How to Claim Car Insurance for Flood Damage

The rainy season causes massive flooding in many places across the country. While the season brings comfort from the scorching heat of the summer, the flood that comes with it becomes a real problem. This is especially for metropolitan cities like Mumbai where waterlogging happens often. 

 

Failing to take effective measures to protect your vehicle against flood damage can cost you a fortune in car repairs. Hence, it is important to be aware of the different ways in which you can ensure your car is safe during monsoon floods and how you can claim insurance for flood damage. 

In a flood-like situation, commuting to work or travelling, in general, becomes a struggle. It is not uncommon to be stuck in your car for hours in traffic on water-logged streets when travelling to work or back home. It is also dangerous to be driving in such situations, for both you and your vehicle. In case your vehicle gets damaged due to floods, here are the steps you can follow to claim insurance for flood damage: 

 

1. As soon as you notice flood damage on your car, contact your insurance company and tell them about all the damages in detail and your location where the damage happened. 

2. Once your insurance claim has been registered, the insurance company will appoint a surveyor who will assess the damage to your car caused due to flooding. 

3. Once the surveyor submits their reports to the insurance company, they will give you a statement regarding the claim amount you are eligible for. 

4. You may also have to pay for a portion of the damages as co-pay. 

5. Once all details have been verified, your insurance claim will be processed and you will receive your payment. 

6. In case the insurance company has connections to network garages, your vehicle will be repaired at the garage free of cost or till the maximum cover on your insurance policy.

• Take a Different Route

If you are aware that certain routes on your daily commute usually get flooded during monsoon, it is best to always check for an alternative way that gets you to your destination. Doing so will not only keep you safe from being stranded on water-logged streets but also prevent your car from flood damage. You can use GPS-enabled maps to help you navigate and find alternate routes. 

• Assess the Depth of the Water-Logged Street

It is advisable to not attempt driving through standing water that is six inches deep, or moving water that is four inches deep. This is because the strength of the water can sweep the car away into deeper floodwater. Additionally, if water gets into the engine of your car, your car may break down in the middle of the flooded roads. 

• Be Cautious When Taking Over Other Vehicles

It is always a good idea to avoid crossing or taking over other drivers on water-logged streets. Doing so can stray you off your intended travel route, exposing your vehicle to unforeseen damage. You also run the risk of falling into potholes caused due to excessive rainfall. 

• Try to Drive Through the Elevated Part of the Road

Generally, the elevated part of any road will be in the middle. Roads are constructed in a way to let the rainwater drain off the sides. Hence, it is best if you can drive through the middle elevated section of the road during floods. It will raise the height of your car and keep the water from going into the car’s internals. 

• Keep your Car in First Gear and Speed Down

It is recommended that you drive slowly on water-logged streets. This is because when you hit the water at a higher speed, it can cause your car to aquaplane. Aquaplanes happen when the wheels lose traction and the driver loses control over the car. So, to avoid any unfortunate accidents during the monsoon, it is best to keep your car’s speed down. Make sure you are driving in first gear so your car does not stop at slow speeds. 

• Keep Revving Your Car 

In case you cannot avoid the flooded roads, experts recommend keeping the revs up. This can help to avoid water from entering the exhaust. You can accelerate your car up to 4-5mph, which will create a small wave, protecting your car’s engine from floodwater. 

• In Case You Stall

If you happen to stall during floods, try and start your car right away. The longer you wait, the deeper the water will enter the exhaust system. You do not want to be stuck in the middle of a waterlogged road with a dead car. 

• Dry Your Car Brakes

For people who have travelled through waterlogged streets, there is a high chance that your car brakes are wet from the water. To ensure that the brakes work properly, you must dry them. Moreover, drive slowly for a few miles on your next commute. Apply brakes lightly and often to heat them, as it helps the remaining water to evaporate.

• In Case Your Car Breaks Down

An important point to note is that pushing the car in a flooded situation does more harm than good. In fact, the moment you feel that your vehicle is flooded with water, turn off the engine. Lastly, climb out of your vehicle. Lock the doors, and find solid grounds to avoid any uncertainties. Once the water has receded, you can recover your car and bring it to a mechanic. 

• Review Car Insurance

If you live in an area prone to flooding, you should ensure that you are covered for natural calamities under your car insurance plan. If not, enquire about add-on covers that can provide this protection. In case you have only third-party liability covered, it would be worth buying a comprehensive car insurance plan for extended coverage.

With a comprehensive car insurance plan, your vehicle will be covered against losses or damages caused due to natural disasters such as floods, cyclones, and hailstorms. Typically, floods can cause two types of car damage:

 

1. Engine damage

2. Accessories damage

 

If your car is stuck in a water-logged area for a long time, engine damage can be complete or partial, depending on the duration for which the vehicle was submerged. When it comes to the full replacement of the car engine, it can cost you a ton of money. The expenses to repair the accessories damaged due to flooding can also be steep. A comprehensive insurance policy with protection against natural calamities can help you mitigate the majority of the costs incurred due to flood damage to your car. 

You might take all the preventive measures and still find yourself stuck in a difficult situation during floods. Therefore, it is advisable to buy comprehensive car insurance from a trusted provider. You can browse car insurance plans available on Bajaj Markets and benefit from features such as cashless claim settlements, 24x7 assistance, add-on covers, hassle-free renewals and much more.