How to Claim Insurance for a Flooded Sedan?
2 Answers
If your car is flooded, you must not start the engine again. This is because forcibly starting the car after the engine has been flooded can cause further damage to the engine. After the car is flooded, the owner should contact all auto insurance customer service as soon as possible (within 24 hours) to file a claim and have the vehicle assessed for damages before proceeding with the claim. Take photos of the flooded car for documentation. Additionally, it is advisable to keep a copy of a newspaper reporting the heavy rain on that day or any other proof that can verify the weather conditions. Both insurance companies and 4S shops offer towing and rescue services, but during severe weather, towing services may be in high demand.
Last year, my car was submerged in a heavy rainstorm, so I know all about this type of insurance claim. If you see your car flooded, immediately call your insurance company to report the incident, and take photos of the license plate number and the water level with your phone. The insurance company will send an adjuster to inspect the scene, and you’ll need to hand over your car keys to them. Most importantly, never attempt to start the engine—if water gets into the engine, it’s considered human-caused damage and won’t be covered. They mainly check how high the water reached: if it’s above the wheels, they’ll repair the chassis wiring; if it reaches the seats, the interior will need to be dismantled and treated. If the entire car is submerged, it’s usually declared a total loss. The whole process takes about two to three weeks, and don’t forget to provide copies of your vehicle registration and ID card.
