Due to continuous rains in many parts of the country, there is waterlogging and flood like situation. In such weather, the risk of damage to a car stuck on the road increases significantly. From the car drowning in water to being swept away by the strong current, the biggest question that vehicle owners face is whether the insurance company will pay for the loss. The answer depends on your insurance policy and the condition of the loss. Let us understand in simple language when a claim can be made if a car gets damaged or washed away in a flood.
If you have only third-party insurance, you will not get flood claim.
If you only have third-party insurance on your car, this policy generally does not cover damage caused to your car due to flood, waterlogging or natural calamity. Third-party cover is primarily for damage caused to another person or his property in an accident. You may need a different type of cover to cover flood damage to your car.
Cover can be found in comprehensive policy
If you have a comprehensive motor insurance policy, you can get a claim for damage caused to the vehicle due to floods, storms and other natural calamities as per the policy terms. If the car is submerged in water, gets damaged due to flood or is swept away by strong currents, the insurance company can settle the claim after assessing the loss. However, the amount paid and the coverage will depend on the policy terms, condition of the vehicle and the applicable IDV.
Why is engine protection cover necessary?
The most expensive damage caused by a flood can be to the car's engine. Once water reaches the engine, serious engine damage can occur.
In such cases, the basic comprehensive policy does not necessarily cover all engine related damages. Engine Protection Add-on can provide additional protection in such a situation.
Therefore, in areas where there is a high risk of heavy rains and waterlogging, it may be useful to understand the terms of this add-on while taking the policy.
These add-ons may also be useful
Zero Depreciation Cover: The amount received by deducting depreciation of parts may be better in eligible claims.
Consumables Cover: Expenses for engine oil, gear oil, brake fluid and other consumables may be covered as per the policy terms.
Roadside Assistance: Towing and other assistance can be provided if the car gets stuck on the road due to waterlogging or other reasons, if this facility is included in your policy.
Keep in mind that every add-on has its own terms and conditions. Therefore, please check the policy document before making a claim.
Don't make this mistake if your car gets stuck in a flood.
If the car engine has stopped after getting stuck in water, do not try to start it again. Repeatedly starting the engine or starting the engine can cause water to enter the engine and increase the damage. In such a situation, the insurance company will investigate the cause and circumstances of the damage, so it is safer to seek assistance rather than driving the car or starting the engine yourself.
What happens if the car gets swept away in a flood?
If the car is washed away in strong currents and the vehicle is not found even after a lot of search, then it can be considered as a total loss or in the related category as per the policy terms. In such a situation, the claim is settled after the police report, documents related to non-finding of the vehicle and investigation by the insurance company. If eligible, payment may be based on the Insured Declared Value (IDV) and other terms and conditions applicable to the policy.
Therefore, it is not correct to assume that in every case the complete IDV will be available immediately without investigation.
What to do immediately if the car sinks?
If your car is stuck or submerged in flood water, take these steps:
Do not try to start the car.
Take photos and video of the vehicle's condition from a safe place.
Inform the insurance company about the incident as soon as possible.
Instead of driving the car yourself, take the help of a tow truck if needed.
Send the vehicle to an authorized service center or network workshop specified by the insurance company.
Keep the police report, policy documents and important documents related to the vehicle safe.
Follow the instructions of the insurance company to avoid increasing losses.
Finally the most important thing
Whether a claim will be granted in case of damage to the car in flood is not decided merely by whether the car was submerged in water or washed away. Your policy type, coverage, add-ons, cause of loss and policy terms are all important.
Therefore, those who drive cars during monsoon must read their insurance policy once. And if the car gets stuck in water, remember the most important rule—do not start the engine again and contact the insurance company immediately.