Will insurance cover engine water damage without wading insurance?
2 Answers
If the engine is flooded without wading insurance but the vehicle has comprehensive insurance, the insurance company will not compensate because the comprehensive insurance clause clearly states that engine damage caused by water ingress is an exclusion. In July 2020, the China Insurance Regulatory Commission issued guidelines for comprehensive auto insurance reform. After the reform was officially implemented, the main coverage of comprehensive insurance includes wading insurance liability. At that time, if the engine is flooded without wading insurance but with comprehensive insurance, the insurance will cover it. Compensation conditions: (1) If the engine of the insured vehicle is damaged due to the following reasons while being used by the insured or their legally permitted driver, the insurer will compensate according to the insurance contract: 1. During heavy rain or flooding, the insured vehicle's exhaust pipe or intake pipe is submerged, and the driver continues to start the vehicle or uses inertia to start the vehicle; 2. After heavy rain or flooding, the vehicle is started without necessary treatment. (2) In the event of an accident covered by this additional insurance, the insurer will compensate for necessary and reasonable expenses incurred by the insured or their representative to prevent or reduce the loss of the insured vehicle through rescue and protective measures. The maximum compensation amount for this expense is limited to the insured amount of the vehicle loss insurance.
I once drove through a heavy rainstorm and ended up with water in my engine. Fortunately, I had purchased water ingress insurance, so the insurance company covered the repair costs. But if I hadn’t bought this additional coverage, they probably wouldn’t have paid, because standard auto insurance mainly covers collisions and similar accidents—water damage falls under natural disasters or driver error, which aren’t included. Engine repairs aren’t cheap; even minor fixes can cost 5,000 to 6,000 yuan. Without extra coverage, the owner would have to pay out of pocket. I recommend adding water ingress insurance when buying auto insurance—it’s only a few hundred yuan a year and super useful during heavy rains or floods. Also, when driving through standing water, go slow and avoid forcing your way through deep water to reduce risks. If something does happen, take photos quickly and report it. Safety first, always.
