Will Insurance Cover the Car if It Gets Flooded in Heavy Rain?
3 Answers
If the car insurance policy was purchased after September 19, 2020, it already includes water damage coverage, so there's no need to purchase it separately. For policies purchased before this date, the owner needs to confirm whether water damage coverage was purchased; otherwise, insurance claims cannot be processed. Below is additional information about car flooding: For fuel vehicles, the engine is the most expensive part of the car. If the engine is turned off when submerged in water, it won't be damaged, and the insurance company's losses will be much lower. Other components and electrical wiring suffer similar damage as in electric vehicles. Note: During heavy rain, park the car in a relatively safe location, preferably on higher ground, and avoid underground parking garages to prevent issues like backflow.
Last year my car got flooded during a heavy rainstorm, and I immediately called the insurance company. If you have comprehensive car insurance, the insurer will usually cover the damages, but there's a crucial condition: never attempt to restart the engine. My neighbor made the mistake of trying to restart the engine after it stalled, resulting in water entering and completely destroying the engine, and the insurance didn't cover a penny. Nowadays, comprehensive car insurance in most regions includes coverage for water damage. I recommend contacting a claims adjuster immediately for an on-site inspection. The compensation varies depending on the extent of flooding: water over the chassis mainly covers electronic components and wiring harnesses; if water reaches the seats, the entire wiring harness needs replacement; and if it reaches the dashboard, it's generally considered a total loss. Remember to cut off the power and lock the car immediately after the engine stalls to prevent electrical short circuits and further damage.
Last month, I helped a friend handle the insurance claim for a water-damaged car. The key is to check whether the insurance policy's vehicle damage coverage includes an additional clause for engine water ingress. After the 2020 insurance reform, basic vehicle damage coverage includes compensation for water damage. Remember to report the accident within 48 hours and take videos of the water level at the parking spot and the vehicle's condition as evidence. Insurance companies place great emphasis on the duration of vehicle submersion during loss assessment—if the waterline exceeds the center of the tires, it's generally treated as a total loss. If the chassis wasn't submerged, the main compensations cover interior cleaning and wiring repairs. It's advisable to disconnect the battery immediately after water damage to prevent additional losses from internal circuit board corrosion. Before towing, make sure to confirm whether it's included in the insurance rescue services.
