Will Insurance Cover a Car Damaged by Heavy Rain and Flooding?
2 Answers
No, you must file a claim through the insurance company. The water-related damage coverage (engine-specific) applies only when the insured vehicle's engine is damaged due to driving through flooded areas or being submerged in water. The key conditions mainly include the following two aspects: 1. Damage: The water-related damage coverage only compensates for engine damage. Damage to other parts of the vehicle caused by water ingress will be handled under the comprehensive vehicle damage insurance terms. 2. Submersion: Only engine damage caused by water submersion falls under the water-related damage coverage. If the engine damage is due to reasons such as belt breakage or valve collision, it will not be covered by the water-related damage insurance.
Regarding insurance claims for cars submerged in heavy rain, I have to say it depends on the type of insurance you purchased. Simply put, compulsory traffic insurance mainly covers damage to the other party's person and vehicle, regardless of whether your own car is damaged. If you want compensation for your own car, you need to rely on commercial vehicle damage insurance. Heavy rain is considered a natural disaster, and vehicle damage insurance generally covers it, but pay attention to details—for example, never restart the engine after submersion, otherwise the insurance company might not cover the engine part. The claims process is simple: if you find your car submerged, don’t move it, immediately take photos and videos as evidence, then call your insurance company to report it and wait for a tow truck. I’ve seen many cases where electronic systems get ruined by rust after submersion, and timely claims can save a lot on repair costs. When buying insurance, it’s best to opt for comprehensive coverage, including vehicle damage insurance, to prepare for such accidents. Remember, water damage is serious—don’t delay handling it to avoid further losses.
