What to Do If Your Car Is Damaged in a Natural Disaster?
2 Answers
For car owners who have purchased motor vehicle damage insurance, if their vehicle is damaged by falling objects caused by storms, as long as the scene is intact and they report the incident to the insurance company immediately, the insurer will provide corresponding compensation based on the actual situation. Here are the relevant details: 1. Third Party: If the vehicle is hit by falling objects from a height and there is a responsible third party, the owner can receive 70% compensation from the motor vehicle damage insurance, while the remaining 30% should be resolved through negotiation with the responsible party. 2. Motor Vehicle Damage Insurance: In case of flooding, it is best to park the car to avoid risks. Even if the car is submerged due to sudden water level rise, compensation will be provided. However, if the engine is damaged due to forced wading, only those who have purchased wading insurance will be eligible for a claim.
Last year, my own car was completely submerged in a flood, and I was totally stunned. But I immediately thought of safety first, quickly got out of the car, and found higher ground to wait for the water to recede. Then, I called my insurance company to report the incident. They guided me to take photos documenting the flood level and license plate number, and then fill out a claim application. Fortunately, I had comprehensive insurance that covered natural disaster damages, and I received the compensation within a few weeks to replace my car. During this process, I also learned some useful knowledge—for example, if a car is fully submerged above the wheel rim level, it’s usually beyond repair and must be scrapped. Since then, I always park on higher ground to avoid similar risks, and if faced with a disaster again, I’ll prioritize personal safety before dealing with the car.
