Haris Ashley
Flooding can cause a wide range of damage to your vehicle, from cosmetic issues like rust to more serious problems like transmission failure and electrical faults. So, it's important to know whether your auto insurance covers flood damage. If you have comprehensive auto coverage, you're in luck—this type of policy typically covers flood damage to your car. Comprehensive coverage is designed to protect your car from external events that are out of your control, such as flooding, heavy rains, hail, and even fallen tree branches. However, it's important to note that liability insurance, which is the minimum required by most states, does not cover flood damage caused by natural disasters.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What type of insurance covers flood damage? | Comprehensive coverage |
| What does comprehensive coverage include? | Damage to your vehicle that occurs when you aren't in an accident, including vandalism, hail damage, theft, fire, lightning strike, and falling objects. |
| What does comprehensive coverage not include? | Owner-installed electronics, GPS systems, and removable radios. |
| What if I don't have comprehensive coverage? | You will have to pay for the repairs yourself. |
| What if I only have liability insurance? | Liability insurance won't cover flood damage, it only covers damage you cause to other drivers and property in an accident. |
| When should I get comprehensive coverage? | Before a flood occurs. Comprehensive coverage won't cover flood damage if added after a vehicle has been flooded. |
| How do I file a claim? | Call your insurance company as soon as possible, take photos of the damage, and if possible, of your car submerged in water. |
| What if my car is totaled? | The insurance company will pay the actual cash value of the car at the time of the flood, minus your deductible. |
What You'll Learn
Comprehensive coverage
In addition to flooding, comprehensive coverage can also protect you from other types of storm damage. For example, if a falling branch damages your windshield during a storm, or if hail causes dents in your vehicle, comprehensive coverage can help pay for the necessary repairs.
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Collision coverage
If you decide against collision coverage, you will have to pay out of pocket for any repairs or replacements needed after an accident. Collision coverage provides peace of mind and ensures you are covered in the event of an accident. It is particularly useful for newer, more expensive vehicles, or older vehicles that still hold good value.
When deciding on collision coverage, consider the value of your vehicle and your ability to pay for repairs or a replacement out of pocket. Collision coverage can help protect your investment in your vehicle and save you from potentially costly repairs or replacements. It is worth noting that collision coverage does not apply to collisions with animals or damage caused by external events, such as floods or falling trees; these are covered under comprehensive coverage.
Comprehensive coverage is designed to protect your vehicle from external events beyond your control, such as flooding, heavy rains, hail, and falling objects. It is often required by lenders if you finance or lease your vehicle. While not mandatory, comprehensive coverage is crucial if you live in an area prone to flash floods or heavy rains.
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Liability insurance
Liability coverage typically refers to two types of coverages: property damage and bodily injury. Property damage coverage pays for damage to another person's property, such as repairs to the other driver's vehicle, a rental vehicle while the other person's car is being repaired, damage to buildings, fences, or other structures, and damage to personal property, such as electronics or belongings inside a vehicle. It can also cover legal fees if you're sued for property damage and other related costs.
Bodily injury coverage, on the other hand, provides payment for others injured in an accident, including their medical expenses, rehabilitation, and legal costs if you are sued for causing their injuries. It is important to note that liability coverage does not cover damages to your own property or injuries you sustain in an accident.
While liability insurance is a necessary base level of coverage, it is important to consider adding comprehensive coverage to your policy, especially if you live in an area prone to flash floods or heavy rains. Comprehensive coverage can protect your vehicle against flood damage and give you peace of mind in case of unexpected natural disasters.
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Rental reimbursement
When you file a claim with your insurance company, they will ask you questions about the damage to your vehicle. If your car is damaged and the claim is covered, your agent will check to see if you have rental reimbursement coverage on your policy. If your car needs repairs but you are still able to drive it, you can get a rental car after dropping your vehicle off at the repair shop. If your car is not functional, your insurance company will work with you to get it to the repair shop and get you a rental car. If your car is totaled, you can also qualify to get a rental car for a limited amount of time.
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Gap insurance
- Made less than a 20% down payment
- Financed for 60 months or longer
- Leased the vehicle (gap insurance is generally required for a lease)
- Purchased a vehicle that depreciates faster than average
- Rolled over negative equity from an old car loan into the new loan
You can purchase gap insurance from your car dealer or an insurance company. Insurance companies typically charge less than dealers, with gap insurance adding about $20 a year to your annual premium when included with collision and comprehensive coverage.
It's important to note that gap insurance doesn't cover other property or injuries resulting from an accident, nor does it cover engine failure or other repairs. Additionally, it may not cover additional charges related to your loan, such as finance or excess mileage fees.
While gap insurance is not required by any insurer or state, some leasing companies may mandate it. Dealerships may also automatically include gap insurance in your loan, but you have the option to decline it.
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Frequently asked questions
If you have comprehensive auto insurance, your policy will cover flood damage. Comprehensive insurance covers damage to your vehicle that occurs when you aren't in an accident.
Comprehensive auto insurance covers damage to your vehicle caused by events outside of your control, such as flooding, heavy rains, hail, vandalism, fire, lightning, and falling objects.
Liability insurance covers injuries and damages you cause to other people or their property in an at-fault accident. It does not cover flood damage.
Call your insurance company as soon as possible and take photos of the damage. You may also need to provide photos of your car submerged in water, if possible.
If your car is deemed a total loss, your insurance company will pay you the actual cash value of the vehicle at the time of the flood, minus your deductible.
