Victoria Berezhetska Natural disasters pose risks not only to human life but also to personal property. While it is impossible to avoid the danger altogether or ensure that you will not be exposed to any risks, you can make the required arrangements to secure yourself and your assets. Severe weather conditions are no longer a myth, and going without insurance is no longer an option.
One of the most horrifying and common weather-related risks is flooding. It often accounts for massive destruction, loss of property, and life. Since most U.S. states are prone to fires or floods, people tend to take out appropriate coverage, especially when it comes to real estate or vehicles. For instance, getting appropriate auto insurance is a must to ensure that your auto flood claims are satisfied. And even though buying insurance online requires no extra effort, you need to consider shopping around. This way, you can review different insurance offers. Besides, requesting multiple insurance coverage quotes and using professional insurance comparison tools can help pick the appropriate policy.
How To Deal With A Water Damaged Car
Naturally, water is hazardous and causes extensive damage to the car. Apart from interior-related issues your car will likely face, engine performance is a far more significant matter. A car engine flooded with water will be compromised, resulting in substantial repair costs and even the need to replace your vehicle.
While it might seem obvious, floodwater is what drivers should avoid at all costs. Looks are often deceiving, and that also applies to floodwater. It is usually deeper than it seems; driving into it might be a fatal mistake.
In case you got caught in a flood while driving your car, here are the tips to stay safe:
- Leave the vehicle and get to the higher ground
- If you did not have a chance to get out of the car before it got swept into the water, try to stay calm, and assess the situation.
- If the car is submerged, start holding your breath once the car is filled with water, and then open the door, get out of the vehicle, and get back to the surface.
- If you are stranded on high ground or any object, stay there and wait for the rescue.
But what about the flooded car? The flood severity differs, and if you managed to stay safe and dry, attend to your vehicle if it is approachable. Here are the tips on dealing with post-flood car damages:
- Even if the car looks good, do not start the engine right away. As mentioned before, it might make things much worse and destroy some of the engine units.
- Start removing the residue water. The level of damage depends on the time the residue water remains in the interior.
- Ventilate the vehicle to help it dry faster and prevent mildew or specific odor. Dehumidifiers, fans, specific vacuum cleaners can come in handy in this case.
- Contact your insurance company or agent and make a claim. When it comes to floods, you need to be covered by the appropriate online auto insurance. Otherwise, you will have to deal with enormous bills.
Will Your Auto Insurance Cover The Flood-Related Damages?
When it comes to flood-related issues and damages, only comprehensive insurance can help you deal with the expenses. This policy can cover almost any accident except for a collision. In other words, your auto can get totaled, stolen, or damaged by falling objects, fire, or floods. In any case, the comprehensive policy has you covered. However, you should bear in mind that these policies have deductibles. It means that you need to meet your deductible, and only then your insurance policy will kick in. Apart from that, this policy cannot cover your medical expenses resulting from a natural disaster.
It is crucial to mention that if water damage is a result of negligence, like an open window during a thunderstorm or a blizzard, it will not be covered by this auto insurance.
If a heavy rain results in water damage, and your car has a slightly defective door or window sealing, it can be covered by the comprehensive policy. In any case, you need to prove that it is not a maintenance issue you were responsible for in the first place.
The Bottom Line
While many drivers choose to take out only liability coverage, you should remember that owning and driving a car only adds risks. And keeping yourself and your personal property safe is a number one task for any human being. You can only be one click or call away from upgrading your insurance policy or buying a new one.
Water damage is only one issue out of many you might face when owning an auto. To secure your financial health, pick your coverage wisely, and compare insurance quotes before making a final choice.
Victoria is a Senior Content Writer at American REIA. She helps customers find the right educational material through easily-digestible blog posts and buying guides backing their insurance coverage choice. Victoria covers the latest industry news and various insurance topics, including auto, home, health, and life insurance.
