If I didn't purchase water damage insurance, will my car be covered if it gets flooded?
2 Answers
If you didn't purchase water damage insurance and your policy was issued before the comprehensive auto insurance reform took effect, then damage from flooding will not be covered. However, for policies issued after the reform, as long as you have comprehensive coverage (which now includes water damage), you don't need to buy separate water damage insurance, and the insurer will cover flood-related losses. Exclusions under comprehensive coverage: 1. No coverage for emotional distress: Most policies stipulate that insurers lack standards to assess emotional damages, so any psychological compensation claims arising from accidents are excluded. 2. No coverage for drunk driving, unlicensed driving, or un-inspected vehicles: In these cases, the driver isn't legally permitted to operate the vehicle, constituting serious traffic violations. Additionally, insurers will deny claims for mismatched license types or driving on highways during probationary periods. 3. No coverage for engine damage from restarting after water ingestion: If the engine stalls in deep water and the driver forcibly restarts it, causing damage, this is considered improper operation and isn't covered.
After paying attention to auto insurance clauses for a long time, I didn't purchase water damage coverage, and now dealing with the claim after my car got flooded is quite complicated. Standard comprehensive insurance might cover some interior damage, such as repairing dampened seats and wiring, but it generally won't cover engine damage from water ingress since water damage insurance is an additional rider. Remember to contact your insurance company immediately to check your policy details for any accidental coverage. It's advisable for car owners to regularly review their insurance coverage, especially in rainy regions—spending a little extra on water damage insurance can prevent major losses. Don't wait until after an incident to regret it, and always avoid driving through flooded areas to ensure safety.
