Is a Car Considered a Total Loss If the Engine Gets Flooded?
2 Answers
An engine getting flooded does classify the car as a total loss. Introduction to Flood-Damaged Vehicles: After a vehicle has been submerged in water, it's challenging to completely dry out the water from the seats and floor. When the car is exposed to sunlight, the high temperatures can turn the interior into a steamer, causing a large amount of moisture to corrode the electronic components through the floor and other areas. Hazards of Flood-Damaged Vehicles: Areas that have been flooded are prone to short circuits in the electrical system and can even lead to severe damage to the car. The various adverse effects on the vehicle's components are most directly reflected in the engine and electronic equipment. Shortly after flooding, the car may seem to function without issues, but after two or three months, unexplained faults may start to appear one after another.
I once witnessed a car's engine getting flooded, which happened when my friend drove through a deep water area during a heavy rain. After the engine took in water, it wouldn't start. When it was sent for repairs, the mechanic said it wasn't an accident vehicle because accident vehicles usually refer to those directly damaged by collision incidents, whereas flooding is caused by driving through water or natural disasters like floods. If the water ingress is caused by an accident—such as a crash leading to water intrusion—then it would be classified as an accident vehicle. Otherwise, insurance companies might categorize it as a water-damaged or flood-damaged vehicle, which significantly impacts the car's value, such as a steep drop in resale price, high repair costs, or even requiring a full engine replacement. So, in daily driving, I must remind everyone to avoid driving through puddles, especially during the rainy season, and to regularly check the sealing of the air intake to prevent similar issues.
