Filing A Flood Damage Insurance Claim

If your car has been damaged by flooding, you may be able to make an insurance claim. However, this depends on the type of insurance you have. If you have comprehensive coverage, your insurance company may pay to repair or replace your vehicle, minus your deductible. If you only have a state minimum or liability-only policy, your insurance won't cover flood damage. It's important to contact your insurance company as soon as possible and provide them with photos of the damage.

Take photos of the damage and, if possible, of your car submerged

Taking photos of the damage is an important step in making an auto insurance claim due to water flood. If possible, take photos of your car submerged, as well as detailed shots of the damage. This will provide valuable evidence for your insurance company to assess the extent of the damage and determine the appropriate compensation.

When taking photos of your submerged car, try to capture the entire vehicle, including its surroundings, to give context to the scene. Take pictures from multiple angles to show the depth of the water and how high it reaches on your car. If there are any visible signs of damage, such as water entering the car or damage to the exterior, make sure to get close-up shots of those areas.

Once you have taken photos of the submerged vehicle, focus on capturing the damage in detail. Take photos of any water damage to the interior, including soaked carpets, seats, and dashboards. Look for signs of corrosion, rust, or mildew, as these are indicators of flood damage. Don't forget to document any personal belongings inside the car that may have been affected by the flood.

In addition to the interior, inspect the exterior of your car for damage. Look for water lines on the doors, trunk, and wheel wells, as these can indicate the height of the water during the flood. Check under the hood for any signs of water intrusion or damage to the engine and mechanical components. Take pictures of any visible damage to the engine, hoses, or electrical components.

Remember to be thorough and take your time when photographing the damage. Capture a variety of shots, including wide-angle and close-up photos, to provide a comprehensive view of the flood's impact on your vehicle. These photos will be crucial in supporting your insurance claim and ensuring a smoother claims process.

Contact your insurance company as soon as possible

Contacting your insurance company as soon as possible after your car has been damaged by flooding is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, you want to initiate the claims process promptly to expedite repairs or replacement of your vehicle. Secondly, water damage requires professional expertise to address, and your insurer will guide you on the next steps to take.

• Call your insurance company immediately: Locate the phone number on your policy to report a claim. Most insurance companies have a 24-hour claims reporting line. The sooner you contact them, the faster they can start processing your claim.
• Provide detailed information: When you call, have your policy number ready, and be prepared to provide detailed information about the incident, including the date, time, location, and cause of the flooding. Describe the extent of the damage to your vehicle, including any visible water lines, and whether the interior, engine, or electrical systems have been affected.
• Take photos and videos: Document the damage extensively by taking photos or videos of your car, capturing all angles and any visible water lines. If possible, take photos of your car while it is still submerged to show the severity of the flooding. These visual records will be valuable evidence when assessing the damage and determining the necessary repairs.
• Follow their instructions: After you have reported the claim, your insurance company will guide you on the next steps. They may ask you to take specific actions, such as arranging for a qualified technician or mechanic to inspect and evaluate the damage. It is important to follow their instructions to ensure your claim is handled smoothly.
• Ask questions and clarify doubts: When speaking with your insurance company, don't hesitate to ask questions and clarify any doubts you may have about the claims process, repairs, or coverage. Understanding the process will help you manage your expectations and ensure you are taking the necessary steps to protect your vehicle.
• Be cooperative and responsive: Throughout the claims process, cooperate fully with the insurance company and be responsive to their requests for information or documentation. The more cooperative and responsive you are, the smoother the claims process is likely to be.

Remember, the key to a successful insurance claim is timely reporting and comprehensive documentation. Contacting your insurance company as soon as possible after flood damage ensures that you receive the necessary guidance and support to repair or replace your vehicle.

Don't attempt to start a flooded car

If your car has been partially or totally submerged in water, it is important that you do not attempt to start it. Starting a flooded car can cause further damage and may even make it unrepairable.

If the water has risen above your tires, your car's engine, electrical system, fluids, and interior could all have been damaged. There may be mould, mildew, and rust to deal with, too. The longer your car sits in water, the greater the potential damage to its key systems. Even if the water level was low, it's still best to refrain from starting the car until you've taken the appropriate steps, as outlined below.

