Does Your Car Insurance Protect Against Flood Damage?

Many cities in India experience substantial rainfall and flash floods on a yearly basis. Although flooding is typically associated with the loss of property, it is also capable of causing considerable damage to vehicles. If your vehicle is damaged by flooding, you should get in touch with your insurance company to determine whether or not they would cover the cost of repairing it. Let's take a look at the things you need to know about flood insurance for your car, comprehensive car insurance benefits, and how to file a car insurance claim in the event of flood damage.

 

Does Car Insurance Cover Flood Damage? 

The coverage for flood damage depends on the type of car insurance policy you have selected. If you have opted for a Comprehensive Car Policy, you will be protected against flood-caused damage or loss to your vehicle.

 

The extent of coverage for flood damage may vary depending on the specific details of your policy, so it's important to review the policy documents or consult with your insurance provider for detailed information.

 

What Are the Types of Flood Damage?

The seriousness of the damage caused by rainfall is only evident when you take your vehicle to the mechanic. When they give the list of repairs, the resulting financial load might be overwhelming. Let's look at the types of damages that may happen to your car by flood:

 

• Engine damage: When water enters the car engine, it can result in partial or entire damage to the internal parts of the car.

• Gearbox damage: When water enters the gearbox, it might cause the equipment to malfunction or become completely unusable.

• Electronic functions: When water infiltrates the car during a flood, it may lead to short circuits in electronics and the potential failure of dashboard warning lights.

• Upholstery damage: The interiors can be ruined as a result of water invasion. This includes carpeting, seats, and other soft furnishings.

 

Which Car Insurance Policies Cover Flood Damage?

As discussed earlier, Comprehensive Car Insurance offers flood-related coverage. Natural disasters, such as earthquakes and floods, can happen at any time and are difficult to predict. That is why, if you live in an area that is at risk for flooding, you should have adequate car insurance coverage.

 

Car Insurance Coverages for Flood Related Damage

Let's take a look at the various types of car insurance claims for a flood:

• Engine Protection Coverage: The car engine gets damaged due to inactivity or flood water infiltration. Comprehensive insurance does not cover engine damage; however, this provides financial coverage for engine repairs or replacements

• Return to Invoice Cover (Applicable to new vehicles only): If your car is damaged and cannot be repaired due to floods or theft, you can claim the purchase price or the car's invoice value, which includes registration and road tax.This is only applicable for fresh policy.

• Zero Depreciation Coverage: Car parts naturally deteriorate over time due to wear and tear, leading to a decrease in the vehicle's value, known as depreciation. When filing a claim, standard insurance covers the depreciated value of damaged parts. However, with Zero Depreciation Coverage, the insurance pays the full amount for repairs without factoring in depreciation, ensuring the total cost of car repairs is covered.

• Key Replacement Cover: Modern car keys are complex and costly to fix or replace. If your car key or lockset is damaged due to floods, this coverage will cover the cost of replacing or repairing the lockset.

• Consumables Cover: The base plan does not cover the expense of replacing consumable items like lubricants, gearbox and engine oil, nuts and bolts, grease, and so on. However, with this add-on, you are covered for consumable expenses incurred following an accident or natural disaster, such as flooding.

• Roadside Assistance Coverage: You get 24x7 emergency roadside assistance, including towing, if your car is stuck due to flooding. You also get other benefits like fuel refills, minor repairs, flat tyre service, etc.

 

What Are the Steps to Claim Car Flood Insurance?

If you have comprehensive car insurance online, you should follow these particular steps to file a car claim for flood damage in India:

• The first step is to inform the insurance company about the damage by contacting their support numbers or visiting their website.

• Then, the insurance company will ask you what type of damage your car has. They will also ask for images and videos of your damaged car.

• Aside from that, you must gather all required documents, such as the VIN, policy information, RC, driver's license, and so on.

• Make sure you provide all relevant paperwork and information to your insurance company's webpage if you are filing a claim on the website.

• After filing the claim, the insurance company will contact you to discuss a procedure for providing timely compensation.

 

Conclusion

There are multiple reasons that could contribute to harsh monsoons. Additionally, inadequate drainage systems may lead to flooding. To safeguard your vehicle from monsoon-related harm, it's advisable to have a comprehensive car flood insurance policy. These policies will protect you financially in case your car gets damaged due to floods.

 

FAQs 

1. Does regular car insurance cover flood damage?

No, basic car insurance (similar to third-party) typically excludes flood damage. You'll need comprehensive car insurance for flood coverage.

 

2. What types of flood damage does comprehensive insurance cover?

Comprehensive insurance covers flood damage to your car's engine, gearbox, electronics, upholstery, and more.

 

3. How do I file a car insurance claim for flood damage?

1. Contact your insurance company immediately. 

2. Provide photos and videos of the damage. 

3. Gather documents like VIN, policy details, RC, and driver's license. 

4. Submit the claim online or through their website. 

 

4. What should I avoid doing if my car is flood-damaged?

• Don't start the engine or ignition. 

• Remove the battery and tow your car to a garage. 

• Avoid starting the car after draining floodwater. 

• Get your brakes checked for water damage.