Will insurance cover a car flooded in a rainstorm?
2 Answers
Whether insurance covers a vehicle flooded due to a rainstorm depends on the type of insurance purchased by the owner: Compulsory traffic insurance (CTI): If only CTI is purchased, the insurance company will not compensate. CTI and commercial insurance: If both CTI and commercial insurance are purchased, the insurance company will not cover engine damage. If the commercial insurance includes vehicle damage insurance, the owner can call the insurance company's claim hotline to report the incident after the vehicle is flooded. The insurance company will then follow the procedure to compensate. However, it is important to note that the vehicle damage insurance does not cover engine flooding in this case. Other damages to the car, such as interior or electronic control units, will be assessed for liability and compensation based on the specific circumstances. CTI, commercial insurance, and water-related damage insurance: If the owner has purchased CTI, commercial insurance, and water-related damage insurance, the insurance company will provide compensation.
This is a very practical question. Whether your insurance will cover flood damage to your car during heavy rain largely depends on the type of coverage you have. Basic compulsory traffic insurance (交强险) definitely won't cover such losses, as it only provides fundamental protection for third parties in accidents. If you've purchased commercial insurance, like vehicle damage insurance or additional water-related damage coverage, you might be eligible for compensation. Water-related damage insurance mainly covers engine damage caused by water ingress, while water damage to the cabin may be covered under vehicle damage insurance if included. I've dealt with many similar cases, and it's crucial to have proper coverage in advance. Checking your policy before the rainy season is the safest approach. Last year, I helped a friend check his policy - he didn't have water-related damage coverage and ended up paying thousands out of pocket for engine repairs. Additionally, timely reporting is key. After flooding, don't touch the car; take photos immediately and contact your insurer. Delaying can make it harder to prove your claim as evidence may disappear. In short, don't expect basic insurance to solve all problems.
