Does car insurance cover water leaks?

Accidents happen, such as tree branches falling on windows, cracking them, and exposing the car to rain damage. Does insurance cover water leaks in your car? What if you accidentally leave the windows open and a storm comes? Read on to gain more insight into when auto insurance helps with water leaks.

Will car insurance pay for water leaks caused by a flood?

As noted in our comprehensive auto insurance guide, comprehensive coverage is not a required form of vehicle coverage. If you have this coverage, it may help cover damage from accidents other than those from a collision, and that may include water damage from a flood. If a storm or related floodwater comes through the area and water seeps into your car from the underside, your coverage may pay for the repairs or replacement of the vehicle.

If you do not have comprehensive auto insurance, the policy isn’t likely to pay for flood damage.

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Will your insurance company cover water leaks from storms?

Falling tree branches, large hail, and blowing structures that strike your vehicle can shatter glass, causing the interior of the vehicle to suffer significant water damage. If you have a comprehensive insurance policy, water leaks like this may be covered. That may include damage to the seats, floor, electronics, and other components.

If you leave the windows open on your vehicle during a storm, even if you simply forgot to close them as you were rushing through the day, your comprehensive auto insurance is not likely to cover that damage. That may fall under maintenance and routine care of the vehicle. In this case, you may have to pay out of pocket for any repairs you need.

Read more: Can I purchase additional car insurance during a storm?

Will car insurance cover an engine damaged by flooding?

In some situations, a storm can cause flash flooding, which might result in a car being submerged. When this happens, the engine and many other components can become waterlogged. Most times, the insurance company will determine if it is possible to repair the car’s engine before paying for a bad motor claim. If not, they may declare the car a total loss. That means your comprehensive auto insurance may cover the cost to repair the vehicle or replace it, depending on the coverage you have.

Will insurance policy for damage to a car’s equipment after a flood?

Your auto insurance policy may cover the replacement of some items in your vehicle but typically will not pay for anything you add to the car. This includes items such as:

• Added navigation systems such as GPS systems
• Charging cords, cables, and systems
• Video gaming systems
• Laptops
• Removable sound equipment and speakers

It’s a good idea to check with your insurance company about any items you routinely leave in your vehicle to find out if you have coverage on them. Also, let your insurer know about any upgrades or significant permanent changes you make to the vehicle before an incident like this occurs.

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Are water leaks covered by regular car insurance?

Comprehensive auto insurance may cover water leak damage. However, these incidents are not covered under general liability insurance or collision insurance.

Is there a deductible for water damage on an auto insurance policy?

Most auto insurance policies have a deductible that you have to pay out of pocket. That means if you have $2,500 in water damage to your vehicle after a storm and you have a $500 deductible, the insurance company will pay $2,000, and you are responsible for the remaining $500.

It’s also important to know that there may be a limit on your comprehensive insurance coverage and a maximum amount a car insurance policy will pay. If your vehicle is totaled by the insurer, the policy helps to pay for the replacement of your car up to the maximum allowed based on its actual cash value.

Case Studies: Does Car Insurance Cover Water Leaks?

Case Study 1: Water Leaks Caused by a Flood

Mary’s car was parked in an area prone to flooding when a heavy storm hit. As a result, water seeped into her vehicle from the underside, causing significant damage. Mary had comprehensive coverage in her auto insurance policy, which helped cover the repairs and replacement of her car.

Case Study 2: Water Leaks from Storm Damage

John’s car was parked under a tree during a severe storm. A large branch fell and shattered the windshield, leading to water damage inside the vehicle. Fortunately, John had comprehensive insurance, which covered the water leaks and damage to the interior components.

Case Study 3: Engine Damage Due to Flooding

During a flash flood, Sarah’s car was partially submerged, resulting in severe damage to the engine. Sarah had comprehensive auto insurance that covered the cost of repairing or replacing the engine, depending on its repairability.

Case Study 4: Equipment Damage after a Flood

After a flood, David discovered that several items in his car, such as his sound system and aftermarket upgrades, were damaged. While his auto insurance policy covered the replacement of some items, it didn’t cover the aftermarket upgrades he had installed.

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Final Thoughts on Auto Insurance Covering Water Damage

Don’t wait to file a claim if you have water damage. Reach out to your insurance company as soon as possible to find out if you have coverage and, if so, how much help you qualify for under the restrictions of your policy. 

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