Will a New Car Driven into a River Be Fully Compensated?
3 Answers
A new car driven into a river may not necessarily be fully compensated by the insurance company. If the car owner drives the car into the river, those who have purchased car damage insurance can claim according to the actual loss, but if the loss exceeds the limit, the excess part will be borne by the car owner, and full compensation is not guaranteed. If the car is driven into the river due to a collision with another vehicle and the other party is fully at fault, the fully at-fault party's compulsory traffic insurance, third-party liability insurance, and the at-fault car owner will compensate for all losses, allowing for full compensation. If the car owner has purchased additional engine water damage insurance (a type of add-on insurance), the insurance company will compensate for engine damage caused by driving through water or being submerged. However, if the car owner forcibly starts the engine after submersion, causing further damage, the insurance company will not compensate.
I just bought a new car last year, and then this happened—so unlucky. It was raining and the road was slippery. I didn’t see the curve clearly, and the car plunged into the river. Fortunately, I was unharmed, but the car got flooded. I had insurance, but after filing the claim, they said I only had collision coverage and not water damage coverage, so they only reimbursed about 80% of the repair costs. Getting full compensation isn’t easy, especially for a high-value new car, and the insurance company will investigate whether it was due to driver error. I recommend everyone opt for comprehensive insurance packages—coverage like water damage insurance is really useful. Stay focused while driving, slow down in the rain, and it’s best to install a dashcam for evidence. Don’t expect the claims process to be simple afterward—if something happens, you’ll still have to pay for things like towing. Safe driving is more important than anything, and spending a few hundred extra on insurance is worth it.
As someone who frequently follows this issue, I believe the core problem still lies in the insurance policy terms. Whether you can get full compensation for a new car driven into a river depends on what your policy states. Most auto damage insurance covers vehicle losses, but special sections like water submersion or flooding may require additional coverage. If it's caused by your own mistake, the insurance company will calculate the liability ratio and sometimes only cover part of the repair costs. It's best to purchase comprehensive insurance or add flood coverage for broader protection. Also, call the insurance company immediately in case of an accident—don't attempt to rescue the car privately, as this may lead to claim denial. When filing a claim, provide evidence like photos and proof. Safe driving is crucial; always observe road conditions and avoid risky maneuvers through flooded areas. Prevention is always more important than claims.
