Does flood damage get covered by auto insurance?
In many places of India, flash floods and excessive rainfall occur annually. Flooding can seriously harm cars as well, even though the media typically focuses on the harm floods does to homes. You must get in touch with your insurer (ACKO in this example) to find out if they will pay for the cost of fixing any damage your automobile sustains from flooding. This is all the information you need to file a flood damage claim against your vehicle insurance.
Does flood damage get covered by auto insurance?
Depending on the insurance package you have chosen, your auto insurance may or may not cover flood damage. Unlike third-party insurance, which is required, comprehensive coverage is optional and only covers flood damage. The Comprehensive Car Insurance Policy pays for damage to your vehicle brought on by earthquakes, cyclones, floods, and other natural disasters. It also includes coverage for losses brought on by theft, fire, accidents, and natural disasters.
It’s wise to think about the level of insurance coverage you need before you experience a disaster like flood damage. Flood damage can lead to serious problems and lower the car’s value. It may result in costly repairs or, in extreme circumstances, a complete loss (damaged beyond repair). Even while a comprehensive car insurance policy may cost more, it may wind up saving you a significant amount of money in the event of such unanticipated losses.
categories of harm from flooding
These are the primary kind of damages that a flood might inflict on your car.
Engine damage: The internal components of an engine may sustain partial or complete damage as a result of water leaking into the engine due to flooding.
Gearbox damage: If water seeps into the gearbox, it may malfunction or become totally unusable.
Damage to electronics and electricity: Water may harm electronics and electricity. It may result in an electrical or electronic short circuit, or the dashboard warning lights may stop working.
Upholstery damage: The moisture brought on by the water intrusion may cause harm to the interiors. The seats, carpet, and other soft furnishings are included in this.
Which auto insurance policies pay for flood damage?
It is crucial that you have the appropriate insurance coverage for your car in case of flood damage because flooding can happen suddenly. Thankfully, flood damage is covered by auto insurance. However, to do that, you must get a Comprehensive Insurance policy. This is your last chance to guarantee that floodwater-related damage or complete loss is covered.
If you reside in a region that has frequent flooding, you also need to choose Comprehensive Insurance. Comprehensive auto insurance is not a required component of your policy because it is an optional add-on. Rather, you ought to choose the plan. It is advised that you choose this plan in order to have more comprehensive insurance coverage, even if it is not required.
Financial protection against floods and other natural disasters is provided by comprehensive insurance, which also offers coverage against man-made disasters, theft, fire or explosion, and third-party liabilities.
To further expand the coverage of the standard plan, you can also add-on covers like the Engine Protection cover, Zero Depreciation cover, etc. These benefits, as well as the ability to renew your auto insurance online, are available to you through our web portal.
The best extras for auto insurance to guard against flood damage
For your car, especially in the event of flood damage, the Comprehensive Insurance Policy is the ideal insurance coverage. But since this is a base plan, it isn’t going to cover all losses or damages.
You can add different add-on covers in addition to Comprehensive Insurance to extend the base plan. Add-ons for auto insurance are supplementary coverages that offer monetary assistance for particular losses or damages sustained by your car.
Your Comprehensive Insurance does not cover damage to your engine or gearbox, but it does protect you against flood damage. To reinforce your insurance even more, you might want to think about adding any of the add-ons listed below.
Engine Protection Cover: Floodwater intrusion or idle time can cause harm to an automobile’s engine. Engine damage is not covered by comprehensive insurance; however, this add-on provides financial coverage for engine repair or replacement.
Protection Coverage for No Claim Bonus (NCB): You forfeit the NCB if you make a claim within the policy’s duration. But even in the event that you make a claim, the NCB Protection Cover maintains the discount. Even in the event that you file a claim, you will still be eligible for a 50% discount (assuming you do not file a claim for five years in a row).
Return to Invoice Coverage: Under the provisions of the policy, you are entitled to the purchase price or the car’s invoice value, which includes road tax, registration fees, and other costs, if flooding causes damage to your vehicle that cannot be repaired or if it is stolen.
Zero Depreciation Cover: As a result of wear and tear over time, automotive parts lose value. As a result, the car’s value drops. The insurer only pays the parts’ depreciated value—not their full value—when you file a claim. But with this add-on, the claim is settled without taking depreciation into account, so you get paid the full cost of the auto repairs.
Key Replacement Cover: Contemporary automobile keys are intricate and can be highly expensive to replace or repair. The add-on will pay for lockset replacement or repairs in the event that flooding damages your vehicle key or the lockset itself.
Consumables Coverage: The base plan does not pay for the replacement of consumables like grease, nuts and bolts, gearbox and engine oil, lubricants, etc. You are covered against costs for consumables following an accident or natural disaster, such flooding, with this add-on.
Roadside Assistance Coverage: If flooding leaves your automobile stranded, this add-on provides you with round-the-clock emergency roadside assistance, including towing services. In addition, you receive other benefits including minor repairs, flat tire servicing, and gasoline fill-ups.
How to file an insurance claim for a car damaged by flooding
The methods to file an insurance claim for an automobile damaged by flooding are listed below.
Step 1: Notify ACKO right away. To let us know about the damages to your automobile and to learn about the claim procedure, you can give us a call, send us a letter, or use our website or mobile app.
Step 2: Make an effort to compile as much proof as you can. Take photos or record videos of the wrecked vehicle.
Step 3: Obtain all necessary documentation, including the vehicle’s Registration Certificate (RC), the owner-driver’s Driver License (DL), the Policy Document (soft copy), and any documents related to the proof.
Step4: Register your flooded auto insurance claim by logging into your ACKO account via our mobile app or online, completing a few questions, and uploading a soft copy of the necessary paperwork.
Our support staff will get in contact with you and assist you in completing the claim settlement process.
Advice to follow in the event that your car gets flooded or immersed in water
Avoid turning on the ignition or attempting to push-start your car if it is submerged in water.
Once the battery is disconnected, tow the vehicle to the garage.
Even when the water has subsided, do not try to start the vehicle.
The functionality of your car’s brakes should be checked because water intrusion into the brake pads, discs, or lines might impair them.
How to repair cars damaged by flooding
Flash floods can happen without warning, and you might not even be aware of them at the time. There are instances when damage to your car during floods is unavoidable. To lessen the impact or prevent harm to your car, you can take some safety measures. Here are a few essential guidelines for repairing flood-damaged autos.
Place your car on a higher level: This will lessen the chance that water will get inside and damage the engine, mechanical, electrical, and interior components of your automobile.
Roll up the windows: Make sure all of the car’s windows are up. Water could seep into your car’s interior through any window crack. Your car’s electronics and upholstery are susceptible to harm from water.
Cut the battery: If it’s feasible, cut the battery to prevent unintentional short circuits in the event that water seeps into the engine compartment and ruins the electrical parts.