What to Do With a Flooded Vehicle
Whether your area is susceptible to flood water from heavy rainfall or hurricanes, there are steps that a car owner in a flood-prone location can take in the event his or her vehicle becomes flooded.
If you car has been underwater, one of the first to do is to contact your auto insurance company. Next, you should try to determine the height of the flood waters that have engulfed your car.
If the water is as high as the mid-point of the car tires or higher, you shouldn’t try to start your car. Doing so may cause more damage.
Once the floodwaters subside, you can have your car towed to a National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (or, ASE) certified technician who can inspect the vehicle for unseen water damage. However, before having your car towed, be sure to check with your auto insurance agent or company - they may have specific requirements on where to send your car.
If you don’t happen to have your auto insurance papers in hand, you should contact your automobile insurance company through their toll-free number. If your car is under water or is partially submerged, try to think of any items that may be damaged and be sure to relay that information to your auto insurance agent.
If your vehicle is a victim of flood waters, it is important to immediately contact your auto insurance company and give your agent as much information as possible, so they can process your claim and assist you with information on repairing or possibly replacing your flood damaged car.
NOTE: The purpose of this article is to provide general information on the law, which is subject to change. If you have a specific legal problem, you may want to consult your lawyer. For any auto insurance related questions, you may wish to consult your insurance company or insurance agent.
This content is offered for educational purposes only and does not represent contractual agreements. The definitions, terms and coverages in a given policy may be different than those suggested here and such policy will be governed by the language contained therein. No warranty or appropriateness for a specific purpose is expressed or implied.