Will a car be scrapped if it is submerged above the roof?
4 Answers
Whether a car will be scrapped after being submerged above the roof depends on the assessment by professional insurance company appraisers. The vehicle will only be declared a total loss if the damage reaches 70% or more of its actual value, but such cases are relatively rare. There are three different water levels for submerged vehicles: If the water level exceeds the vehicle's chassis, it is referred to as a submerged vehicle. If the water level rises above the oil level, it can be termed a semi-submerged vehicle. If the water level surpasses the engine hood or dashboard, it is classified as a fully submerged vehicle. From a technical standpoint, all three types of submerged vehicles can be repaired to some extent, but even after repairs, they may still pose significant safety risks. Insurance claims for cars submerged above the roof: After a car is submerged, the specific insurance claim will be processed by the insurance company based on the coverage and the actual extent of the damage. Generally, if the repair cost reaches 80% of the vehicle's actual value, it is considered a total loss. The insurance company will compensate based on the actual value, and the vehicle will be reclaimed by the insurer.
I've been working with cars for decades and have encountered many flood-damaged vehicles. While it's true that a car submerged above its roof is likely to be totaled, it's not always the case. I remember after one flood, many cars came into the shop for inspection. When water reaches above the roof, the engine and electronic components get flooded, causing electrical shorts and corrosion of mechanical parts. The repair costs can be prohibitively high, often running into tens of thousands, leading many owners to opt for scrapping. Modern cars, with their numerous electronic components, are even more vulnerable. Once water seeps into control modules, frequent malfunctions occur. Add to that the moldy interiors and significant safety hazards, making such cars unsafe to drive. My advice is, if your car gets flooded, don't rush to start the engine—get a professional assessment immediately. Insurance usually treats it as a total loss, so it's more cost-effective and hassle-free to simply scrap it and get a new one.
As an average car owner, I often wonder if this could happen to me. A car completely submerged in water can indeed be totaled. A friend's car became flood-damaged after a deluge—repaired twice but problems persisted, eventually declared a total loss by insurance. When water rises above the roof, the immense pressure forces it into the engine and wiring, frying the ignition system. Repair costs often exceed the car's value. Not every submerged car is doomed—short submersion with prompt drainage might be salvageable, but success rates are low. Prevention is key: avoid low-lying areas during heavy rains. Never gamble with safety by driving a compromised vehicle to save money—it's not worth the risk. Also crucial: understand your insurance policy and document damage thoroughly with photos before assessment.
I'm very interested in cars and often research flood-damaged vehicles. A car submerged to the roof doesn't necessarily mean it's totaled, but the risks are extremely high. Water in the engine can cause hydro-lock, destroying the engine upon startup. Flooded electrical circuits may short-circuit and corrode, affecting critical components like the ECU. Theoretically, quick towing and professional cleaning could save it, but the cost is high and reliability isn't guaranteed. Long-term corrosion from structural damage can lead to rust, and even airbags may fail. Such vehicles suffer a steep drop in value in the used car market, with buyers avoiding them. It's advisable to have a professional technician diagnose the situation, weighing repair costs against the price of a new car—often, scrapping is the wise choice.
