Does Your Car Insurance Policy Cover Flood Damages?

All about Flood Damage and Its Impact

Your flood damage coverage depends upon the type of car insurance plan you have purchased. If you have comprehensive coverage, which is an optional cover, then only the flood damage is covered in your car insurance policy. However, if you have a third-party insurance policy, you will not receive any financial protection against the flood damages caused to your insured car.

A comprehensive car insurance policy covers all kinds of damages to your insured car by natural calamities such as cyclones, tides, floods, tsunamis, etc. Moreover, it covers damages sustained by vehicles due to fire, accidents, theft, and man-made calamities.

A comprehensive insurance policy is always ideal if you reside in a flood-prone area. A single hit by the flood can severely damage your vehicle, and thus, it will lead to a reduction in its value. In the worst-case scenario, it can turn into a total loss situation where the damages are beyond repair. If you own a comprehensive car insurance policy, you might save considerably during such unforeseen instances.

Types of Flood Damages to the Motor Vehicle

Here is a list of damages caused to the car due to the flood-

1. Engine Damage - The engine is the soul of any machinery. The water oozing into the car's engine during the monsoon season or flood can damage it partially or totally.
2. Electrical Damage - A single drop of water can cause a short circuit in the electrical components in the car. Sometimes, the warning lights on the dashboard start to malfunction.
3. Upholstery Damage - In many cases, the car's interiors, including the car seats, carpet, and other furnishings, can be damaged due to the dampness caused by the water ingress.
4. Gearbox Damage - The water ingress in the gearbox can damage the interior of a car, further causing malfunction while performing any task.

Does Car Insurance Cover Flood Damage?

Yes, your comprehensive car insurance policy covers flood damage. Therefore, it is essential to get adequate car insurance for flood damages. Comprehensive car insurance is the best way to get compensated for flood damages or total loss situations.

Moreover, you can enhance the basic coverage by including add-on covers. Some common types of add-on cover you can buy with your comprehensive car insurance policy are engine protection cover, consumables cover, zero depreciation cover, etc. You can also visit the official website of Policybazaar Insurance Brokers Private Limited to purchase car insurance online, along with suitable add-on covers.

Best Car Insurance Add-ons for the Flood Damages

Investing in a comprehensive car insurance policy is better to protect your vehicle from unforeseen damages, especially flood damage. However, to enhance the coverage of damages or losses caused due to floods, you must include suitable add-on covers with your insurance plan.

Here is a list of add-on covers that you must consider to strengthen your policy-

1. Engine Protection Add-on Cover

   Your comprehensive car insurance policy does not compensate for the damages caused to the car engine. You will get financial coverage for damaged engine parts if you obtain the engine protection cover.

   You may also read - Benefits of Engine Protection Cover in Car Insurance Policy

2. Consumables Cover

   You get compensation to replace consumables such as gearbox, engine oil, lubricants, nuts & bolts, grease, etc. Not all these items are covered in your basic car insurance policy. Therefore, you are protected against the expenses incurred on consumables during flood damage.

3. Roadside Assistance Cover

   In the monsoon season, the roadside assistance cover is essential to provide 24X7 emergency roadside assistance, including towing services or fuel assistance, if you are stuck due to rain or flood.

   You may also read - How Can We Use Roadside Assistance Cover in Car Insurance?

4. Zero Depreciation Cover

   With time, the value of your car and its parts depreciate due to regular wear and tear. At the time of claim settlement, your insurer does not pay the entire vehicle value. However, depreciation is not considered if you have this add-on cover, and you will receive the total value.

Safety Measures to Follow While Driving Car in a Submerged Area

If your car is submerged in water or you are driving through a flooded area, here are some safety tips you can follow-

• Avoid starting the car by push starting if your vehicle is submerged in water. You should disconnect the battery and tow the car to a workshop.
• Drive the car in lower gears and try to maintain your speed in it.
• Test your brakes before leaving the house and after leaving the flooded area.
• Avoid attempting to start the car even if the water level receded.

Final Thoughts

As a car owner, you must buy car insurance online as you will get several benefits at one stop. In addition, you should have a comprehensive car insurance policy to cover the damages or losses incurred due to the floods. You can also buy essential additional covers such as engine protection cover and roadside assistance cover to get extended coverage.