Can car insurance cover flood damage?

Comprehensive cover may include flood damage

Comprehensive motor insurance commonly provides cover for accidental flood damage, subject to the policy terms and exclusions. Third-party-only cover would not normally pay for damage to your own car.

Do not restart a flooded engine

If water may have entered the engine or electrical system, trying to start the car can cause additional damage. Follow the insurer or recovery company’s instructions.

Photograph the water level if you can do so safely. Pictures of the scene and water marks can help show what happened. Never enter flood water or put yourself at risk merely to gather evidence.

Modern cars can hide extensive damage

Water can affect control modules, wiring, airbags, sensors and interior components long after the obvious moisture has gone. A professional assessment matters.

Tell the insurer exactly what happened

Driving deliberately into clearly impassable flood water may raise different questions from being caught by rapidly rising water while parked. Give a straightforward account and let the insurer apply the policy terms.