Many parts of the country have been witnessing heavy rainfall leading to flooding, water logging, flash floods and land slides. These floods and water logging are 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.
A Standard Comprehensive Vehicle Insurance Policy covers damages caused due to fire, flood and theft.
Insurance Companies tend to reject your Claim for Flood damaged vehicle incase of damage due to "Driver's Intentional Action".
What is damage due to Driver's intentional action? "Intentional action means that the damage has been caused due to the Driver’s action which should not have been done at that time"
Scenario 1: If your car has been flooded in your parking area for example, you inform the Insurance company and directly tow it to the nearest service center or garage, then there is no problem and no damage due to Intentional Action.
Scenario 2: If your car has been flooded in your parking area, you inform the Insurance company and try to start the engine, instead of starting, your car's 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”.
In Scenario 1, the Insurance Co. cannot reject your claim on any basis since there is no damage due to "Intentional Action". In Scenario 2, the Insurance Co. can reject your claim since there is an engine damage due to "Driver's Intentional Action".
Do's and Don'ts Immediately call the Insurance customer care and tow the vehicle to the nearest garage or service center. Do not try to start your car either by Ignition or push start. Do click on site pictures and video's of the submerged vehicle to show the extent of damage to Insurance Co. Disconnect the Battery which will avoid further damage to your Electrical and Electronic parts.