Does Car Insurance Cover Flooding Damage?

Does Car Insurance Cover Flooding Damage?

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Photo by - Michale Sevy/Getty Images July 25, 2022 Rick Hoel is an international business attorney and legal and insurance writer for Bankrate as well as Reviews.com and Accessibility.com. Over the last several years, he has covered topics dealing with personal and commercial insurance and technology and the law. Rick is General Counsel and Director of Risk Management and sits on the Board of Power Stow Americas Inc., a subsidiary of Power Stow A/S in Denmark, the world leader in the supply of tracked conveyor systems to the airline industry. Angelica Leicht is an insurance editor on the Bankrate team. She is truly passionate about helping readers make well-informed decisions for their wallets, whether the goal is to find the right comprehensive auto policy or the best life insurance policy for their needs. Bankrate logo

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At Bankrate, we strive to help you make smarter financial decisions. To help readers understand how insurance affects their finances, we have licensed insurance professionals on staff who have spent a combined 47 years in the auto, home and life insurance industries. While we adhere to strict editorial integrity, this post may contain references to products from our partners. Here's an explanation of how we make money. Our content is backed by LLC, a licensed entity (NPN: 19966249). For more information, please see our Insurance Disclosure. Bankrate logo

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Coverage.com, LLC is a licensed insurance producer (NPN: 19966249). Coverage.com services are only available in . Coverage.com may not offer insurance coverage in all states or scenarios. All insurance products are governed by the terms in the applicable insurance policy, and all related decisions (such as approval for coverage, premiums, commissions and fees) and policy obligations are the sole responsibility of the underwriting insurer. The information on this site does not modify any insurance policy terms in any way. Flooding is the most common natural disaster in the United States, and when these types of disasters occur, they can have devastating results. For example, when a hurricane or flash flood hits, the flood waters can cause extensive damage and losses to homes and properties in the area. But while the flood damage that occurs to homes from these natural disasters can be extensive and extremely costly, so can other types of flood-related damages. Compare rates and save on auto insurance today! Get quotes Close X RatesRates keep going up in 2022. Compare rates and save on auto insurance today! Get quotes Close X This advertisement is powered by Coverage.com, LLC, a licensed insurance producer (NPN: 19966249) and a corporate affiliate of Bankrate. The offers and links that appear on this advertisement are from companies that compensate Coverage.com in different ways. The compensation received and other factors, such as your location, may impact what offers and links appear, and how, where and in what order they appear. While we seek to provide a wide range of offers, we do not include every product or service that may be available. Our goal is to keep information accurate and timely, but some information may not be current. Your actual offer from an advertiser may be different from the offer on this advertisement. All offers are subject to additional terms and conditions.

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Answer a few questions to see personalized rates from top carriers. Save on auto insurance with quotes from trusted providers like: Drivers switch & save an average of $750+/year Arrow Right Are you overpaying for auto insurance? Arrow Right Safe drivers choose Allstate Arrow Right Powered by Coverage.com (NPN: 19966249) Coverage.com, LLC is a licensed insurance producer (NPN: 19966249). Coverage.com services are only available in . Coverage.com may not offer insurance coverage in all states or scenarios. All insurance products are governed by the terms in the applicable insurance policy, and all related decisions (such as approval for coverage, premiums, commissions and fees) and policy obligations are the sole responsibility of the underwriting insurer. The information on this site does not modify any insurance policy terms in any way. See more providers in Choose from insurers in Show More RATE INCREASE ALERT

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Shop for a better rate before you renew your current policy. This advertisement is powered by Coverage.com, LLC, a licensed insurance producer (NPN: 19966249) and a corporate affiliate of Bankrate. The offers and links that appear on this advertisement are from companies that compensate Coverage.com in different ways. The compensation received and other factors, such as your location, may impact what offers and links appear, and how, where and in what order they appear. While we seek to provide a wide range of offers, we do not include every product or service that may be available. Our goal is to keep information accurate and timely, but some information may not be current. Your actual offer from an advertiser may be different from the offer on this advertisement. All offers are subject to additional terms and conditions.

Compare auto insurance rates

Answer a few questions to see personalized rates from top carriers. Save on auto insurance with quotes from trusted providers like: Drivers switch & save an average of $750+/year Arrow Right Are you overpaying for auto insurance? Arrow Right Safe drivers choose Allstate Arrow Right Powered by Coverage.com (NPN: 19966249) Coverage.com, LLC is a licensed insurance producer (NPN: 19966249). Coverage.com services are only available in . Coverage.com may not offer insurance coverage in all states or scenarios. All insurance products are governed by the terms in the applicable insurance policy, and all related decisions (such as approval for coverage, premiums, commissions and fees) and policy obligations are the sole responsibility of the underwriting insurer. The information on this site does not modify any insurance policy terms in any way. See more providers in Choose from insurers in Show More Take, for example, the damage that can occur to cars when a hurricane or flash flood hits. Water damage to vehicles is relatively common during floods, and can include both external and internal damage. For example, flood waters can cause mechanical issues, electrical damage, rust and mold spores, and may also leave a layer of moisture or residue in your vehicle, all of which can result in major issues or losses. The good news is that certain types of car insurance may cover flood damage related to your vehicle. Here’s what you should know.

