Does Car Insurance Cover Flood Damage?

In recent years, flooding has become an increasingly common occurrence due to the unpredictable nature of weather patterns. Flooding can inflict significant damage on vehicles, leaving car owners wondering who will bear the costs for repairs or replacements.

In this article, we explore whether car insurance covers flooding, the types of insurance policies which may cover car flood damage, and the steps you can take to help ensure your vehicle has the right coverage in place.

Understanding the Basics of Car Insurance

Car insurance helps protect drivers against the financial implications of accidents, theft, and other unexpected events. Auto policies typically include liability coverage, collision coverage and comprehensive coverage. Understanding these types of auto insurance coverages can help you evaluate whether your policy covers car flood damage.

What Types of Car Insurance Cover Flood Damage?

Does Auto Liability Insurance Cover Flood Damage?

Auto liability insurance is required for drivers in most states. It provides coverage if you are at fault for an accident that causes third party bodily injury or property damage. However, auto liability insurance does not extend coverage to damages to your own car, including damage caused by flooding. 

If you only maintain auto liability insurance, car flood damage would be an out-of-pocket expense.
 

Does Collision Insurance Cover Flood Damage?

Collision insurance typically covers damages resulting from accidents involving other vehicles or objects, such as a collision with another car, a tree, or a guardrail. It does not typically cover flood damage or any other non-collision-related occurrences. 

Since collision insurance doesn’t cover car flood damage, any related repairs would come out of your pocket if you don’t have other coverage for flood damage to your vehicle.
 

Does Comprehensive Car Insurance Cover Flood Damage?

Comprehensive car insurance covers non-collision-related incidents like theft, vandalism, and natural disasters, which may include flooding. If your car is immersed in floodwater or damaged due to rising water levels, comprehensive coverage will likely come into play.

Nevertheless, confirming the specifics with your insurance provider is crucial since some policies may have exclusions or limitations based on certain conditions. Additionally, deductibles may apply, influencing the total compensation received for the repairs or replacement of your vehicle.
 

Car Insurance and Flood Damage: Factors to Consider

Here are some factors worth considering when it comes to flood damage and car insurance.

1. Your Location: Car insurance premiums can be influenced by your location, particularly if you reside in an area prone to flooding.
2. The Value of Your Vehicle: High-value vehicles generally lead to higher insurance premiums because the cost to repair or replace such vehicles is considerably higher.
3. Your Policy's Terms: Be attentive to the details outlined in your policy regarding exclusions or special terms for flood damage. This can include specifics related to the definition of flooding or limitations on claims.
4. Your Claims History: Frequent claims can affect future coverage and premiums.

Car Flood Mitigation and Prevention Tips

While comprehensive car insurance typically coverages damages to your car resulting from a flood, prevention and mitigation remain crucial parts of safeguarding your vehicle. Below are some strategies to help reduce flood damage risk:

Parking Strategies: If a flood warning has been issued, move your vehicle to higher ground or indoor parking to minimize exposure to floodwaters.

Weather Alerts: Stay informed through weather alerts to anticipate heavy rainfalls or storms that may lead to flooding.
Sealing Vulnerable Areas: Ensure doors and windows are properly sealed to help prevent water ingress. Inspect seals regularly for wear and tear.

Preparedness Plan: Develop a plan with key actions to take in the event of a flood, including who to contact and what resources to deploy.

Filing a Flood Damage Claim on Car Insurance

Should your vehicle receive flood-related damage, it’s essential to act promptly when filing a car insurance claim. Contact your insurance company and document the damage through pictures and videos to support your claim. Submit this documentation alongside a completed claim form, detailing the event and damages incurred. Follow your insurance company's directions on how to proceed.

Final Thoughts

In the face of unpredictable climate events, understanding your car insurance coverage for flood damage can be vital, and taking proactive prevention measures can help you reduce the risk of flood damage happening to your car.

While not all car insurance policies cover flood damages, comprehensive insurance typically covers flood damages resulting from such natural disasters. A comprehensive car insurance policy can help you mitigate the costs associated with repairing or replacing your vehicle that has suffered flood damage. 

Acrisure can help you find the right car insurance policy to cover flood damages to your auto. Contact us to discuss your coverage, or request a car insurance quote online now.