on the extent of damage: minor repairs might cost a few hundred, major repairs could run into tens of thousands, and a total loss would be compensated at the car's market value. Remember to keep all documentation and avoid towing the car to unauthorized repair shops privately; the entire process took two weeks, and while it was troublesome, it prevented greater losses. Be patient with the insurance claims process—don't hesitate to ask customer service if you don't understand something, and don't rush it.
