How to Claim Compensation for Water Damage?
2 Answers
If the car owner only purchases vehicle damage insurance, when the vehicle is waterlogged, they can only receive compensation for damages to parts other than the engine, while the repair costs for engine damage must be borne by the owner themselves. If the car owner purchases the main vehicle damage insurance and additionally buys water damage insurance, any damages caused by waterlogging, including engine damage, can be compensated by the insurance company. Here are methods to identify water-damaged and accident vehicles: 1. Check the car locks: Look for signs of being pried open, damaged, or filled with glue. Then use the key to open each door to see if the locks are from the same set and if each door lock can be turned easily. Note that if turning is very difficult, or the key almost breaks before the door opens, it might be due to water damage causing the central control motor to rust and malfunction. 2. Engine compartment: Inspect whether the mounting brackets for the lighting and signal lamp groups in the engine compartment are broken or loose. Check the wire connectors and sockets; if there is a large amount of sediment or rust spots inside, it may indicate a water-damaged vehicle. 3. Engine compartment inspection: Examine the wires and vacuum pipes above the engine block, and check for mud traces in the gaps between the high-voltage ignition coils and spark plugs. Assess whether the aging and cracking of pipes and wires match the vehicle's age and if the fuel injector is securely fixed. Rust on springs can also help determine the likelihood of the vehicle being water-damaged.
Last time my car got flooded, it was a real hassle. The key to getting compensation for water damage is whether you've purchased separate water ingress insurance. If you only have basic vehicle damage insurance, they won't cover engine damage. Remember not to start the engine immediately - take photos and videos as evidence right away, clearly capturing the waterline, license plate, and dashboard. After calling the insurance company, the safest move is to have it towed before the claims adjuster arrives. If you force-start the engine and cause complete engine failure, they definitely won't pay a cent. The new regulations have changed - for policies purchased after 2020, water ingress coverage is now included in standard vehicle damage insurance, which is more user-friendly. Back then, I paid the price for lack of experience - the repair shop said the electrical system was water-damaged and it cost me nearly 20,000 yuan to fix.
