Why Will Insurance Companies Deny Claims for Secondary Ignition?

[DiAva]

Damage to the vehicle caused by human factors is not covered by insurance. Below is relevant information about secondary ignition: 1. Introduction: During water wading, if water blocks the air intake, causing the vehicle to stall, attempting to restart the engine is referred to as secondary ignition. 2. Precautions: It's important to note that even if the water on the road has receded, you should avoid attempting to restart the engine. This is because there may still be water in the intake pipe, and the electrical system may also malfunction after being submerged. It's best to contact a towing company. Do not try to save on towing fees at the risk of greater losses. When arranging for towing, clearly communicate to the staff that the vehicle stalled during water wading. For easier towing, the towing company may shift the gear to neutral. Without understanding the situation, they might attempt to start the engine, so it's crucial to explain the circumstances clearly.

[DelMolly]

I've encountered this situation before. The reason for the claim denial due to a second ignition attempt is primarily because the insurance company considers it a human operational error. After the car stalls for the first time, restarting it can easily draw water into the engine, causing the piston connecting rod to bend or even break. This type of damage could have been avoided with proper operation, so the insurance company categorizes it as 'aggravated loss,' which is not covered under the vehicle damage insurance. Moreover, insurance policies generally state that secondary ignition is prohibited after water immersion. Therefore, if we encounter a stall in water, it's crucial to stay calm—shifting to neutral and pushing the car or directly calling for a tow truck is the safest approach.

[Ashlyn]

I've studied insurance cases, and the key to claim rejection lies in the determination of causation. Initial stalling after wading through water is considered an accidental incident, but a secondary ignition is equivalent to actively intervening and causing new damage. Engine water ingress repair costs can easily reach tens of thousands, and insurance companies will use the 'principle of proximate cause' to determine liability. Some policies explicitly exclude secondary ignition in their exemption clauses. I recommend that car owners take photos in advance for evidence and notify the insurance company immediately for record-keeping to reduce subsequent disputes.

[LaSimon]

From an auto repair perspective, secondary ignition causes far more damage than imagined. Once water enters the cylinder, it creates an incompressible hydraulic lock effect, instantly bending connecting rods or shattering pistons. Driving through water normally may only damage electrical systems, but forced ignition destroys the engine core. Insurance adjusters can identify connecting rod deformation during teardowns, and such avoidable human-caused failures are certain claim denials. Regularly check air filter positioning, and avoid water depths exceeding one-third of tire height for safety.

[DelArabella]

Insurance companies have actuarially calculated the risk probabilities. Data shows that the engine scrappage rate exceeds 85% after a second ignition in waterlogged vehicles, with repair costs being over 5 times higher than normal water damage repairs. The exemption clauses buried in the contracts are there to prevent this, as they also need to control claim ratios. I've seen cases where car owners attempted to appeal but lost, as courts also recognize secondary ignition as negligent behavior. It's advisable to add water damage coverage to your vehicle insurance—spending an extra hundred or so annually can provide additional protection.