Every year during the monsoons our cities tend to get flooded and often our cars bear the brunt of the flooding. Water can damage a car by causing rust on metal parts, especially the undercarriage. It can seep into the engine, electrical components, or fuel system, leading to malfunctions. Prolonged exposure can also damage brakes, warp rotors, and harm the car's interior fabrics.
However, a proper motor insurance cover can help you protect your car during the monsoons. Let us take a look.
Comprehensive motor insurance is essential, especially in flood-prone areas. It's your first line of defense against monsoon-related threats. Monsoons damaging cars has become a common occurrence in most places. “Not just tier-2 and tier-3 cities, even metro cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore face increasing risks of waterlogging due to urban flooding. If your area experiences these challenges, consider a comprehensive motor insurance plan with suitable add-ons,” says Mayur Kacholiya, Head – Motor Product, Go Digit General Insurance.
A comprehensive car insurance policy can protect you financially against water damage during monsoons, but additional add-ons can provide better coverage to your vehicle. Here are some of the add-ons you should consider.
Engine and Gearbox Protection: “The risk of water entering the engine during the monsoon season is high. Cars are prone to waterlogging and floods. This cover pays for repairs or replacement costs for engine and gearbox damage caused by water ingress, up to the policy's sum insured. Any consequential loss that arises due to water ingression is usually covered by the insurer,” says Kacholiya.
Zero Depreciation Cover: This add-on will ensure you are paid the original amount of the car part without considering the depreciation. You can then claim the total cost of replacement of the part that was damaged. Zero depreciation eliminates the additional out-of-pocket expense for repairs and replacements one may have to incur during the claim.
Return to Invoice Cover: You can never anticipate the extent of damage flood, landslides or floods can cause to your vehicle. “The return to invoice cover will compensate the insured in case the vehicle is stolen or goes missing or the damage is beyond repair, or the cost of repair is higher or more than 75 per cent of the vehicle's IDV. This add-on ensures you receive the full invoice value of your car and not just the Insured Declared Value (IDV) in case of total loss. This is only in cases when the car is stolen or goes missing or is beyond repair,” says Kacholiya.
Breakdown Assistance: “Towing and recovery services are essential when your car is stuck due to waterlogging. This add-on will relieve you of any mental distress on how to recover your vehicle,” says Paras Pasricha, Business Head- Motor Insurance at Policybazaar.com.
Taxi and Accommodation: If repairs take longer than expected, especially if you're stranded far from home, this benefit covers transportation and lodging expenses. Given that the time needed for repairing your vehicle takes time, this add-on can reimburse the expenses up to the sum insured mentioned in your policy.
Consumables Cover: This add-on covers the cost of consumable items such as lubricants, engine oil, and gearbox fluid - which could be damaged due to flooding.
Tyre Protection Cover: “Tyres are prone to damage from bad road conditions during monsoon season. This add-on can cover the cost for damaged tyres,” says Pasricha.
Roadside Assistance: This add-on provides 24/7 emergency towing or repairs if the vehicle breaks down during floods.
What To Keep In Mind
“One shouldn’t start the car if it’s submerged or after water ingress. Starting the car engine after flooding can cause a hydrostatic lock. One should avoid driving through flooded roads as that can get your claim rejected,” says Pasricha. Additionally, one should inform the insurer as soon as possible.
A comprehensive insurance policy, coupled with relevant add-ons, can safeguard your vehicle and provide financial relief, ensuring peace of mind amidst flooding.
