How to Deal with Insurance for a Water-Damaged Vehicle Restarted Twice?
2 Answers
Call a repair shop or your insurance company to have the vehicle towed to the repair shop, and pay for the repairs. Insurance companies refuse to compensate for damages caused by restarting the vehicle twice after water submersion, so all expenses must be covered out of pocket. Moreover, due to the second restart, even after the engine is repaired, its lifespan will be significantly reduced, and the likelihood of future malfunctions is also very high.
Last time I encountered this situation, looking back it was really scary. Never force a second start after driving through water, as water entering the engine can cause catastrophic damage. Remember to first check the battery and wiring, as water exposure can easily lead to short circuits or blown fuses. I recommend removing the spark plugs and manually attempting to drain any accumulated water, otherwise attempting to start with excessive water can damage the pistons. Then there's the insurance issue - many insurers will deny claims if you restart the engine after water ingress, citing improper operation. So never take matters into your own hands; immediately call for a tow truck to take the vehicle to a professional repair shop. For daily parking during rainy weather, avoid low-lying areas - prevention is more cost-effective than repair. Above all, safety comes first - don't cut corners and ruin your beloved vehicle.
