Monsoon Damage: What's Covered Under Car Insurance

When the rain comes every year, it cools the temperature but also brings challenges for car owners. Potholes, streets that are too wet, and constant rain can lead to different types of car damage. Fixing issues like hydraulic engine lock and electrical faults can cost a lot of rupees.

This is why choosing the rightcar insurance plan is important. Repairs can be more affordable with insurance, but what it covers varies depending on the policy type. Here is more information on what's covered, what's not, and how to keep your car safe during the rainy season.

Common Monsoon-Related Car Damages

Rains during the monsoon season can damage cars in several ways. Here are some of the most common types of damage:

1. Engine Seizure (Hydrostatic Lock): This happens when water gets into the engine and causes it to stop working.
2. Electrical Failures: Due to water damage, the wire system can get short-circuited.
3. Body Damage: Water damage or falling items can cause rusting, dents, and scratches.
4. Tyre and Suspension Damage: When potholes are full of water, the chances of a tyre blowout or stability problems increase.
5. Interior Damage: Floods can ruin upholstery and the inside of cabins.

Types of Car Insurance Policies and Monsoon Protection

There are two main types of car insurance. Both offer different levels of coverage against damage from the monsoons.

Comprehensive Coverage

Most comprehensive car insurance plans cover natural disasters like floods, storms, and hurricanes. They include:

1. Add-ons that can protect against damage to the engine and wiring caused by water getting in.
2. Coverage for damage caused by skidding or wet roads.
3. Assistance with repair costs for interiors damaged by floods.

Third-Party Coverage

This is different fromthird party car insurance, which is the basic type of coverage and is required by law. It does not cover damage to your own car. It includes

1. Injuries or deaths of third parties.
2. Harm done to someone else's property or cars.

Even though it's legally required, it doesn't protect your car from damage caused by the monsoons.

Add-On Covers That Enhance Monsoon Protection

A car insurance plan covers many types of damage, but not all. For better protection during the rainy season, you can consider the following extras:

1. Engine Protection Cover: Covers fixes for hydrostatic locks since regular plans don't cover damage to the engine.
2. Zero Depreciation Cover: Makes sure you get the full amount of your claim without reductions for replaced.
3. Roadside Assistance Cover: This will be useful if your car breaks down or stops in water.
4. Consumables Cover: It covers the cost of replacing nuts, bolts, oils, and lubricants that have been damaged by water.
5. Return-to-Invoice Cover: Reimburses the full amount of your insurance claim if your car is declared a total loss due of flooding.

Situations Covered Under Insurance During Monsoons

A comprehensive car insurance plan, especially one with extras, covers several risks linked to the monsoons, such as:

1. Flood damage: Water can damage the paint, the frame, and even the inside of the car. When this happens, insurance can help pay to fix the damage.
2. Landslides and falling objects: When it rains a lot, trees and other things often fall on parked cars. Most insurance plans cover these kinds of losses.
3. Breakdown in waterlogged areas: With emergency help, if your car breaks down in the middle of a flooded road, you should not have to pay for towing or repairs.
4. Electrical failures: Under complete coverage, you can file a claim for short circuits in wiring, sensors, or electrical parts due to water getting in.
5. Total loss compensation: If the insurance company says the car is a total loss because of heavy floods, they will pay the insured stated value (IDV) or return-to-invoice coverage.

What Insurance Does Not Cover

A comprehensive car insurance plan covers a lot, but there are exclusions:

1. Engine damage from negligence: Claim typically denied if you drive through deep water knowing that it's there and the engine breaks down.
2. Expired or lapsed policy: Your insurance will not pay for any damage that happens after the coverage has ended.
3. Moisture-related damage: Rust that builds up over time, paint that fades, or dampness inside are all upkeep problems that are not loss claims.
4. Personal belongings inside the car: Standard coverage doesn't cover things like computers, phones, or items that are in the car.
5. Illegal usage: The insurance company can refuse the claim if the car was used illegally during the monsoons.

Claim Process for Monsoon-Related Damages

If the monsoons damage your car, follow these steps to file a claim:

1. Tell the insurance company about the loss.
2. To keep the engine from flooding, don't start the car again.
3. As proof, take pictures or videos of the damage.
4. You can make a claim online or through the insurance company's app.
5. Follow the instructions of the person who was sent to check.
6. Send in all the necessary paperwork, such as your driver's license, RC, and a copy of your insurance.
7. You will have to wait for approval and fixes at an authorised workshop.

Tips to Minimise Monsoon Damage

A car insurance plan provides financial protection, but preventive steps can reduce the risk of damage:

1. Avoid driving through deep water when possible.
2. Place your car in a covered or raised area.
3. Before it rains, put on an anti-rust covering.
4. Check your electricity systems often.
5. Protect the inside of your car with waterproof seat covers.

Why Comprehensive Cover Matters More Than Third Party?

Complete coverage plans are better than third party car insurance during the monsoons. Third-party insurance is required by law and not expensive, but it doesn't cover your own car against natural disasters. With complete security and add-ons, you get better financial protection when the weather is uncertain.

Cost of Monsoon Repairs Without Insurance

Here are some average repair prices for flood-related damage to help you understand how valuable insurance is:

1. Engine repair due to water ingress: ₹50,000 - ₹1,50,000
2. Electrical system rewiring: ₹20,000 - ₹60,000
3. Interior refurbishing: ₹10,000 - ₹40,000
4. Full car restoration after severe flooding: Up to ₹3,00,000

These costs highlight why investing in a good car insurance plan can be financially useful.

Note: These are approximate costs and may vary.

Conclusion

The monsoons are hard to plan for, and even though they bring relief, they also put cars at risk. Damages can be expensive, from flooded streets to broken engines. Getting the right car insurance policy can help protect your finances.

Third party car insurance is required by law, but full coverage with extras is what protects your car in heavy rain. Keeping your car and money safe can depend on how well you avoid problems, know what your insurance doesn't cover, and file your claims on time.

FAQs

1. Do flood insurance policies cover ruined personal items?

Most car insurance plans do not cover personal items like cell phones, computers, and wallets left in the car. They only cover damage to the car itself that happens because of flooding.

1. Will my insurance cover me if I drive on a flooded road?

You won't be entitled to coverage for damages like engine seizure if your insurance company can show that you knew you were driving on a flooded road. Because of this, insurance companies usually don't pay out on claims in this case.

1. Is towing covered if my car breaks down in the rain?

There is coverage for towing if you have an emergency help add-on. If you don't have it, you'll have to pay for the costs because most insurance policies don't cover towing.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purposes only. For more details, please refer to the policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

Note to the Reader: This article is part of HT Auto’s promotional consumer connect initiative and is independently created by the brand. HT Auto assumes no editorial responsibility for the content.