How to Solve the Insurance Issue for Secondary Starting of Water-Damaged Vehicles?
3 Answers
For vehicles that have been submerged in water and started a second time, insurance companies generally refuse to compensate. Although engine water damage insurance is purchased, many water damage insurance clauses list damages caused by ignition in water as exclusions, meaning the insurance company does not assume liability for such damages. Below is related information about water entering the vehicle: 1. Hazards: If water enters the vehicle, many electronic devices inside can be submerged, leading to short circuits and damage. If water enters the engine through the intake, it can cause engine damage. The consequences of water entering the engine are very serious, ranging from major engine repairs to potential engine scrapping. 2. Precautions: During heavy rain, it is best for car owners to avoid driving and instead park their vehicles in higher areas to prevent water submersion. If a vehicle is submerged to the point where water rises above the doors and enters the interior, it indicates the vehicle has been waterlogged. If the vehicle is found to be waterlogged, one can attempt to start it. If the vehicle starts and shows no signs of malfunction, the priority should be to remove the accumulated water inside.
Last time I drove after the rain, I accidentally started the car and pressed the ignition switch after wading through water, which resulted in a blown fuse and the car being completely unresponsive. I panicked for a moment but quickly checked the manual and found the fuse box on the right side of the engine compartment. I opened it with a wrench and confirmed the fuse was indeed blown. I went to an auto parts store, bought a matching fuse for about 10 yuan, replaced it, and the problem was solved. However, upon reflection, I realized I shouldn't have started the car after wading through water, as it can easily lead to water ingress, short circuits, or even engine damage, which would be much more expensive to repair. When driving through puddles, it's crucial to be extra careful, avoid deep water whenever possible, and if necessary, stop and wait for assistance rather than forcing your way through to avoid trouble. Safety first—it saves money and peace of mind.
As someone who frequently helps friends with car repairs, I often see secondary starts after wading through water causing fuse blowouts, because water entering the electrical circuits triggers short circuits, and the protection mechanism disconnects. To fix this, first disconnect the negative battery terminal to ensure safety, then use a multimeter to test the continuity of the fuses and locate the blown one—usually found in the engine bay or interior. Before replacing it with a new fuse of the same amperage, thoroughly dry the connectors and wiring. If the wading was severe, also check the intake system and ignition coils for water ingress to prevent hidden damage. For prevention, it's advisable to keep the undercarriage clean, drive slowly through water and have the vehicle inspected immediately afterward. Developing these good habits can significantly reduce risks.
