Will Insurance Cover a Second Attempt to Start a Flooded Car?
2 Answers
Water damage insurance covers losses caused by engine flooding, whether or not a second ignition attempt is made. Insurance companies should compensate for engine damage due to flooding under the water damage insurance policy. Below is relevant information about vehicle wading: 1. Introduction to Vehicle Wading: Vehicle wading refers to driving through low-lying, waterlogged roads, typically occurring during rainy weather in areas with poor drainage. 2. Precautions: Before wading, observe the road conditions; maintain steady power while in water; after wading, check the electrical system. If a car stalls in water, the main cause is usually water entering the exhaust pipe, though electrical damage can also occur. Once a car stalls in water, do not attempt to restart it, as this can cause water to enter the intake manifold and damage the valves, potentially leading to severe engine failure. Instead, the car should be towed to a 4S shop immediately for professional handling.
Insurance companies generally don't cover water-damaged vehicles that are restarted, and I've learned this the hard way. I remember during a heavy rainstorm, my neighbor's car stalled in floodwater. In his panic, he forced a restart, which resulted in a seized engine costing tens of thousands to repair. When the insurance investigator found out he had attempted a second ignition, they outright denied the claim. The logic is straightforward: when a vehicle is submerged, water may enter the engine. Forcing a restart can draw water into the cylinders, causing bent connecting rods or internal engine damage—this isn't considered a natural disaster but operator error. Many insurance policies explicitly state that if water-related damage is worsened by restart attempts, it's classified as human error and excluded from coverage. To avoid such losses, if your car floods, turn off the ignition immediately and call a tow truck to a repair shop. As a car owner, I must stress reviewing your policy details—some auto insurance includes flood coverage but with stringent conditions. Bottom line: safety first. Never risk a restart to avoid costly regrets later.