What kind of insurance covers flooding

While there are two types of automobile insurance that cover damage to your vehicle, is the only protection that will cover flood damage to your car. Comprehensive coverage offers broad protection for most damage or loss caused to your vehicle by some factor other than a collision. In addition to flood damage, comprehensive insurance will pay for such things as repair or replacement costs if your car is stolen or vandalized or damaged from fire, hail, falling objects and even damage caused by animals. , on the other hand, is designed to protect you from financial loss arising from vehicle damage caused in a single or multi car accident. It is important to note that other types of policies, such as your homeowners insurance, do not typically provide coverage for flooding or other vehicle damage. Additionally, while almost every state requires minimum coverage to allow you to drive legally, this is usually just some type of liability coverage – making comprehensive coverage optional. However, often lenders or car lessors will require you to carry a certain level of comprehensive coverage until you have paid off your loan.

When does flooding cause damage

Flooding from any weather source can cause significant damage to a vehicle, with water having the ability to cause damage to your car’s engine, electrical system and most other mechanical components of your vehicle. Some insurance companies will attempt to work out a repair solution before declaring the vehicle is totaled. It is important to understand and discuss with your carrier the many other problems flooding can cause for vehicles that may not appear initially. For example, water infiltration can eventually lead to rust, corrosion, mold and other issues that may not appear for months, or even years.

When does insurance not cover flood damage

Many people attempt to save some money by purchasing the required by state law. Unfortunately, because these requirements only involve liability insurance, purchasing this type of coverage will not provide any protection from flooding. As mentioned, only comprehensive coverage will cover flooding damage. Even comprehensive coverage will not provide protection from flooding or simple water infiltration if the damage was caused by negligence on the part of the insured. For example, if water enters a vehicle through an open sun roof or window during a storm, the car insurer will certainly attempt to deny coverage. If successful, the insured party will need to pay for necessary repairs.

How do I file a claim after a flood

As with any claim, it is important to notify your car insurer as soon as you become aware of flood damage. You don’t need to have all of the details gathered or even understand the extent of damage to provide this initial notice. You can make this initial report by calling your insurance representative or, in many cases, online or with an app. You will be given a claim number. As soon as possible, gather all information that will document the vehicle damage. This will include photos and a timeline of the flooding that caused the damage. Submit this material to your auto insurer as it is gathered. At some point, an adjuster will be sent to assess the damage to the vehicle and based upon this appraisal and your input an offer will be made by the insurer. It is always wise to obtain your own assessment of the damage and cost of repair from your own automobile mechanic. Remember that you are under no obligation to accept the first insurance offer and you should feel comfortable making a counter proposal based upon your own assessment.

Frequently asked questions


How hard is it to repair a flood-damaged car
It is very difficult to repair a vehicle that has been damaged from serious flooding. After a car has been damaged by water, it’s common to have issues with mold, corrosion and even damage to the electrical systems, which can get worse over time. If an adjuster says your car can be repaired, the best way to go about it may be to ensure that the repair shop you choose is experienced with this type of damage, and you should make it clear that the damage is due to water before any repairs are completed.
Can your car be totaled from flood damage
Because insurance companies also realize the difficulties in repairing flooded vehicles, they may be more inclined to declare a flooded car totaled. This is particularly true if the vehicle was exposed to water that rose several inches or more and remained in the vehicle for a longer period. You should also raise this issue with your insurer and stress that most flooding damage likely will appear later.
Is it worth repairing a flooded car
It may be worth repairing a flooded car in some cases, but it likely won’t be worth repairing a car that has extensive flood damage. The first step in determining whether it’s a good idea to repair a flooded car is to understand the extent of the damage. If the water has damaged critical parts of the car, it may not be a good idea to try and repair the vehicle. For example, if you drive through high floodwaters and the water seeps into an engine through the vehicle air intake, the engine can hydrolock, which will likely ruin the engine beyond repair.
What damage and loss does car insurance not cover
Car insurance will not cover damage or loss that is caused by driver or owner negligence or intentional acts. Also, car insurance is not designed to cover normal wear and tear such as tire or brake wear. And remember that minimum levels of coverage required by state law only cover bodily injury or property damage you cause to others. These policies will not cover your own injuries or damage to your vehicle. SHARE: Rick Hoel is an international business attorney and legal and insurance writer for Bankrate as well as Reviews.com and Accessibility.com. Over the last several years, he has covered topics dealing with personal and commercial insurance and technology and the law. Rick is General Counsel and Director of Risk Management and sits on the Board of Power Stow Americas Inc., a subsidiary of Power Stow A/S in Denmark, the world leader in the supply of tracked conveyor systems to the airline industry. Angelica Leicht is an insurance editor on the Bankrate team. She is truly passionate about helping readers make well-informed decisions for their wallets, whether the goal is to find the right comprehensive auto policy or the best life insurance policy for their needs.

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