What is the total loss standard for water-damaged vehicles?
2 Answers
There is no separate total loss standard for water-damaged vehicles. Whether they are scrapped or not follows the same standards as vehicles damaged by other causes. If any of the following conditions are met, the vehicle meets the scrapping standard: 1. When the repair cost exceeds 80% or more of the vehicle's value, the insurance company will proceed with a total loss claim; 2. After repair and adjustment, the vehicle still does not meet the national safety technical standards for in-use vehicles; 3. After repair, adjustment, or the use of control technology, the vehicle's emissions or noise still do not meet the national standards for in-use vehicles.
Having repaired cars for over a decade, I've seen many flood-damaged vehicles declared total losses. Simply put, there are three key factors: First is the waterline level—if it reaches above the dashboard, the car is basically totaled. Second is the repair cost; if fixing it exceeds the car's current value, insurers will definitely declare it a total loss. Third is the condition of critical components—if core parts like the engine or transmission are waterlogged beyond repair, there's no point salvaging it. Once after a heavy storm, we towed in an Audi—when we lifted the carpets, they were caked with mud and all control modules were fried. It was declared a total loss, and the owner actually seemed relieved. My advice to owners: never attempt to restart a flood-submerged engine, or even engine damage coverage won't pay out.
