Car Damaged By The Flash Floods?

More than 30,000 people have been affected by the flash floods happening in Malaysia on 18th December. It was considered one of the worst floods in years. Due to the non-stop rain, it has caused rivers to overflow, sank many urban areas, main roads being cut off, damaged property and vehicles.

This is a sad situation happening, especially during these pandemic times, our thoughts and prayers are with the victims.

Does My Car Insurance Cover Flooding?

Generally, car insurance doesn’t cover natural disasters including floods in their policy. Below are the three types of vehicle insurance that are often offered:

  • Third-party policy protection
  • Third-party policy protection against fire and theft
  • Comprehensive policy protection

However, you can get an add-on coverage that also covers natural disasters including floods.

Type of Insurance Covers Floods & Other Natural Disaster

Third Party Policy Third-Party Policy For Fire And Theft Comprehensive Protection / First Party Policy Add-On Coverage On Comprehensive Protection
Death or injury to another party Death or injury to another party Death or injury to another party Windshield break
Damage to the property of another party Damage to the property of another party Damage to the property of another party Damage caused by floods, storms, landslide, other disasters
N/A N/A Damage to your vehicle caused by an accident Personal Accidents and Health Benefits to drivers and/ or passengers
N/A N/A N/A Liability to passengers
N/A N/A N/A Liability to third parties caused by passengers

Based on the table above, car insurance will cover your vehicle if they are damaged by the floods if you purchase your comprehensive insurance with additional coverage for natural disasters. This package may be different from the respective insurance company, hence it’s best to check with them regarding it.

How Much Does Flood Coverage Add-On Cost In Car Insurance?

At the moment, an add-on flood coverage will cost around 0.25% to 0.3% of the sum your car is insured for. So for example, if you purchase car insurance for RM50,000, the flood add-on coverage will cost you RM150 (at 0.3%), so on top of the premium you usually pay, you will add RM150 for the additional flood coverage.

However, despite paying for the extra coverage, it won’t increase the amount of your car insurance. They will extend your existing coverage only to natural disasters. The total sum will remain at RM50,000.

Aside from that, do take note when you claim this natural disaster such as flood, you have to claim under Own Damage (OD), this will affect your No Claim Damage (NCD) right.

8 Things To Do If Your Car Is Caught In The Flood

If you are ever trapped in the situation where your car is caught by the flood, here’s a step by step you can take:

1. Drive slowly
If you are suddenly trapped during the flood, drive slowly so that the car tyres will be able to maintain their grip on the road. If you drive faster, chances are that it will lead to road accidents because the tyres might lose grip.

2. Use low gear when driving
Try to keep driving in a steady momentum using low gear, when driving through floodwaters. You want to avoid creating a large wave, to avoid the water from getting washed back into the engine.

3. Inspect your vehicle
When the flood goes down, check your car for flood damage. Check the waterline, if it’s below door level, your car is probably okay. But if it’s submerged in the water, chances are the floodwater has already entered the engine.

4. Don’t start your car engine
If the car has been caught in the flood, there’s a possibility that the floodwaters might have gone in the engine and the car electricals. Hence why it’s not safe to start the engine, because it will short-circuit the car.

5. Check the engine and your gearbox
After that, make sure to check if the engine and your gearbox are damaged from the floods. Check the dipstick for water droplets, if there’s too much oil, chances that the water is already in the engine.

6. Siphon the fuel out
Fuel mixed with water can cause serious damage to your car engine. This is why the best thing to do is to siphon the fuel out.

7. Remove detachable components to dry them out
Lastly, remove detachable components from your cars such as radio and car floor mats. Remember to clean the cushions and air out the car to remove the musty smell.

8. Get it towed to the mechanic
When in doubt, contact your insurance company, if they provide a towing service for your car, and if they do, they will send your car to their panel workshops.

I’m Not Affected By The Floods, Should I Still Get The Additional Coverage?

Yes, definitely. Previously, it’s not necessary to get natural disaster add-on coverage for your car if you don’t live in a natural disaster prone area. Now with all of these climate changes, the weather is so unpredictable these days. It’s best to prepare yourself with maximum protection before it happens.

Renew or buy your car Insurance with Policystreet. We will help you compare the quotes with the best price that matches your needs.

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