Will Insurance Cover the Claim for Restarting the Engine After Water Intrusion?
2 Answers
If the vehicle is damaged due to the owner restarting the engine after driving through water, the insurance company will deny the claim. Solutions after vehicle water intrusion: Once the vehicle stalls in water, the owner should seek help immediately to push the vehicle to a dry area nearby. Do not stay in the car waiting for rescue. As water levels rise, it is highly likely that the entire engine compartment will be flooded, causing severe damage to the vehicle's electronic components. Vehicle water intrusion insurance: Vehicle water intrusion insurance is a newly derived type of insurance, referring to an additional coverage purchased by the owner specifically for the engine. Some companies call it "Engine Special Loss Insurance," while others refer to it as "Water Intrusion Loss Insurance." It primarily covers engine damage caused by driving through water or being submerged. It is important to note that transmissions and other vehicle systems are not covered under water intrusion insurance.
I have an old friend who works as a car mechanic and often encounters such situations. After a car is flooded, if you attempt to start it again, the chances of insurance compensation are greatly reduced. That time, I personally witnessed an SUV submerged in heavy rain. The owner panicked and tried to start the engine, resulting in immediate engine seizure and bent connecting rods. Later, when checking the insurance, the vehicle damage insurance could have covered the flood damage, but the additional damage caused by operational errors was entirely denied, costing him tens of thousands in repairs. Never tamper with the engine after water ingress; water trapped in the cylinders can cause irreversible damage when compressed. The safest course of action is to turn off the engine immediately, open the door to escape, and call a tow truck, which can also save you a lot of unnecessary expenses. Insurance policies typically don't cover human errors, so parking in higher spots to avoid flooding can be a lifesaver in critical moments.
