What to Do with a Car Scrapped Due to Flooding?
3 Answers
For vehicles that are completely washed away and cannot be recovered, where the salvage cost exceeds the vehicle's value, the insurance company will declare a total loss and provide a one-time compensation. If the repair costs reach the insured amount, the vehicle can be declared a total loss and scrapped; if it can be repaired, it will be assessed and repaired at a designated repair shop. Insurance policies usually stipulate that the insurance company must be notified within 48 hours of the incident, otherwise the insurer has the right to refuse compensation.
A friend of mine had his car destroyed by flooding last year, and the vehicle was completely totaled after being submerged. He immediately contacted his insurance company to file a claim, and after an inspection, they confirmed it was flood damage covered under the policy. He then gathered photos of the flood and the vehicle's registration documents, and the insurance company compensated him for the car's residual value. Next, he arranged for a towing company to transport the car to a designated scrapyard, where the parts were dismantled and recycled, and he received a scrapping certificate. After scrapping, he also received a few hundred dollars from the recycling process. Although the entire process was cumbersome, it helped avoid potential safety hazards. Later, he reminded me to park on higher ground during the rainy season and to take photos of the car's condition in advance as evidence, making insurance claims easier if needed.
From automotive repair experience, if your car has been flooded and needs to be scrapped, never attempt to start it, as water immersion can damage the engine and electrical systems, leading to secondary failures. First, call a tow truck to haul the vehicle to a repair shop for damage assessment. If it's confirmed to be a total loss, file an insurance claim, preparing flood-related proofs and vehicle documents. After insurance processing, the vehicle is usually sent directly to a scrapyard for dismantling, with parts recycled to minimize losses. Throughout the process, prioritize safety by wearing gloves to clean residual water inside the car, and keep children away from the flooded vehicle to avoid risks of electric shock or poisoning. Prompt handling of a flood-damaged car can prevent more severe vehicle damage.
