What does the Additional Engine Water Damage Exclusion Clause mean?

[VonNolan]

Additional Engine Water Damage Exclusion Clause is an add-on insurance introduced after the auto insurance reform. Below are the details about the Engine Water Damage Exclusion Clause: Function: If you purchase the Additional Engine Water Damage Exclusion Clause under the Motor Vehicle Loss Insurance, it can reduce your premium. However, if the vehicle's engine is damaged due to water ingress from wading, it will not be covered under the insurance policy, and the insurance company will not provide compensation. Purchase Advice: If you frequently drive in desert areas or regions with minimal rainfall, you may consider purchasing this clause. However, it is not recommended for other areas.

[McRuby]

When I renewed my insurance last time, I specifically asked about this clause. It means that when you purchase vehicle damage insurance, there is an additional option. If you choose this additional clause, the insurance company will not compensate for damage caused by engine water ingress. For example, if you drive through waterlogged roads in summer and the engine gets flooded, leading to cylinder seizure or crankshaft deformation, the repair costs could be 20,000 to 30,000 yuan, and this amount would have to be paid by the car owner. However, other water-related damages such as soaked interiors or short circuits in the electrical system would still be covered by the insurance. The premium would be a few hundred yuan cheaper, but I don't think it's worth it. After all, engine flooding during heavy rain is quite common, especially for friends in southern cities—it's better not to save on this small amount of money.

[LaPaisley]

Having repaired cars for over a decade, I've frequently encountered cases where engines were totaled due to water ingress. This additional clause isn't very favorable for car owners—selecting it means voluntarily waiving the right to claim for water-induced engine damage. However, it's important to note that insurers are still liable to compensate for water damage to other vehicle components, such as the transmission computer or electronic power steering system. Many mistakenly believe this clause voids all water damage claims, but that's not the case. While premiums may be reduced by about 5%, engine repairs typically cost upwards of ten thousand, especially with today's precision electronic control systems in new vehicles. Unless you're consistently driving in arid northwest regions, I advise against opting for this special clause.

[FranciscoMarie]

Simply put, this is a cost-saving add-on for car insurance. If you opt for this clause, any engine damage caused by water ingress, such as common issues like bent piston rods, will require out-of-pocket repairs. However, damages like a waterlogged air conditioning compressor or short-circuited airbag modules can still be claimed from the insurance company. It can save you about 300-400 yuan in premiums, but you'll bear the risk of major engine repairs. Based on my research, in cities with long rainy seasons in the south, about 15 out of every 100 water-damaged vehicles require engine repairs. So, as someone living in Guangzhou, I didn't choose this option.

[LilahMarie]

I specialize in auto insurance consulting. This special clause essentially allows car owners to purchase a scaled-down version of collision insurance at a lower premium. Two important reminders: First, only engine damage due to water ingress is excluded from coverage, while damage to other parts from water is still covered as usual. Second, vehicles with modified intake systems should be particularly cautious when choosing this clause, as installing a snorkel can actually increase the likelihood of the insurance company denying the claim. Based on my client data analysis, choosing this clause saves an average of 280 yuan in premiums, but the average repair cost for water-damaged engines is 21,000 yuan, making it quite unwise financially.