What is the difference between engine water ingress insurance and water ingress insurance?
3 Answers
Engine water ingress insurance and water ingress insurance are the same. Below are the specific details about water ingress insurance: 1. Coverage: If the engine is flooded due to driving through waterlogged areas or being submerged while parked, the insurance company will cover the corresponding engine repair costs. 2. Exclusions: Damage caused by restarting the engine after initial flooding; damage or repairs resulting from incidents outside the scope of motor vehicle loss insurance; repairs necessitated by substandard work at non-insurer-approved repair shops; delays in vehicle repairs caused by the insured or the driver.
To be honest, many people can't distinguish between these two types of insurance. The engine water ingress insurance specifically covers damage caused by water entering the engine, while a general water-related accident insurance might refer to broader coverage for water-related incidents. However, in practical auto insurance terms, water ingress insurance usually specifically means engine water ingress insurance, as it's the most critical part. For example, if you drive through water and the engine sucks in water and gets ruined, only this insurance will cover it. Damage to other components from water immersion falls under the comprehensive car insurance. I experienced heavy rains in the south, and a friend's car wasn't covered by this insurance, costing them 40,000 out of pocket for engine repairs. It's important to note that if you attempt to restart the engine after it stalls, even with the insurance, you won't be covered—this is a tricky clause in the policy. I recommend checking your insurance policy before the rainy season and not skimping on this small premium of a few hundred dollars.
I previously researched auto insurance for a while and found that engine water ingress coverage is a very unique add-on. Unlike comprehensive water damage protection, it only covers engine failures caused by water intake. For example, if you drive through deep water, the exhaust pipe gets submerged leading to engine cylinder seizure, that's when it kicks in. Issues like soaked seats or short circuits fall under standard collision coverage. Interestingly, this rider has low premiums but is crucial, especially for turbocharged models—their lower air intake positions make them more prone to water ingestion than naturally aspirated engines. I once saw a water-damaged car at a dealership where the owner was relieved to have purchased the add-on, saving over twenty thousand in repair costs. I'd advise owners in humid regions not to hesitate—premiums are typically around 0.1% of the vehicle's value.
