Is my car covered by flood damage insurance?

With repair bills seemingly getting pricier and pricier, many motorists have been left wondering if their car insurance will cover flood damage, which is an understable concern while living in such a rainy country. 

If you’re wondering whether your car is covered for water damage and how you can change that if not, this guide is for you.

What sort of flood damage is my car covered for?

You will need to check your policy’s T&Cs but flood damage insurance will usually cover mechanical repairs and repairs to your internal combustion engine (ICE) system, upholstery and carpets.

If you’re claiming and the vehicle isn’t drivable, your regular motor insurance will pay for the recovery of the car to your home or a garage but, if the vehicle is drivable, it is unlikely that they will. This is where your breakdown insurance comes into effect.
Personal belongings in the car would be covered under the motor policy, subject to the usual policy limits. Anything over the limit may be claimed from your home insurance if you have “away from home” cover.

If my car is flooded at home do I claim on my home insurance?

No. Even if your car is parked in your driveway or in a garage at home, if it is damaged by flood water, you will have to claim on your motor insurance rather than your household insurance policy.

What is the difference between avoidable and unavoidable flood damage?

Avoidable water damage is when you’re driving and you try to negotiate a large puddle or navigate a water-logged road and your car becomes flooded. 

Unavoidable water damage is when your car is parked normally but, for example, a river bursts its banks or the road is deluged by flood water caused by overflowing drains. The flooding in these cases is beyond your control and unavoidable. 

You may jeopardise your flood damage insurance claim if you deliberately ignore warning signs or advice not to drive through a flooded area.

Are cars written-off when they are damaged by flood water?

Not always. Each case is considered individually. It depends on the extent of the damage caused by the flood, the estimated cost of repair and the value of the car. Bear in mind, if your car is to be repaired you will have to pay the excess on your policy.

Other sources of car water damage

Flooding is one of the most common causes of water damage when it comes to cars, but there are other ways your car can be harmed by water. Look out for these and make sure you fix them if spotted to avoid further damage that might not be covered by your insurance. 

Your airconditioning system leaking 

If the system is dry or clogged, this may cause some water to leak. Unless it somehow seeps into the electrics, this shouldn’t cause much more than subtle external damage. 

If any electrics are damaged because of this, depending on your policy, your insurance can cover this. 

Blocked drains

Most cars have some draining holes in the trunk, sunroof, or doors. When these get blocked, water can then build up internally, leading to corrosion.

Leaky pipes

Again, typically because of a blockage or corrosion, rainwater can build up in your car’s pipes and cause a leak. Your standard insurance is unlikely to cover this. 

The door membrane is broken

Your car’s door will have a sheet of foam or polythene behind it which can rupture or be torn with regular usage. This would then allow rainwater to leak into the interior of your car and cause damage. Damaged gaskets and seals can also lead to this.

Where you park and drive

Whether you park somewhere without shelter or next to some sprinklers, this can lead to water damage too, especially in combination with the sources above. Driving through a series of puddles could also cause this issue if you’re incredibly unlucky. 

If the damage occurred where you usually park, as mentioned above, that’s unavoidable damage and will be covered by your insurer. Driving through a flooded/puddle-heavy area is more likely to be classified as avoidable damage. 
Try to always store or park your car on high ground if you live in a flood-risk area or think flooding may occur. This may prevent extreme water damage.

Adrian Flux claims advisor Kirsty Butters explains: “If you have been flooded make sure you and those with you are safe, let the emergency services know if there is a danger to public safety and notify your insurer as a matter of extreme urgency. 

“The quicker you let us know about the problem, the quicker we can start helping and working on your flood damage insurance claim.“

If you live in a high risk flood area, you can sign up for flood warnings from The Environmental Agency so you feel better prepared. 

Simply enter your postcode or town to find out if there are any flood warnings in your location and then register for alerts. Warnings can be sent to your mobile phone, your email or a home phone.

How do you make a flood damage claim? 

Once you have assessed the damage and told your insurer as soon as possible that damage has occurred, the process is quite straightforward. 

Let them know you want to make a claim on the damage and then make sure you keep any paperwork or records that you send to your insurer and that your receive from them. 

Your insurer may send over a claims adjuster, which is someone who evaluates the legitimacy of a claim to then help the insurer dictate how much of a payout you’re entitled to. 

You’ll then be told what your payment will be and your insurer may also recommend a repair company or mechanics to you. 

If you have fully comprehensive cover, you will almost certainly be protected against flood damage to your car but if you only have third party, fire and theft, you won’t be covered so take that into consideration when selecting your insurer so claiming goes as smoothly as possible.  

Finding car insurance that covers flood damage

If you’re looking for insurance that will definitely cover flood damage or want to change yours so you have peace of mind, Adrian Flux can help. We offer car insurance policies for every type of driver, plus breakdown cover for when you get stuck. 
Call us on 0800 369 8590 for a quote or book a callback at a time that suits you.