What to Do When Your Car Gets Flooded in Rain?
2 Answers
When your car gets flooded in rain, you need to make a phone report, take photos for damage assessment, and contact your insurance company for towing services if necessary. Here are the steps to handle a flooded car: 1. Phone Report: As soon as your vehicle is submerged in water, immediately call your insurance company to report the incident. 2. Photo Documentation: If the insurance adjuster cannot arrive promptly, take photos of the scene and the vehicle's damage while ensuring your safety, to assist in the damage assessment process. 3. Towing Assistance: Both insurance companies and 4S shops offer towing services, but during severe weather, towing services may be limited. In such cases, you can arrange for towing through a rescue company, and the costs will be covered by your insurance. 4. Contact a Repair Shop: Prioritize maintenance and repairs. Rainwater and sewage are highly corrosive to the car body. After the flooded vehicle is towed to the repair shop, immediately contact your insurance company for damage assessment and request the repair facility to disassemble and clean the vehicle promptly to minimize damage. The vehicle's chassis should undergo anti-rust treatment, and the brakes, brake fluid, and electrical circuits should be inspected. Ensure proper ventilation and dehumidification inside the car.
The other day I got caught in a heavy rainstorm and my car almost got flooded—it gave me a real scare. Never start the engine; water entering the cylinders can cause 'hydrolock,' which can completely ruin the engine. I immediately turned off the engine, got out of the car, and stood on higher ground to avoid any electric shock. Then I called for a tow truck right away—don’t try to drive it yourself, or the insurance might not cover the damage. After towing it to the repair shop, the technician checked the air filter and dipstick for water ingress. If the interior gets soaked, it’s prone to mold growth, so it needs to be taken apart and dried thoroughly. A friend of mine once panicked and started their flooded car—ended up costing over ten grand in repairs, a painful lesson learned. Safety first—spending a bit more on towing is worth it.
