Car Insurance Tips for the Owners of Flood Prone City
Flood damage is covered under standard car insurance, however, there are other aspects to consider as well. Read this article to find out what they are.
Considering India’s vast coastline, many rivers and overall tropical climate floods are a frequent reality for many people living across the country. Natural calamities bring with them immense destruction of life and property and our cars are rarely exempt from this either. In such situations having car insurance is very important. It provides a layer of protection against any physical damages to your car and also gives you financial stability in times of crisis. In this article, we will give you the tips you need to tweak your car insurance to suit your needs due to floods.
Does Car Insurance Cover Damage Due to Floods?
Damages caused due to natural calamities are covered under standard standalone own damage covers and comprehensive covers. However, the standard coverage does not compensate for engine or tyre damage, for that you will require an add-on cover. Additionally, the compensation you receive will take into account the depreciation rate at the time of the claim.
What to Look for When Purchasing Car Insurance to Protect Against Floods?
The following are things to keep in mind when buying car insurance for a flood-prone area:
- Engine Protect Cover: One of the most common forms of damage to cars for flood-prone areas is water entering the engine. The cost of such repairs are expensive and additionally are covered under a standard policy. Make sure to purchase an engine cover to get compensation for the damage.
- Roadside Assistance Cover: This add-on cover provides roadside assistance to car owners in case the vehicle breaks down or requires to be towed for any reason. Since water in car parts is sure to cause breakdowns and failures having this cover will ensure that your car is taken to the nearest workshop and looked at.
- Zero Depreciation Cover: The compensation you receive when you make a claim in car insurance is dependent on the Insured Declared Value (IDV). This in turn is heavily determined by the depreciation rate. To make sure you get higher claim amounts in case you need your car repaired due to water damage make sure to purchase a zero depreciation cover.
How To File a Claim For Flood Damage?
The following steps will guide you through the claim process for flood damage:
Step 1: Contact the customer care or the claim settlement helpline for your insurance company.
Step 2: Inform the insurance provider of the damage caused. You will be required to provide details of the incident and your car and policy. At the end of the conversation, a Claim Registration Number will be given to you. Keep this close at hand.
Step 3: Make sure to make no repairs yourself especially before informing the insurance company. The car insurance company will take your car to the nearest workshop where a surveyor will inspect the car’s damages and approve the claim.
Step 4: If the claim is approved the necessary repairs will be made. If the car is taken to a cashless garage the insurance company will settle the cost directly with the workshop. However, if there is some other workshop you prefer, they will provide you with the reimbursement after you provide the original bills.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, if you stay in a flood-prone area in India make sure your car insurance is fitted to your needs. Certain add-on covers such as the engine cover, the roadside assistance cover and the zero depreciation cover may be especially useful for you. Additionally, remember to collect as much information as you can when applying for a claim. Images and videos that clearly show the damage can make your claim process much easier and faster.
Disclaimer: This article is issued in the general public interest and meant for general information purposes only. Readers are advised not to rely on the contents of the article as conclusive in nature and should research further or consult an expert in this regard.
