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- Flood damage requires comprehensive coverage: Standard liability insurance does not pay for flood‑related repair costs. You must have comprehensive coverage to be covered for flood damage.
- Driving into high water is risky — and may not be covered: Even with comprehensive coverage, intentionally driving into flood waters may lead insurers to deny the claim if they determine the damage was preventable.
- Coverage varies by cause of loss: Flood protection typically applies to water damage from natural flooding events but may not apply for water entered through open windows or sunroofs.
- Exclusions and deductibles matter: Comprehensive has a deductible; your out‑of‑pocket cost depends on that amount and your insurer’s interpretation of the incident.
- Safety first — never drive through deep water: Beyond insurance coverage, driving into standing water is dangerous to you and your vehicle. Turn around rather than risk stalling, hydroplaning, or being swept off the road.
When flood damage is covered by car insurance
Your policy’s comprehensive coverage — sometimes called “other than collision” — is what pays for flood damage. Floods are treated similarly to other non‑collision weather events, like hail or falling trees. If rising water seeps into the engine, floods the interior, or otherwise damages your vehicle, comprehensive typically covers it after you pay the deductible.
“Driving through flood water … will be covered under comprehensive coverage on an insurance policy and subject to that deductible,” says Lauren McKenzie, insurance agent with A Plus Insurance. “Each claim will require its own investigation to determine if it will be paid out since all circumstances are different, but in most cases, flood damage would be covered.”
If you only carry the state‑required minimum liability coverage, however, your policy won’t pay for your own car’s flood damage at all; liability only covers harm you cause to others.
Why intent and circumstances matter
Even with comprehensive coverage, insurers can investigate how the damage occurred. If a claim reviewer believes a driver intentionally drove into high flood waters rather than avoiding them, the insurer might argue the damage was avoidable and could reduce or deny the payout.
What isn’t covered under flood claims
- Mechanical issues unrelated to water (e.g., seized engine due to overheating)
- Damage to personal items left in the car unless covered by homeowners/renter’s insurance
- Water entering the car because windows or doors were open at the time of the flood
- Tires and wear‑and‑tear damage not directly tied to the flood event
McKenzie says there are instances where flood damage may not be covered by comprehensive coverage:
- If the driver intentionally drove through water with the intent to cause damage or vandalize the vehicle.
- If a driver let another person drive their vehicle who was not listed as a driver on their policy or is an excluded driver without coverage.
- Finally, if there was a lapse in the insurance policy and the flood/water damage occurred within the time the policy was canceled or lapsed. If it is disclosed when reinstating the insurance policy, the policy will not be able to be reinstated, and the claim would not be paid.
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How to file a flood damage claim
- Document the scene: Take photos of water depth, location, and damage.
- Contact your insurer ASAP: Give them the date, time, and conditions when you encountered water.
- Provide proof of comprehensive coverage: Your declarations page shows whether you had flood protection at the time of loss.
- Schedule an adjuster inspection: The insurer will assess the damage before approving payment.
“My advice for drivers who have been caught in flood water, notify your insurance company right away to start working with a claims rep,” McKenzie says. “The process could take several days, and the sooner they are notified, and the more willing the driver is with cooperating and/or answering questions, the better the outcome.”
Preventive tips
- Avoid driving through standing or moving water. Even just a few inches of moving water can sweep a vehicle away.
- Heed flood warnings. Turn around — don’t drown.
- Park on higher ground if flooding is expected.
- Consider gap coverage or higher limits if you live in a flood‑prone area.
Bottom line
Auto insurance can cover flood damage, but only if you have comprehensive coverage at the time of loss. Liability by itself won’t protect your vehicle from natural flooding events. The best defense is preventive driving decisions and checking your policy ahead of storm season to ensure you have the right protections.
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