Car Insurance Claim: You can get information here about whether you will get insurance money for the car that got washed away in water during heavy rains or floods in the monsoon season.
Car Insurance: The rainy season is going on in India and the heavy monsoon rains have covered most of the areas of the country. From north to south and from east to west, there are reports of waterlogging in many states of India. For many days, videos and photos are coming out continuously in which sometimes a motorcycle has been washed away or a car has drowned in water.
In such a situation, if you have a vehicle and you have a question in your mind that how much insurance money will be available on a car or motorcycle that got washed away in water during rain-flood, then you can get information about it here.
Which type of auto insurance will cover your loss?
Only those motor insurances that have comprehensive coverage have the option to cover the loss caused by natural disaster. In comprehensive cover also, the cover through natural calamities is optional, so you should check the documents thoroughly before taking it. Comprehensive insurance policy provides comprehensive cover for man-made disaster and accident in addition to natural disasters like flood, fire, earthquake, cyclone. Remember that third party car insurance policy does not cover damages caused by flood or submersion.
Some conditions of Comprehensive Car Insurance Policy
Comprehensive car insurance policy covers damage caused by flood or submersion but it is important to know the conditions related to engine condition getting deteriorated. The coverage of Comprehensive Car Insurance Policy also depends on the age of the car because the insurance company includes depreciation in the cost. Apart from this, only 50 percent of the cost incurred in repairing damage to rubber or plastic parts is covered.
Possible damage to the car in flood/waterlogging
- Engine damage: Getting stuck in rainwater or a swollen river can cause water to enter the engine and the car may stop.
- Gearbox damage: If water enters the gearbox, this unit may get damaged.
- Electric or electronic damage: In case of water entering the car, the electronic parts of the car may get damaged. For example, the lights giving warning signals on the dashboard or the speedometer or indicators may get damaged.
- Accessories or internal damage in the car: Things like the car’s carpet, seats, cushions, interior or seat covers will come under internal damage.
Take add-ons like engine protection cover and zero depreciation
If add-ons like engine protection cover and zero depreciation are taken with a comprehensive insurance policy, then if water enters the engine during rain, then that can also be covered. Otherwise, in such a situation, the cost of repairing the engine can be up to Rs 1 lakh.
Steps to claim motor insurance in case of drowning or flooding
Immediately inform the insurance provider, also inform the car company. Use whichever mode is the fastest – online or offline.
If the car drowns or gets washed away, collect evidence of its damage like make a video or take photos.
Collect all the documents like car registration certificate (RC), driving license (DL) of the car owner-driver, soft copy of policy document and photo-video or paper proof of damage to the car.
What immediate action should be taken if the vehicle is submerged in water?
If the car gets stuck in water and stops working, do not start the engine/ignition. Also avoid trying to start it by pushing it. There is a risk of water entering the engine and damaging it if you do so.
Remove the battery of the car so that water does not reach the electric parts and components.
Check the brakes of the car because sometimes when the car gets stuck in water, water enters the brake disc, brake pad or brake line and the brakes can get damaged or spoilt.
Car safety tips for people living in places with high water
Park your car at a higher place. Avoid parking in basements during rains.
Always check if the car windows are properly closed so that no drop of water can enter.
If possible, disconnect the battery so that even if water enters the bonnet, it does not damage the electric components through the engine bay.
