Car Flooded? What To Do Next

What to Do If Your Car is Flooded

Witnessing your car submerged in water, whether parked at home or stalled mid-journey, can be a distressing experience. As extreme weather events become more prevalent, understanding how to react to a flooded vehicle is crucial for minimising damage and navigating insurance claims. This guide will walk you through the immediate actions you should take, the ins and outs of car insurance for flood damage, and proactive steps to prevent future incidents.

Will Car Insurance Pay Out for Flood Damage?

The good news is that comprehensive car insurance policies typically cover damage caused by severe weather, including floods. However, if you only have third-party insurance, you won't be covered for flood damage. The key distinction insurers often make is between unavoidable and avoidable flood damage.

Unavoidable vs. Avoidable Flood Damage

Unavoidable flood damage refers to situations where your car was flooded despite you taking reasonable precautions. For example, if your car was flooded while parked in its usual, safe spot at your home, this would likely be considered unavoidable.

Avoidable flood damage occurs when you knowingly take a risk that leads to your car being flooded. A prime example of this is driving through a flooded area or a ford when you know, or should have known, that it was dangerous or that there was a safer alternative route.

Are You Covered by Insurance If You Drive Through Water?

Driving through flooded roads or fords is not only dangerous but can also jeopardise your insurance claim. If your insurer determines that the water damage to your vehicle could have been prevented by choosing a different course of action, it's unlikely they will approve your claim. Always err on the side of caution; if you're unsure about the depth of the water, it's best to find an alternative route.

How Do I Claim If My Car is Damaged by a Flood?

If you have a comprehensive policy and your car has suffered unavoidable flood damage, you can typically claim for repairs to various parts of your vehicle, including the engine, upholstery, and electrical systems. Some policies, like Saga's comprehensive cover, may also extend to personal belongings inside your car. For instance, Saga offers cover for personal belongings up to £400 on their Standard cover and up to £1,000 on their Select and Plus policies.

The claims process should be initiated as soon as possible. Report the incident to your insurer immediately after the event. Prompt reporting is essential for a smooth claims process.

Can a Car Be Written Off for Water Damage?

Yes, a flood-damaged car can absolutely be declared a write-off if the cost of repairs is deemed too high by the insurance company. Water ingress can cause a cascade of problems:

The cumulative effect of these issues can make repairing the vehicle economically unviable, leading the insurer to classify it as a total loss.

What to Do If Your Car is Flooded: Immediate Steps

If you discover your parked car has been flooded, or if it stalls while driving through floodwater, the most critical immediate action is: do not attempt to restart the engine. This could cause irreparable damage, especially if water has entered the combustion chambers.

1. Do Not Restart the Engine: Resist the temptation to turn the ignition.
2. Contact Breakdown Assistance: Call your breakdown cover provider immediately for professional assistance.
3. Document the Damage: If it is safe to do so, take photos or a video of the flooded location and the damage to your vehicle. This will be crucial evidence for your insurance claim.
4. Contact Your Insurer: Report the incident to your insurance company as soon as possible to begin the claims process.

Ways to Prevent Your Car Being Damaged by Flood Water

Proactive measures can significantly reduce the risk of your car suffering flood damage:

• Check Weather Forecasts: If heavy rain and flash flooding are predicted, consider parking your car in a safer, elevated location away from potential flood zones.
• Heed Travel Advice: During periods of heavy rainfall, pay attention to travel advisories and official warnings.
• Avoid Flooded Areas: If you must drive during heavy rain, consciously avoid roads or areas known to be prone to flooding.
• Assess Water Depth: Never drive through water if you cannot determine its depth or see the road surface beyond it. Six inches of water can be enough to flood many vehicles. Take an alternative route.
• Driving Through Shallow Water (Use Extreme Caution): If you deem standing water to be shallow enough (e.g., less than 6 inches) and can see the road, drive through steadily in a low gear, keeping the engine revs up to prevent water being sucked into the exhaust. Once on the other side, allow excess water to drain and gently test your brakes to ensure they are functioning correctly.
• Never Drive Through Fast-Flowing Water: This is extremely dangerous and can easily sweep your vehicle away.

Saga's Approach to Flood Claims

Saga understands the urgency and stress associated with flood damage. They offer 24/7 claims reporting. For Saga Plus customers, if you call from the scene of the incident, they can arrange onward taxi travel within the UK, weather permitting. Furthermore, Saga Plus, their highest level of cover, includes a Claims Promise. This means that claims for flood, storm, or fire damage will not affect your No Claim Discount as long as you remain a customer. This promise also extends to claims for theft, animal damage, and vehicle damage while parked.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is the minimum depth of water that can damage a car?
Even as little as six inches (approximately 15 cm) of water can be deep enough to flood the average car's interior and potentially cause significant damage to the electronics and engine.

Q2: Can I claim for belongings stolen from my car if it was flooded?
This depends on your specific insurance policy. Comprehensive policies, like Saga's, often include cover for personal belongings within the vehicle, up to a certain limit.

Q3: What happens if my car is declared a write-off due to flooding?
If your car is written off, the insurer will pay you the market value of the car before it was damaged, minus any excess applicable to your policy. You will then surrender the car to the insurer.

Q4: Is it safe to drive my car after it has been through flood water?
It is generally not recommended to drive a car that has been through significant flood water until it has been inspected by a qualified mechanic. Even if it seems to be running fine, hidden damage to electrical components or the engine could be present.

Q5: What if I drove through flood water and my car is now damaged?
If you deliberately drove through flood water and your insurer deems it avoidable, your claim may be rejected. It is crucial to assess the situation safely and choose alternative routes whenever possible.

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