Does Your Car Insurance Policy Cover Damages Caused Due To Floods? All You Need To Know

You can never claim any loss to the vehicle if it has only the mandatory third-party insurance cover.

(File Photo/ AFP)

New Delhi: Monsoon fury continues in several parts of India including Maharashtra, Assam, Bihar, and regions of Delhi-NCR. Time and again photos have emerged showing people being stranded and their properties, automobiles and other assets being submerged in knee-deep water during heavy downpour.  Though the natural calamities such as floods, cyclones, or hailstorms are uncertain, what is assured is a hole in the owners' pockets while attempting to mend up and repair the damage to their assets, specially automobiles. Its a fact that water can easily enter inside a vehicle and destroy its interior and the mechanical components. In many cases, the damage is too severe, and the car is totaled. There are usually two types of damages caused by flood to a car - engine damage and accessories/ electrical system damage. Whether it is a partially or completely damaged engine, often the full engine is required to be replaced which could cost up to Rs 1 Lakh. Similarly, the cost of repairing accessories would also cost quite a lot. In such a situation, an insurance company could act as an aide as it will cover both engine and upholstery damage. But, here's the catch! You can never claim any loss to the vehicle if it has only the mandatory third-party insurance cover. This is the reason why comprehensive insurance policies are beneficial. Comprehensive car insurance covers damages to you, your car and any liability of the third-party, and enable you to reduce the financial risk. A comprehensive insurance policy is designed to cover accidents, theft, natural calamities, etc. Comprehensive insurance is the only policy that will pay to repair or to replace vehicles that got damaged by extreme weather. Although this policy is optional, if the vehicle is still financed, the lender will probably insist for this coverage to be purchased. The person may also choose from several Add-ons which offers added cove. These include: NCB Protector, Zero-Depreciation, Roadside Assistance, Passenger Cover, Engine Protection, etc.