{"id":1978,"date":"2022-10-06T22:00:00","date_gmt":"2022-10-06T22:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/?p=1978"},"modified":"2025-01-17T17:09:17","modified_gmt":"2025-01-17T17:09:17","slug":"is-car-covered-if-damaged-or-totaled-in-flood","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/auto\/is-car-covered-if-damaged-or-totaled-in-flood\/","title":{"rendered":"If My Car Was Flooded, Is It Totaled?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Maybe. In certain cases, and depending on the extent of damage to your vehicle from flood waters, some auto insurance<\/a> companies may opt to pay the cost of repairs instead of declaring it a total loss. Unfortunately, this can present a slew of future problems down the road.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In most cases, however, a swamped car will be declared totaled. The damage water does to automobiles, especially with today\u2019s computer-driven components, is just too much to repair. You may have a deep connection to your car \u2013 after all, many of us spend more time in the car than we do in our home. However, the major headache that an owner may face down the road after their car has been submerged are generally very expensive to fix.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If My Flooded Car is Totaled, Am I Covered?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

With all the talk of climate change and other potential storms bringing rain and flooding, if your car ends up under water \u2013 are you covered? Well, possibly. A lot depends on your auto insurance policy and how long ago you purchased the coverage prior to your ride getting damaged or submerged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Floodwaters, whether caused by heavy rains or a river overflowing its banks, can severely damage a car in a hurry. But, the good news is \u2013 if you purchased comprehensive coverage<\/a> ahead of your loss, you should be in good shape. Your insurer will, in all likelihood, honor your claim.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

An exception might be if a hurricane is about to pound the coastal and inland areas and you decide at the last minute to rush out and get comprehensive auto insurance added to your policy. Be aware that most carriers are wise to the practice of people wanting to pay for the coverage for only a few days rather than the full year in order to file an insurance claim for water damage or complete loss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That\u2019s why the purchase of comprehensive coverage is restricted for areas in the hurricane\u2019s path. Therefore, to avoid having your claim denied \u2013 it\u2019s a good idea to buy the coverage ahead of time and keep it for the entire year. Don\u2019t dump it once the threat has passed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is Comprehensive Coverage?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s the sidekick of collision. Most people who have comprehensive coverage do so because they\u2019ve purchased what is known as full coverage, either by choice for the extra protection or because their loan company required them to do so. Full coverage consists of comprehensive and collision, plus the state-mandated liability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Comprehensive helps owners pay for damages typically caused by acts out of your control, such as storms, falling tree branches, flooding, hail and theft. It won\u2019t pay anything for damages in the event of an accident with another car or stationary object, such as a telephone pole. However, strangely, it will pay for damages caused by a collision with an animal, such as a deer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Insurers like to sell collision and comprehensive as part of a package, but you can purchase it alone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Does Comprehensive Cost?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The annual average cost for comprehensive is $160, which works out to about $13 per month. Pretty cheap when you consider it will help you get a new car if yours is flooded and totaled. In that case, your insurer should pay you the car\u2019s actual cash value, minus your deductible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Who Needs Comprehensive?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Unless your car is not worth your annual premium, almost everybody will benefit from the added protection of comprehensive. If you\u2019ve got a new vehicle, even if it is already paid for, you may need this type of insurance for the extra protection it offers. Classic car<\/a> enthusiasts will want to have as much protection as possible for a vintage showboat they\u2019ve expended lots of time and money restoring. If you drive for a living and have commercial insurance<\/a>, it\u2019s a good idea to buy the same type of extended protection as regular auto coverage provides, but you\u2019ve got a more pressing need to have the best coverage since you make your living with your wheels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Should I Do If My Car is Sitting in Water?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Experts advise that if your car has been submerged or covered in water, it\u2019s best to not try to start it. You don\u2019t know what has been damaged while your engine and electrical components system were under water, so it\u2019s best not to take chances with your safety. The first thing you should do is call your insurance agent and start your claim. They should tow your car to their contracted facility to determine if its salvageable or not.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once your vehicle is the victim of a major flood damage and submerged for any period of time, the engine, transmission, electrical components and other vital mechanical parts will be damaged. And, while it isn\u2019t common practice, if your car insurance company insists on repairing the water damage, you will likely have to use your insurer\u2019s preferred body shop. The reason for this is that the work is usually discounted for volume, plus it\u2019s guaranteed. So, if your truck or car turns into a nightmare, the mechanic repairs are on the carrier and not out of your pocket.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Factors Make Your Flood-Damaged Car a Total Loss?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

While the declaration of a complete loss is entirely up to your insurer, in general, these factors will determine its future:<\/p>\n\n\n\n