How much can insurance cover if a car is flooded in the rain?
3 Answers
The amount of compensation depends on the extent of vehicle damage. Here is relevant information: Automobile: According to the latest national standard "Terms and Definitions of Types of Automobiles and Trailers" in China, an automobile is defined as a non-track vehicle powered by a motor with four or more wheels, primarily used for: transporting people and/or goods; towing vehicles that carry people and/or goods; or for special purposes. Classification: Domestic automobile brands include Wuling, Baojun, Hongqi, Changan, Great Wall, Chery, Geely, Roewe, BYD, etc.; foreign automobile brands include Toyota, Volkswagen, Audi, Mercedes-Benz, Hyundai, Kia, Peugeot, Cadillac, etc.
Last year my car got flooded, luckily I had comprehensive insurance which covered the full repair cost. There are generally two scenarios: if the water didn't reach above the dashboard, insurers usually pay the actual repair costs, but you must take photos as evidence first. If the car is severely flooded, like water reaching the roof, they'll typically pay the actual cash value as total loss, minus depreciation - my 3-year-old car eventually got about 70% of the invoice price. Remember never attempt to restart the engine, otherwise any engine damage won't be covered - this is a common pitfall for many owners. When filing the claim, clearly state it was caused by natural disaster to avoid disputes.
During the last typhoon, my neighbor's garage was flooded, and his SUV was submerged up to the seat level. The insurance payout was over 80,000 yuan, which was less than expected because water-damaged cars depreciate significantly. The key factors are the insured amount under the vehicle damage insurance and the car's age. For cars less than three years old, you can generally get 80-90% of the purchase price, while older cars are compensated based on their depreciated value. Additionally, you need to provide meteorological proof during the claim process—a heavy rain certificate issued by the community is also acceptable. The most troublesome part is the electrical system repairs; insurers usually require you to go to their designated repair shops, so remember to clarify the repair standards in advance.
