Will the insurance company compensate if the vehicle is flooded?
4 Answers
Vehicle flooded by water is covered by insurance. There are three types of claims for vehicles flooded by water, and the specific details are as follows: With auto damage insurance: If the vehicle is flooded while parked, the insurance company will fully compensate for the repair costs. Stalled and flooded while driving: If the vehicle has water ingress insurance, the insurance company will be responsible for compensation; without water ingress insurance, only parts other than the engine will be compensated. Vehicle flooded by water: If the engine is damaged due to forced starting, the insurance will not compensate. When the vehicle is flooded, the first thing to do is to take photos to preserve evidence, then promptly call the insurance company to report the incident and apply for compensation.
Last summer, my car was parked in the garage and got flooded, with water rising above the hood. I was so scared that I was trembling. I immediately contacted the insurance company, and they asked if my auto damage insurance included the additional water submersion coverage. Since I had opted for comprehensive insurance when I purchased the policy, an assessor came soon after. After inspection, they confirmed that the water ingress was caused by a natural disaster. The repair costs amounted to several thousand dollars, all covered by the insurance. The key is to avoid parking in low-lying areas during heavy rain, and never start the engine if water has entered the vehicle. Take photos and report to the police to keep evidence. The insurance company processed the claim fairly quickly, but the prerequisite is having the right coverage in place. After every rainy season, I remind my neighbors to check their insurance policies to avoid unexpected expenses and unnecessary trouble.
During the busy season at the repair shop, we've encountered many flood-damaged vehicles, mostly with water in the engine or short circuits in the electrical system. Insurance companies will investigate the cause. If it's purely a natural disaster, the vehicle damage insurance can cover it. However, if the owner starts the engine after water ingress, it's considered man-made damage. It's best not to move the vehicle during repairs and wait for the tow truck. The cost depends on the extent of the damage, such as engine repairs being more expensive, which insurance can reimburse. It's recommended to purchase flood damage additional insurance, and be extra cautious during regular use—don't skimp on this small expense. If you discover flooding, take photos immediately and avoid tampering with the vehicle yourself.
When I bought a new car, my friend said the risk of flood damage is high, and auto damage insurance usually covers natural disasters. If the car gets flooded, don't touch the steering wheel, just take a few photos and call to file a claim. If the insurance company handles it quickly, you won't have to pay for repairs. If you live in a flood-prone area, adding water damage insurance is even safer. It saves a lot of hassle on repair costs.
