Northern India has been facing heavy rainfall leading to flooding, water logging, flash floods and land slides in most of its plains and hill stations. Recent continuous rainfall in Delhi, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh has led to flooding in several areas including posh localities and towns further damaging properties, cars and two wheelers. Cars and two wheelers damaged during floods can cause a huge loss to vehicle owners with expensive repairs. The repair costs can be recovered if the vehicle is covered under proper Insurance coverage.
A comprehensive vehicle Insurance policy covers all types of damages caused due to fire, flood and theft. The amount of reimbursement of the damage depends upon the depreciated value of the vehicle or the age of the vehicle. The normal comprehensive policy implies a 50% depreciation on all rubber and plastic parts which means that the Insurance company will only reimburse 50% of the total damage cost and the rest 50% will have to be borne by the Vehicle owner. However, a standalone Insurance policy may not cover all the damages.
A comprehensive Vehicle Insurance policy covers all the flood related damages but the Insurance companies can refuse to reimburse the damage cost if the damage is proven to be caused due to driver’s intentional action.
What is Driver’s Intentional Action:
Driver’s intentional action means that the damage has been caused due to the Driver’s action which should not have been done at that time. For example:
Scenario 1:
If your car has been flooded in your parking area, you inform the Insurance company and directly tow it to the nearest service center or garage, then there is no problem.
Scenario 2:
If your car has been flooded in your parking area, you inform the Insurance company and try to start the engine, then your engine will go into hydrostatic lock.
In Scenario 2, the Insurance will not cover the engine failure since it is a consequential damage due to an intentional action. The intentional action hereby is “you trying to start the engine of a flooded car”.
All the vehicle owners are hereby advised not to start their engines when stuck in a water-logged area or their vehicles being flooded. The moment you try to start your engine, the water enters the engine block and the engine gets locked and damaged. The owners are further advised to disconnect the battery of the vehicle and then tow the car to the nearest garage or service center. Doing so will also protect the damage to the electrical and electronic parts of the vehicle.
We would also advise the vehicle owners to click several photos and videos of the submerged vehicle on site. Keep them handy for submission to the Insurance company at the time of filing the Claim form to show them the extent of the damage.
Recommended Types of Insurance Covers
Many cities now a days are not ready for changing weather patterns, unplanned development and are unequipped with proper drainage systems. Such cities are also unprepared for extremely heavy rainfalls and storms.
Due to rising incidents of water logging and flooding resultant of unpredicted heavy downpours, individuals should opt for Standard Car Insurance policies along with add on covers such as Zero depreciation and engine protection cover. Such add-ons will be enough to protect you from unwanted expensive repair costs if you remember to avoid any damage due to intentional action.
Hope the above article will make an understanding on Insurance coverage for vehicles damaged due to water logging and flooding.