First, get the car out of the water as soon as possible and disconnect the battery. If you can, disconnect the battery before a flood, in anticipation of potential flooding. Water mixed with the electrical current from your battery will cause a failure in these components, whereas simply cleaning and drying them can save them.

Next, roll down the windows or open the doors to release any water inside the car. Then, use towels to soak up any remaining water. If the water level was low, the car is probably not a total loss. However, you should still get any residual water out of the car using a submersible pump and/or shop vac. Flush these areas with fresh water and vacuum them out.

Finally, have a mechanic look at your car before trying to start it. They will be able to advise on any necessary next steps, such as changing the engine oil, transmission oil, and differential fluid, as well as checking the fuel system and other fluids.

Disconnect the battery

Disconnecting the battery is one of the first things you should do if your car has been flooded. This is important for a few reasons. Firstly, it is a safety precaution for you, as there is a risk of electrocution if the battery remains connected. Secondly, water can interact with the electrical current of your battery and damage your car's electronics. Therefore, it is recommended to disconnect the battery as soon as possible after the flood. If you can, it is even advisable to do this before a flood in anticipation of potential flooding.

To disconnect the battery, locate the battery in the engine compartment of your car. You will need to remove the negative cable first. This is usually black and has a (-) symbol. There may be a clamp or bolt holding it in place, so you will need to loosen this with a wrench or socket set. Once it is loose, simply pull the cable away from the battery. Next, remove the positive cable, which is usually red and has a (+) symbol. Again, loosen any clamps or bolts holding it in place and pull the cable away from the battery. Be sure to wear gloves and eye protection when handling the battery, and be careful not to let any tools touch both the positive and negative terminals at the same time, as this could cause a short circuit.

Once the battery is disconnected, you can begin the process of drying out the interior of your car. Roll down the windows, open the doors, and use towels to soak up any standing water. You can also use a wet/dry vacuum to remove excess water and mud. It is important to act quickly to prevent mould and corrosion from damaging your vehicle. If there is any chance that water has reached the engine or electrical systems, it is best to have a mechanic look at your car before attempting to start it, as trying to start a flooded engine can cause further damage.

If you intend to make an insurance claim for flood damage, be sure to document the damage with photos and videos. Note the amount of water in the vehicle and any marks indicating the water level. Contact your insurance company as soon as possible, as it may take time for an adjuster to assess the damage.

File a claim for flood damage

If your car has been damaged in a flood, you will need to file a claim with your insurance company. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do this:

Step 1: Check Your Insurance Coverage

Firstly, check your car insurance policy to see if you have comprehensive coverage. Comprehensive coverage will protect your vehicle against flood damage, whereas a state minimum or liability-only policy will not. If you are unsure, check your policy documents or contact your insurance company or agent.

Step 2: Act Quickly

File a claim as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the more damage your car might sustain, and the longer the claims process might take. If you have a policy through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), you must file a claim within 60 days.

Step 3: Gather Information

Before making the call to your insurance company, you will need to gather some information. This includes your car registration, photos of the flood damage, and the location of the incident. If it is safe to do so, also take pictures of your car in the water.

Step 4: Contact Your Insurance Company

Call your insurance company or agent as soon as possible to report the claim. You can find the relevant phone number on your insurance ID card. If you have a local agent, you can also call them. Provide them with the information you have gathered, including the photos of the damage. Your insurance company should then arrange for a mechanic to visit and assess the damage.

Step 5: Get an Estimate for Repairs

Ask your insurance company if they have preferred body shops, as this may speed up the claims process. Get an estimate for the repairs and provide this to your insurance company.

Step 6: Understand the Assessment

Your insurance company will then decide whether to repair the car or write it off. If the cost of repairing your car is more than the car is worth, your insurance company will likely consider it a total loss.

Step 7: Understand Your Options

If your car is considered a total loss, you have a few options. You can let your insurance company take the car, and they will pay you for its value. Alternatively, you can choose to keep the vehicle, but you will likely receive a lower payout, and you will need to remove comprehensive and collision coverage from your policy.

Frequently asked questions