As the rainy season unfolds across various regions, incidents of vehicles suffering damage due to waterlogging, flooding, and heavy rains become common.
Many car owners are concerned about whether their insurance covers such scenarios.
Here’s a comprehensive guide on what car insurance covers in case your vehicle drowns or gets washed away in the rain or flood.
Types of Car Insurance Coverage
Comprehensive Insurance Policy
A comprehensive insurance policy is highly recommended for protection against natural disasters, accidents, theft, and more.
It covers damages to your car caused by floods, rains, fire, theft, and other unforeseen events. This policy is optional but provides extensive coverage compared to other types.
Add-On Covers
Zero Depreciation Cover: Ensures that the insurer will cover the entire cost of repairs or replacement without factoring in depreciation.
Engine Protection Cover: Specifically covers damages to the engine caused by water ingress, which is typically not covered in a standard comprehensive policy.
Coverage Details
Damage Scenarios: Comprehensive insurance covers repair or replacement costs for damages to your car’s engine, electrical systems, and accessories due to waterlogging, floods, or heavy rains.
Cost Coverage: Repair costs can be substantial, sometimes exceeding Rs 1 lakh, especially if water enters the engine or damages the electrical systems.
Considerations When Choosing Insurance
Location-Specific Risks: Evaluate the flood risk in your area during heavy rains. If your region is prone to flooding, opting for a comprehensive insurance policy with add-ons like engine protection can be prudent.
Add-On Benefits: Adding zero depreciation and engine protection covers ensures comprehensive coverage, including for specific scenarios like engine failure due to water damage.