Does Your Car Insurance Policy Cover You Against Natural Calamities?
Yes, car insurance covers damages to your car caused by natural calamities, but only if you have a comprehensive policy.Read more
Which Natural Calamities Are Covered Under Car Insurance?
A comprehensive car insurance policy covers damages caused directly by the following natural disasters, as per policy terms & conditions:
| Natural Calamities |
Covered Under Comprehensive Car Insurance? |
| Floods and Waterlogging |
Yes |
| Cyclones |
Yes |
| Storms |
Yes |
| Earthquakes |
Yes |
| Landslides |
Yes |
| Hailstorms |
Yes |
| Lightning |
Yes |
| Rockfalls |
Yes |
What Flood-Related Damages are Covered Under Car Insurance?
Your comprehensive car insurance exclusively covers the following losses or damages to your car resulting from floods, heavy rainfall, and water ingress:
- Exterior and bodily damage
- Electrical and electronic system damage
- Interior & upholstery damage
- Mechanical components damage
Note: Engine damage by hydrostatic lock is not included in a standard comprehensive policy. To financially protect yourself against such losses, consider the engine protection add-on. Also, avoid starting the engine if your car is submerged in water, as this can worsen the damage by seizing the engine.
Benefits of a Car Insurance Policy During Natural Disasters
Opting for a comprehensive car insurance policy is an investment and will help you during the tough times. Some of the benefits associated with a comprehensive cover during natural disasters are mentioned below:
- Benefits of Cashless Claims: One of the biggest benefits of having car insurance during a natural disaster is to avail cashless claim benefits. If your car gets damaged by a cyclone, you can connect with your motor insurance company and ask for cashless claims. The insurer will arrange for towing your damaged car to the nearest garage and settle the bills.
- Provision of No Claim Bonus (NCB): You can avail the benefits of the No Claim Bonus if you have opted for a comprehensive car insurance policy. In this, you get a discount on your premium renewals if you do not have to raise any claims in the policy term. Moreover, you also get the provision to transfer your existing NCB with a new policy.
- Hassle-free Inspection: Another benefit of having an online comprehensive car insurance policy is the hassle-free inspection and claim process. Do not panic if your insured car gets damaged in a natural disaster. You can avail the benefits of hassle-free inspection with high-quality services if you have opted for a comprehensive plan.
Car Insurance Add-Ons to Consider if You Live in a Natural Disaster-Prone Area
Add-ons in car insurance are additional protection covers offered by the insurer for an extra car insurance premium.
Some of the most useful add-ons to opt for if you live in a natural disaster-prone area are:
- Engine Protection Add-on: It covers engine repair or replacement costs if water enters the engine and results in a hydrostatic lock.
- Zero Depreciation Cover: It ensures that depreciation is not deducted from the value of covered car parts at the time of claim, and you receive the complete claim amount, except for the compulsory deductible.
- Consumables Cover: This add-on covers the cost of small consumable items like engine oil, lubricants, nuts, bolts, screws, and washers that need replacement during accidental repairs.
- Roadside Assistance: It is a very helpful add-on under which the insurer provides emergency services in case of a breakdown. These include towing, battery jumpstart, tyre puncture repair, fuel refill, etc.
- NCB Protection: With this add-on cover, you can keep your accumulated No Claim Bonus (NCB) even if you make a claim, as per policy terms.
How to Raise a Car Insurance Claim for Damages Due to Natural Disasters?
Follow these steps to register a claim against your comprehensive car insurance for damages due to a natural calamity:
- Firstly, collect all the evidence in the form of photographs & videos of the damaged car from all the angles and published news articles regarding the occurrence of the natural disasters.
- Do not move your car from the place of the event and note down the timeline of the natural disaster, including the date and time when it happened in your area.
- Connect with your insurer and inform them about the damages caused to your car due to the natural disaster.
- Your insurer will designate a surveyor to inspect and evaluate the damages to your insured car. The surveyor will inspect the matter and submit the survey report to the insurer, after which your claim will be approved.
- The insurer will help you get your car towed to a garage for repair.
- Submit all the documents required as per the claim process to your insurer.
- Once your claim is approved, you can take your car to the garage for repairs.
- In case of a cashless claim settlement, the repair bill will be paid directly by your insurer.
- In case of a reimbursement claim, you will have to pay for the repairs from your pocket, submit the bill & receipts to your insurer, and you will receive the reimbursement amount after your insurer verifies all the documents.
Smart Tips to Protect Your Car During Natural Disasters
While your car insurance financially protects you in case of natural calamities, you should consider taking these preventive measures to reduce the risk of damage:
- Avoid parking in flood-prone areas.
- Always try parking in covered or elevated areas.
- Avoid driving through heavily waterlogged roads.
- Keep yourself updated with weather alerts during monsoon & cyclone seasons.
- Ensure a valid car insurance policy at all times.
- Consider opting for relevant add-ons for wider protection.
In a Nutshell
All comprehensive car insurance plans offer coverage against natural calamities. Nonetheless, you can enhance the coverage of a 4-wheeler insurance policy by purchasing relevant add-on covers available from the best car insurance companies in India. Do remember to follow the guidelines stated above to ensure that your motor insurer approves your car insurance claim.
