Does Car Insurance Cover Flood Damage?

Water is essential to life. Not only does it refresh and hydrate the human body, it also sustains the planet. While the benefits of water are vast, it can be extremely harmful when it floods a vehicle. Engine damage, electrical system failure, and mold or mildew growth are a few of the potential unpleasant effects of floodwaters invading a vehicle. Fortunately, flood damage to a vehicle will be covered by the owner’s auto insurance company if comprehensive coverage was purchased prior to the incident. For more detailed information, call on the experienced agents from Altra Insurance Services, a premier provider of auto, motorcycle, and homeowners insurance San Diego residents rely on for high-quality service

Comprehensive coverage is insurance that protects the owner of the vehicle from losses that don’t involve a collision. Fire, flooding, and theft are a few examples of situations covered by comprehensive coverage. It’s important to note that comprehensive coverage won’t cover loss due to negligence, such as leaving the windows or sunroof open during a storm.

Choosing comprehensive coverage in addition to standard car insurance is an optional expense, but in the event of flood damage, it might save you thousands of dollars for the repair or replacement of the damaged vehicle. It’s best to purchase this coverage at the start of the policy to fully protect your investment. Some insurers don’t issue comprehensive coverage if dangerous weather is forecasted in the near future. Additionally, if the car is purchased using a loan, many lenders require the vehicle owner to carry comprehensive coverage for the duration of the loan to protect their monetary investment.

When the auto insurance policy is purchased, a deductible for the comprehensive coverage will be chosen as well. It’s important to review your financial situation prior to choosing the deductible. A high deductible may result in a lower monthly premium, but you’ll need to have more money on hand for the deductible in the event of a flood. Conversely, a low deductible will require a higher monthly payment.

In the event of flood damage to a vehicle, it’s important to contact the insurance company immediately. The insurance agent can provide information regarding the next steps, including directing you to approved professionals for drying out the car and repairing it. Depending on the extent of the damage, the insurance company may pay to repair the vehicle or consider it a total loss. Should a vehicle ever sustain flood damage and be deemed a total loss, the insurance company will only pay the vehicle’s actual cash value. Having photos that show the vehicle in good working condition before the damage occurred could contribute to receiving the most money if the vehicle is totaled. Properly maintaining the vehicle and having comprehensive insurance coverage are essential to reducing monetary losses should flood damage ever occur.

Flooding is just one of the many dangers that can cause damage to cars, so it’s essential to have reliable car insurance Chula Vista, drivers know they can trust the team from Altra Insurance Services to be there when they need assistance. For a free quote, give us a call today at 619-474-6666.