How Long Does It Take to Assess the Damage of a Flooded Car?
2 Answers
If the damage occurs locally, the insurance company can complete the vehicle damage assessment within one working day. If the damage occurs in another location, it may take one to three working days to complete the assessment. After the assessment, the repair time can be inquired from the local repair shop. The insurance company does not compensate for loss of income, so it is recommended to negotiate a settlement, as there are no clear legal provisions regarding this. Claims process: After the car is flooded, the owner should contact the car insurance customer service within 24 hours to file a claim and arrange for a damage assessment. Take photos of the flooded car for documentation. Normally, after contacting the insurance company, a staff member will handle the claim. If not, you can visit the nearest insurance service point to obtain a repair cost list, claim scope, and required documentation for the claim process. Based on the provided repair cost list, promptly contact a repair shop to fix the car, as some electronic components may suffer further damage if not cleaned in time. The standard for declaring a flooded car a total loss is when the vehicle is completely destroyed and cannot be repaired, or the repair cost reaches or exceeds the actual value of the vehicle. An actual total loss means the vehicle is completely destroyed and cannot be repaired. Even if the vehicle can still be repaired, if the repair cost reaches or exceeds the actual value of the vehicle, the repair is neither valuable nor necessary, and thus it can be treated as a total loss.
The time for assessing water-damaged vehicles varies greatly, depending on the vehicle's condition. If the water level was low and only submerged below the wheels, the evaluation might be completed within the same day or the next, requiring just cleaning and a basic inspection. However, if the water rose above the engine hood or thoroughly soaked the cabin, the process could take a week or even longer. This is because the interior needs to be dismantled to inspect wiring and electrical systems to prevent corrosion and rust. Additionally, waiting for an insurance representative to confirm the damages might add a few more days to the process. I often advise owners to call for a tow truck immediately after water exposure and avoid starting the car to prevent electrical short circuits from worsening. The entire assessment duration hinges on the repair shop's efficiency and the extent of water submersion, ranging from as short as one or two days to as long as three weeks. Patience and careful handling are key.
