Does car insurance cover water damage?

Does car insurance cover flood damage?

If your car is damaged or destroyed by flooding or other storm-related events, comprehensive auto coverage may pay to repair or replace it, minus your deductible. Here are a few examples of what may be covered:

• Flooding: Rising water that damages your vehicle.
• Heavy rain: Water entering your vehicle and damaging the interior, engine, or electrical systems.
• Flooded streets: If your vehicle is submerged by standing water or gets stuck in floodwater.
• Storm-related flooding: Water damage caused by severe weather events such as hurricanes or heavy thunderstorms.

Here are a couple examples of what comprehensive car insurance may not cover:

• Owner-installed equipment: Electronics or accessories that weren't installed by the vehicle manufacturer may not be covered against water damage, depending on your insurer and coverage. Optional coverages such as Progressive's Custom Parts and Equipment (CPE) coverage can pay to repair or replace items that are installed by the owner up to a $5,000 limit.
• Coverage changes before a major storm: Depending on your insurer, you may not be able to purchase or adjust comprehensive coverage once a storm has been forecasted.

Does car insurance cover water damage to an engine?

Auto liability coverage doesn't cover water damage to your engine. However, comprehensive coverage may pay to repair or replace your vehicle, minus your deductible. Floodwater can damage your car's engine, electrical system, or transmission. If the engine is fully submerged, your insurer might consider the damage a total loss.

Can you insure a flood-damaged car?

If the flood-damaged car was fully repaired, most insurers will allow you to insure it like any other car.

But if the car couldn't be fully repaired, or if it received a salvage title, insuring it may be more difficult. Many insurers won't offer collision or comprehensive coverage for a salvage vehicle because it's already sustained major structural damage and can be hard to value or certify as safe.

If that happens, you may only qualify for liability coverage, meaning you'd pay for any future repairs related to the flood damage yourself.

Do you need flood insurance for your car?

No, a separate flood insurance policy doesn't cover vehicles. It only protects your home and personal belongings. To cover flood damage to your car, you'll need comprehensive coverage on your auto policy.