What is the coverage of car water damage insurance claims?
2 Answers
If the vehicle is submerged while stationary, comprehensive insurance can provide compensation. Specific details are as follows: 1. According to the family-owned vehicle loss insurance clause: During the insurance period, if the insured or their legally permitted user suffers loss of the insured vehicle due to natural disasters such as heavy rain or floods while using the vehicle, the insurance company will compensate as agreed. 2. Claim coverage: It is recommended that car owners do not attempt to move or start the vehicle after an accident. Instead, they should call the insurance company as soon as possible to report "the car is submerged," in principle, within 48 hours. As for the specific compensation for the vehicle's damage, it depends on the owner's insurance policy terms. If the water level exceeds the dashboard, the insurance company may consider full compensation.
I've been driving for over a decade and have experienced multiple water-related accidents. From my experience, the core coverage of water damage insurance is to compensate for repair costs when a vehicle's engine is damaged due to submersion in deep water while driving. This includes the cost of repairing or replacing internal engine components. However, it doesn't cover some common misconceptions. For example, if you restart the engine after stalling in water, causing severe damage, the insurance company will usually deny the claim. Damage to electrical components in the car, such as the audio system or air conditioning, typically requires additional riders for coverage. When filing a claim, it's important to check the deductible clauses in the policy, as some insurers may have special restrictions, such as only covering damages if the water exceeds a specified depth. Based on my experience, if a vehicle is submerged, the driver should immediately stop and turn off the engine, call for a tow truck to take it to a professional shop for inspection, and avoid restarting it to prevent further damage. Regular maintenance can reduce risks, but claims become more difficult if there's secondary water ingress or human error involved.
