What to Do If a Vehicle Is Damaged Due to Natural Disasters?
2 Answers
For vehicle owners who have purchased motor vehicle damage insurance, if their vehicle is damaged due to a natural disaster, as long as the scene is intact, they should report the claim to the insurance company immediately. The insurance company will provide corresponding compensation based on the actual situation. Additional information: 1. Vehicle damage caused by heavy rain: If encountering water accumulation, it is best to stop and avoid risks. This way, even if the water level suddenly rises and the vehicle is submerged, compensation can still be claimed. However, if the engine is damaged due to forcibly driving through water, only those with water ingress insurance can claim compensation. Damage to the engine caused by improper personal operation is not covered by insurance, and the insurance company may refuse to compensate. 2. Claims for vehicle damage due to natural disasters: Typically, if a vehicle is insured, there is an insurance contract between the owner and the insurance company. The contract will clearly specify what situations are covered and what are not.
A few days ago, my hometown was hit by a severe flood, and my neighbor Lao Wang's SUV got submerged. Fortunately, he knew the proper handling procedures. In case of natural disasters where your car is damaged by falling objects or flooded, do not move the vehicle immediately! Especially for water-damaged cars, starting the engine recklessly could lead to total engine failure. Call your insurance company right away—many now offer 24-hour hotlines for natural disaster claims. Remember to take photos and videos of the scene from multiple angles as evidence. Arrange for a tow truck to transport the car to a repair shop for damage assessment; never drive it to the repair shop yourself. An insurance adjuster will come to verify the damage and check whether your policy includes coverage for water damage or natural disasters under comprehensive or collision insurance. It's advisable for everyone to review their insurance policies. For car owners in areas prone to typhoons like ours, it's best to add these additional coverages. Always take your car to an insurance-approved, reputable repair shop—never opt for cheap roadside repairs.
