What to Do When Your Car is Flooded?

[Danielle]

Repair costs for water-damaged cars increase the longer the repair is delayed, so you should get your car repaired immediately after it has been flooded. There are two scenarios where insurance may cover the damage caused by flooding: 1. The car is flooded while parked: If the car is submerged while parked, the insurance may cover the damages. For example, if the car is parked in a low-lying area like an underground garage and the owner has purchased comprehensive insurance, they can generally get compensation. The insurance will cover the repair costs, and if the flooding is severe enough to total the car, there will also be some compensation for the totaled vehicle, minus normal depreciation. 2. The car has water wading coverage: If the car is driven through water and the owner intentionally drives it into the water, the insurance may cover the damages if the car has water wading coverage. However, if the deductible waiver is not included in the water wading coverage, there will be a 20% deductible rate.