Flood Cover in Car Insurance. What to Do if Car Submerged in Water
29 January 2023 by Gagan Modi
Do you have a Car which is partially Submerged in Water or got Impacted due to Floods. FAQs on Insurance Cover
Insurance Cover due to Flood, Water Submerge
With the recent heavy water logging and Floods like Situation in Mumbai, Chennai, Uttarakhand, Gujarat, Assam, Kashmir and heavy rainfall expected in most other cities in India. Know how can you protect your car against cases where Vehicle is Partially to Fully Submerged in Water by reading top 5 FAQ's on Car Insurance Claims in Flood or Car Driven in Heavy Water Logged Areas :-
Q. Is Damage of Car due to Flood or Water Submerging a Part of Car Insurance Policy ?
A. Yes - the Cover is there. But cover will tend to be void - if Driver attempts to crank or continue driving the vehicle, in case of water entering in engine
In such a case it will likely cause in HydroStatic Lock to Engine. Hydro Static lock is a condition in which engine is running and water enters in engine causing damage to Piston, Crankshaft, Bearings.
You should not attempt to turn on Ignition at all. Though car may look okay from outside - but the Water if enter in Engine causing Serious damage on attempt on turning on Ignition. Its best to call up Insurance Company or Dealer Towing Van and get car Towed to Dealer Workplace for necessary inspection and Repairs
Important on Engine Protector Cover - Some Companies Offers Engine Protector Cover (as Optional add on Cover - over and above Zero Dep Policy Cover) to cover Engine Failure due to reasons attributing to Engine Oil Leakage or Hydro Static Lock Condition of Water Ingress in Engine Components. So - if that Engine Protector cover is not taken or availed with your Policy - you can prehand ask for such additional cover at time of Renewal or Endorsement for additional safety for your car.
Q. In Floods - if damage happens to Seats, Seat Covers, Music System and Other Components
A. If damage has happended due to floods, and condition turns out to be beyond usage - in that case as per Policy terms & conditions - claim would be payable after deducting depreciation. However - for Items like Seat Covers or Music System and Accessories - if not part of Standard Manufacturer Fitment and no additional add on cover is taken - will not be covered as part of claim settlement process.
Q. What if Tyres, Tubes, Battery, Rubber Parts of Car damaged due to Flood
A. In case of Zero Depreciation Policy - no depreciation will be deducted, in case of comprehensive policy without Zero Dep Cover - 50% Depreciation would be deducted. Its to be noted that Claim will be permissible to be paid only if its assessed that damage has occurred due to Floods
Q. What Extra Precaution be taken if Heavy Water Logging on Roads or Flood like Condition
A. You should avoid taking Car on Roads - in case of Heavy Water Loggin on roads.
- Try to Avoid Park Car in Underground Basements, Rather Park on Higher Levels
- Even Using Jack and Raise the Car and get it Supported with Blocks
Most Important : In case you are driving Car and its raining heavily - its best to park car. In case, unable to do so and still to drive vehicle then ensure that the car is only been Driven in 1st Gear with Higher RPM so that water do not enter through the exhaust system.
As Standard, if the Car Parked and Water Levels were high Enough to reach in point of submerging Car Tyres fully then the best advice is to Get the Car Towed through RoadSide Assistance and not to try taking a risk of turning Ignition on or Starting Car on own.
Even if by chance or mistake - you attempted to turn on Ignition even once then it can possibly lead to water entering in Engine causing in damage in form of Dent to Engine Connecting Rod and even worse may cause in Hydrostatic Lock.
In Rare Case - if you in the car and parked and due to heavy rains the water levels are high enough to reach to door. Do not try to open car door or turn on Electrical System. It can possibly malfunction in Electrical of car and also if door is opened - water will come with force inside the vehicle making it further troublesome. Also - Ensure that, before you enter in such a situation - open side window a bit to have Fresh Air flowing in both sides.
Q. In What way Can Floods can Damage Car
Been Sea Water is salty and is potentially hazardous for car, Floods can damage one to Many - Starter, Alternator, Battery, Electrical System, Wiring Harness, Filters, Clutch, Brakes, Sensors, Motor and Worse Car Engine or Transmission Failure - making the car Stall in beyond repairs
If car submerged in Water - There's high Probability of Car Electrical Wiring and Harness been wet due to same, including no sparks or sensors been impacted or water in cylinders - causing Ignition Issue.
Though same can be resolved by dried up and cleaning - but there would always be likely possibility of corrosion of car electrical systems - which will further crop up multiple issues in the car in future.
Know More -
» Essential Repairs for Flood Impacted Cars
» Car Helpline Contact Numbers
Q. Will my Claim be Settled - if Car does not Start in Due to Water Logging or Floods
A. Yes - but if you have attempted to turn on Ignition once - do not make a second attempt at all to crank ignition - even in worst case too. Best you shoiuld do is Call up Road Side Assistance to get Car Towed to Dealer for carrying out necessary repairs and lodge a claim with Insurance company.
In case of continuous or repeated attempts of cranking Car Engine - it will likely cause in Hydro Static Lock - causing huge repair bills in Several Lakhs - and same would not be payable by Insurance company on grounds of Consequential Loss
Considering Flood Prone Areas - Assam & Manipur in North East, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, TamilNadu, West Bengal, Orissa, Telangana, Kerala - its Important to be known about Protecting Second Most Precious Asset i.e. Car from Natural Flood Calamity.
Steps for Repairing in Car Drowned under Flood
Get Car Towed to Workshop and do not turn on Car Ignition.
Inspect in Engine Oil, Gear Oil, Air Filter as the First thing. With almost excessive Probability of Water Entering in Engine. Get the following work done
Draining in Engine Oil Twice
» Drain in the Existing Engine Oil
» Replace in Engine Oil and Oil Filter: You may used Economical Grade Engine Oil
» Jack the car front wheels, shift gear to 5th and slightly rotate the wheels allowing valves to operate. This process enable oil circulation and mix with the left out water inside the engine, do it continuously for 15 minutes, then drain engine oil again,
» Now again fill fresh Engine oil and replace in Oil Filter
Fluid Replacement and Clean Up of Vehicle
» Replace in Brake Fluid and Gear Transmission Oil Replacement
» Get Air Filter Replaced. Also - Check for Coolant Levels and replace in Coolant
» There is high Probability of Water in Fuel Tank leading to Contamination. Best to Drain out Fuel Completely and replace in Fuel Filter
» Check Radiator area for Mud or Dirt as stocked to it. Get the Radiator Cleaned up. Add on Clean Spark Plug, Starter Motor
» Get Lubrication Done for Door Hinges, Locks, Suspension Components - as the consumables might have washed in Floods
» Blow in Air to Dry up all Electrical Connections, Fuse Box, Coupler Connections, Engine Compartment
For Car like Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai, Toyota - work would cost in approx Rs 6000 - 7000 for Petrol and Rs 9000 - 10000 for Diesel Cars. For Premium Manufacturers - expect 30% to 40% higher service bill
Even after that - one may experience in Slight Niggles / Noise -
» Steering not Working apt - Check in Power Steering Fluid
» Noise from Brakes. Likely Brake Pads are Wet. Need Brake Bleed
» Car not Starting - Electrical Wiring needs to be completely Dried up
but would be the best way to save the heart of car i.e. Engine from any unexpected loss.
Add on Accessories: If damage has happened due to floods, and condition turns out to be beyond usage - in that case as per Policy terms & conditions - claim would be payable after deducting depreciation. However - for Items like Seat Covers or Music System and Accessories - if not part of Standard Manufacturer Fitment and no additional add on cover is taken - will not be covered as part of claim settlement process.