Flooding is one of the most common types of severe weather, affecting any place with rainfall. Consequently, car owners must consider whether their insurance covers car flood damage.
Still, reading through dozens of pages of insurance coverage information can be time-consuming and frustrating. Fortunately, this guide will offer some helpful tips to determine whether your vehicle insurance covers sudden flooding.
What Does Vehicle Insurance Cover?
Vehicle insurance typically offers multiple types of coverage. For example, your policy may include property, medical, and liability coverage. But not all car insurance policies offer all three types of coverage.
To determine whether your vehicle is protected from flood damage, you’ll need to consider your current vehicle insurance type.
Types of Vehicle Insurance Coverage
There are several types of car insurance, but the three most common types are:
- Collision Insurance
- Personal Injury Protection Insurance
- Comprehensive Insurance
Understanding what these insurance types cover (and what they don’t) is an excellent way ensure your vehicle is protected, even in the case of a flash flood or hurricane damage.
Collision Insurance
This type of insurance is relatively straightforward. Collision insurance will help you afford vehicle repairs or a replacement car if you collide with an object or another vehicle while driving.
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Insurance
Collision insurance helps protect your property (i.e., your car) after a collision. But it won’t help you afford medical care. On the other hand, PIP insurance is designed to help you pay for medical care and lost wages that result from a car accident.
Comprehensive Insurance
Comprehensive insurance typically includes flood protection. It may be more expensive than other types of car insurance, but the higher price could be more than worth it, especially if you live in an area prone to floods and heavy rain.
This type of all-encompassing insurance includes property, liability, and medical protection. So, if you’re car is stolen, you’re protected. Also, if you end up injured in a car accident, this policy will help pay for your medical treatments.
If you’re found at fault for an auto accident, comprehensive insurance can help pay for the property and personal injury damages suffered by other drivers. Still, it’s vital to consult with your insurance provider to determine the precise types and levels of coverage included in a comprehensive car insurance policy.
How to Handle a Flooded Car
Let’s say that your insurance policy doesn’t include car water damage. In this case, you’ll have two options:
- Paying for extensive vehicle repairs, or
- Selling your car to a junk car buyer
The best option often depends on your vehicle’s pre-flood condition and value.
For example, if your car is relatively new and has few miles, you may opt for repairs. However, you should be prepared to spend upwards of $10,000 on these repairs, especially if the engine is flooded. You may also spend several months battling mold growth on interior surfaces.
The easier route may be selling your junk car for cash, as a junk car buyer can arrange a vehicle pickup and offer you instant cash for your waterlogged vehicle. Then, you can use this quick cash to invest in a new car or finance a vehicle!
Protect Yourself From Car Flood Damage
If you’re concerned about car flood damage, you’ll want to invest in comprehensive car insurance. It’s also an excellent idea to reach out to your insurance provider to confirm that your insurance policy offers flood damage coverage.
Of course, if you’re dealing with a car already suffering from flood damage, you may want to scrap it. After all, flood damage repairs can be costly. When you purchase a new vehicle, you can protect your investment by choosing an insurance policy that includes flood coverage.
Stay up to date with the latest insurance information by checking out these related articles!
