Is It Serious If a Car Is Flooded Up to the Gear Shift?

[Adriel]

If a car is flooded up to the gear shift, it is quite serious. This situation can be referred to as a semi-flooded vehicle, indicating a relatively severe condition. Steps to take after a car is flooded: Do not attempt to start the car after it has been flooded (otherwise, you will be responsible for all damages); take photos of the scene, including the license plate number (which can serve as evidence for claims); then call the insurance company to report the incident (you must report within 24 hours); call for a rescue tow truck and inform the insurance company about the repair shop where the car will be taken for inspection by the adjuster; while waiting for rescue, if possible, disconnect the vehicle's power (remove the negative terminal), shift to neutral, and push the car to a safe location; finally, the insurance company will assess the damages as required. Precautions for repairing a flooded car: From a technical standpoint, flooded cars can be repaired to some extent, but even after repair, serious hidden risks remain. The longer the soaking time, the higher the likelihood of malfunctions. If the flooding is severe, the owner may consider scrapping the car as a viable option.