The weather can be very unpredictable. Sometimes, there are bright, sunny skies, but other times, wind and precipitation can wreak havoc. Intense weather, especially flooding, poses significant risks to vehicles, leading to engine problems, shorted electrical systems, and interior damage.
So what do you do if your car gets damaged by flooding? Does car insurance cover flood damage? Your car insurance may be able to help, especially if you have comprehensive coverage. In this guide, you’ll learn more about flood damage coverage details, exclusions, and other factors to consider if your car is damaged by high water.
How Comprehensive Coverage Protects Against Flood Damage
The main type of flood damage car insurance is comprehensive coverage. What is comprehensive car insurance?
Comprehensive insurance is for damage to your vehicle from events other than collisions, such as theft, fire, and weather damage. It’s optional, but many drivers purchase both collision and comprehensive insurance for extra financial protection on their vehicles. Collision coverage is for damage to your vehicle from collisions, so together these two options cover most forms of vehicle damage.
So does this car insurance cover water damage? Comprehensive car insurance will generally cover water damage from extreme weather, including flooding. If you’re worried about storms and comprehensive car insurance is not part of your current policy, now is the right time to add it.
Flood Damage vs. Negligence: What’s Covered?
While comprehensive insurance will generally cover water damage, there are some exceptions. Generally, if your negligence contributed to the vehicle damage, your insurer may deny your claim.
For example, say you leave all your car windows down right before a major storm. Lots of water gets into the vehicle, damaging the electrical system and upholstery. In that situation, because you did not close your windows, your insurance company probably would not cover the water damage.
Similarly, if you park in a known flood zone or intentionally drive through flooded streets, that negligence may negate your flood insurance policies.
Common Flood Damage Scenarios and How Insurance Applies
A common example of flood damage to a vehicle is parking your car in what seems like a safe place, only for it to later be submerged by rising floodwaters. In that case, your comprehensive insurance provider would likely pay to repair or replace your vehicle due to the flood damage.
If excessive rain means water soaks your car’s interior, your comprehensive coverage would also likely kick in. Your insurer would pay to replace the upholstery and repair any other interior damage from the floodwater.
What To Do Immediately After Flood Damage
When your car has suffered flood damage, it’s important to act as quickly as possible. Do not attempt to start the engine, as this may only damage the vehicle further. Disconnect the battery if it’s safe to do so, and try to remove as much water from the interior as possible using towels or a wet-dry vacuum.
Contact your insurer to make a claim against your policy. If you can, take photos of all the visible damage to your vehicle to help support your claim.
While you’re waiting for a damage assessment, don’t take any steps to try to fix the vehicle further. It’s important for your insurance provider to know the extent of the damage the flood caused.
The Importance of Comprehensive Coverage Before a Weather Event
Car insurance only covers events that occur after your policy's start date. That’s why it’s so important to have comprehensive coverage in place before an adverse weather event like a flood occurs.
Say you purchase comprehensive car insurance that begins on September 1st. If a natural disaster happens on September 2nd and heavy rains cause water damage to your vehicle, you can file a claim against your auto policy. Your insurance company will likely pay to repair or replace your flood-damaged vehicle due to your comprehensive coverage.
However, if your coverage starts on September 1st and your vehicle is damaged in a flood before then, you won’t be able to file an insurance claim. You’ll be responsible for the cost of repairs yourself because your comprehensive coverage hasn’t kicked in yet.
Other Coverage Options Related to Flood Damage
Comprehensive coverage isn’t the only useful car insurance for flood damage. If your car is totaled in the storm and you owe more on your car loan than your comprehensive policy limits, gap insurance will pay the difference. Rental car reimbursement may also be useful in the aftermath of flood damage so you don’t have to worry about the cost of renting a vehicle while yours undergoes repairs.
Consulting Your Insurance Provider for Clarity
If you have any doubts about what your car insurance policy covers or does not cover, the best way to get answers is to contact your insurance provider. Your insurer will review your policy and clarify whether you have coverage for certain events like flooding. It’s better to reach out now and get clarification than to misunderstand your coverage and end up in a sticky situation after something happens to your vehicle.
Get a Customized Car Insurance Quote Today
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