Will the insurance company compensate for a flood-submerged car?
2 Answers
If the flood-submerged car has purchased relevant auto insurance, you can claim compensation from the insurance company. The following is an introduction about water-damaged cars: 1. Introduction to water-damaged cars: A water-damaged car refers to a vehicle that has been submerged in water, typically meaning the engine and transmission have been soaked, with the water depth exceeding the wheels and body seats. It refers to motor vehicles where the bottom components of the body have been in prolonged contact with water. Such vehicles pose significant risks, as the electrical circuits are prone to short circuits and fires. 2. Hazards of water-damaged cars: (1) Components are easily damaged. (2) The engine may suddenly stall. (3) Airbags may fail to deploy in critical moments or deploy without reason. (4) They are highly likely to cause rusting of body components, shortening the service life and reducing safety performance.
I've encountered several cases like this, and the key lies in whether you have the right insurance coverage. If you only have compulsory traffic insurance, it won't cover flood damage—you need specific vehicle damage insurance for that. Remember to take photos immediately as evidence, contact your insurance company, and avoid moving the car, especially attempting to start the engine, as this could reduce your claim. After the insurance company assesses the damage, if the repair costs exceed the insured amount, they'll compensate for a total loss. If repairs are more economical, they'll arrange to tow it to a repair shop. With extreme weather becoming more common, it's advisable for car owners in southern regions to get vehicle damage insurance—it ensures you won't suffer a total loss in case of flooding. Always pay attention to the insurance terms; some older car models require additional water damage coverage, which is particularly important to note.
