Will Insurance Cover Cars Flooded in Residential Underground Parking?
2 Answers
Insurance companies will not compensate for cars flooded in underground parking. Auto insurance compensation requirements: Natural wear and tear of mechanical parts due to vehicle use, corrosion damage from contact with harmful gases or liquids, malfunctions in vehicle components or systems affecting normal operation, excessive tire wear, quality defects or overinflation causing sudden tire bursts, and losses due to natural aging or rusting of insured vehicle parts are considered normal losses. These are not caused by insured incidents, and the insurer is not liable for compensation. Auto Insurance: Motor vehicle insurance, also known as car insurance (referred to as auto insurance), is a type of commercial insurance that covers personal injury or property damage caused by natural disasters or accidents involving motor vehicles. It is a form of transport insurance that covers the vehicle itself and its third-party liability.
As an experienced driver who frequently deals with vehicle issues, I've encountered similar situations and found that whether insurance covers water damage to a car in a flooded residential basement mainly depends on the type of auto insurance. If you have comprehensive coverage (often called "auto damage insurance" in China) and the flooding was caused by natural disasters like heavy rain or floods, the insurance company will generally compensate you, as modern comprehensive coverage includes water damage. However, if the flooding was due to aging drainage systems or inadequate maintenance by the property management, the insurance company may seek recourse from the property management after paying out your claim. I recommend checking your policy immediately to confirm if your comprehensive coverage is active; then promptly file a claim with your insurer—it's best to take photos and videos of the scene as evidence. Also, review your property management contract to see if they share liability. For daily parking, try to choose higher ground and avoid low-lying areas during rainy seasons to minimize risk. In short, with proper handling, insurance will likely cover it, but delaying too long can hinder the claims process.
