What is the vehicle wading line height?
3 Answers
The insurance compensation conditions for vehicle flooding are as follows: If the vehicle is parked and submerged: With comprehensive coverage, the insurance company will fully compensate. If the vehicle is submerged while driving: For commercial auto insurance purchased before September 19, 2020, with both comprehensive coverage and waterlogging coverage, full compensation is provided. With only comprehensive coverage and no waterlogging coverage, the compensation amount will be significantly reduced. For auto insurance purchased after September 19, 2020, full compensation is available as long as comprehensive coverage is purchased. If the vehicle stalls in water and is restarted: Even with insurance, this situation is not covered.
I always remind myself that the vehicle wading line height is not a fixed number—it depends on the car's design, especially the position of the air intake. For sedans, the safe wading depth is generally around 30 cm, roughly the height of the wheel hub center. SUVs can handle deeper water, up to 50 cm or more. However, it varies by model, as water ingress can lead to hydro-locked engines, which come with costly repairs. I always advise owners to check their vehicle manuals or visually assess the water level against the tires to ensure safety. Remember, drive slowly through water to avoid wave effects. If the water is too deep, don’t force it—detour or seek professional help instead. Safety comes first.
When dealing with water crossings, the height must be handled with caution. I always visually estimate the wheel position—if the water depth exceeds half of the wheel height, don't take the risk, especially for sedans. Excessive water depth can lead to water entering the intake system, causing engine failure or even total vehicle damage. Different vehicles vary; off-road vehicles are generally more water-resistant. Remember to cross slowly and steadily without splashing. Before daily drives, I also check the weather forecast to avoid high-risk routes on rainy days—simple precautions can save major trouble.
