What happens when your car gets submerged in flood waters?

Know the appropriate measures in case this happens.

You wake up after a night of relentless rain and find your car sitting in brown floodwater. Your first instinct may be to open the door, turn the key and check if it still runs.

Don’t.

Starting a flood-damaged vehicle can turn a potentially repairable car into a very expensive problem. If water has entered the engine, cranking it may cause hydrolock—when water prevents the pistons from moving properly and potentially causes severe internal damage. Automart advises owners of flooded vehicles not to attempt starting the engine.

The next question is just as painful: Will insurance pay for it?

In the Philippines, flood damage is generally covered only when your motor insurance policy includes Acts of Nature (AON), also called Acts of God coverage. AutoDeal notes that ordinary Compulsory Third-Party Liability or CTPL does not cover flood damage. Even comprehensive policies should be checked carefully because protection against natural disasters depends on the coverage actually purchased.

With AON coverage, damage caused by flooding, typhoons and other specified natural events may be covered, subject to the policy’s exclusions, deductible or participation fee, and the insurer’s assessment.

Water can ruin upholstery, contaminate fluids, corrode electrical components and damage the engine and transmission. Depending on the severity and repair cost, an insurer may eventually consider a heavily submerged vehicle a total loss rather than repair it.

After the flood, take photos and videos showing the vehicle and visible water line before cleanup, then contact your insurer immediately. Prepare your policy details, OR/CR, identification and any incident report or affidavit your insurer requires. Avoid authorizing major repairs before the insurance company has inspected the vehicle or provided instructions.

Most importantly, resist the temptation to find out if the car still starts. Damage caused by attempting to operate an already flooded vehicle could complicate an insurance claim.

So when floodwater reaches your car, your first move shouldn’t be turning the key.

Document everything and call your insurer instead.

READ: