10 December 2024
Does car insurance cover flood damage?
6 minutes
The UK’s stormy weather has seen flooding become a regular and devastating occurrence across many parts of the country. Insurance can protect homes and businesses from the aftermath, but what about vehicles? Does car insurance cover flood damage?
The short answer is that it depends on the type of flood damage and your level of car insurance coverage.
Here, we break down how insurers categorise flood damage and the car insurance you’ll need to make a claim. We also explore how flooding can affect your car and share safety precautions for driving and parking in wet weather.
Types of car insurance flood damage explained
To answer, “Will my car insurance cover damage caused by flooding?” it’s helpful to understand how insurance providers categorise flood damage. Generally speaking, it’s split into two groups:
- Avoidable flood damage: If the insurer considers the damage to have been caused by an avoidable action (such as driving through deep water despite clear warnings not to), they may not cover it.
- Unavoidable flood damage: If the insurer is satisfied that you could have done nothing to avoid flood damage (for example, the flooding occurred where you usually park your car at home), they’re more likely to pay out.
Will my car insurance pay out for flood damage?
Once you’ve established whether the flood damage was avoidable or unavoidable, the next step is to check your level of car insurance coverage.
In the UK, there are three types of car insurance: third-party-only, third-party, fire and theft, and comprehensive.
1. Third-party-only (TPO) car insurance
Third-party-only (TPO) car insurance is the most basic level of coverage you can get. As the name suggests, it only covers damage or injury to third parties involved in an accident or collision that’s your fault. This means you won't be covered if you have TPO insurance and your car is damaged in a flood, even if unavoidable.
2. Third-party, fire, and theft (TPFT) car insurance
Third-party, fire and theft (TPFT) car insurance is the next level up, covering you against damage and injury to third parties, fire damage to your vehicle, and your car being stolen. Generally speaking, TPFT won’t protect you against flood damage.
However, if your vehicle was stolen and then damaged in a flood, you may have a case. Check with your insurer to see how they’d handle this scenario.
3. Comprehensive car insurance
Finally, comprehensive car insurance is the broadest coverage you can get — and the most likely to protect you against flood damage. However, it still depends on how the damage happened and whether it was unavoidable or not.
How to file a claim for flood damage
If you believe the flood damage to your car was unavoidable and you have comprehensive cover, you’re in a strong position to make a claim.
Every insurance provider has its own claims process, so contact yours directly to find out how to make a claim. If you’re a Howden customer, you can make a claim here.
Usually, the claims process works like this:
- When you contact your insurer, you’ll be asked to provide your vehicle’s registration number, insurance policy number, and the date, time, and location of the flooding.
- You may also be asked to provide evidence of the flood damage, such as photos or video.
- The insurer will then arrange for an approved mechanic to assess the flood damage to your car. If they’re satisfied that the damage can be covered, the claim will proceed.
Don’t try to make any repairs or dry out the car yourself. Most insurance providers have preferred or recommended partners; you might not be covered for the work if you don't use them.
What can you claim for flood damage?
Flood water can affect all parts of your vehicle. Depending on the fine print in your comprehensive policy, you may be able to cover damage to the following:
- The engine, brakes, and other mechanical parts of your vehicle
- The upholstery and seatbelts
- The electricals, including the dashboard and entertainment system
- Child car seats or booster seats
- Any belongings left in the vehicle at the time of the incident
Note: If your car insurance policy doesn’t cover personal belongings but you have personal possessions covered as part of your home contents insurance, you’ll need to make a separate claim with your home insurance provider.
Steps you can take to prevent flood damage to your car
The easiest way to avoid flood damage is not to drive in severe wet weather.
The Met Office (the UK's national meteorological service responsible for weather forecasts and alerts) issues a red warning when they expect dangerous weather and a risk to life. If possible, it may be best to stay at home during such events.
When you’re at home, you can keep your car safe by:
- Checking whether your area is at risk of flooding. Sign up for flood warnings using the following links: England, Scotland, and Wales.
- Taking action if a flood is imminent: If it’s safe, move your car to higher ground, away from potential rising flood water.
If you’re driving and stormy weather strikes, you can protect yourself and your car by observing warning signs and adjusted speed limits, moving slowly through puddles, and not following other vehicles into deep water. It’s hard to know what’s beneath the surface, and even 30cm of fast-flowing water can sweep a car away.
Flood damage car insurance FAQs
1. Are you covered by insurance if you drive through water?
If you’re wondering will insurance cover driving through water, it depends on whether your actions were avoidable or unavoidable.
- If you take unnecessary risks like driving into a flooded part of the road despite warnings, your insurer may deem this avoidable and refuse to pay out if your vehicle suffers damage.
- However, if you were cut off by water or caught in a flash flood, and the only way to safely navigate the situation was to drive through it, your insurer might consider it unavoidable. You’ll probably be asked for evidence, such as a documented report of flash flooding in the area or dashcam footage.
2. What to do if your car breaks down in a flood?
Your car breaking down in a flood can be a frightening experience. It’s important to remain calm and assess the situation.
- If your car is stuck in shallow flood water, you may need to have it towed clear. Breakdown cover can be helpful in this situation.
- If your car is submerged, avoid starting the engine. Dirty water, mud, and debris could enter the system and cause more damage.
- If you’re inside the car and the floodwater levels remain the same, wait and call for help. Don’t open the doors or windows, as the water could contain harmful bacteria. You should only exit the vehicle if the water is shallow and still, and you can see the bottom.
- If the water levels rise rapidly and water starts entering your vehicle, or your car starts sinking, get out as quickly as possible and make your way to a safe area.
You should call 999 if your car is stuck in floodwater or if you or someone else is in immediate danger.
3. How can flood water damage your car?
Depending on the type and volume of water, flooding can cause all sorts of problems for your car.
For example, if you get caught in a flood near the sea, the corrosive saltwater can increase the risk of rust — particularly to the bottom of your car. Muddy river water, on the other hand, could wreak havoc on your car’s upholstery.
Meanwhile, it only takes about a foot of water (30cm) to make your car float, and if it’s fast-moving, the power could potentially sweep it away.
If water enters your car, it could result in the following:
- Rust on the inside and outside of your car
- Engine fluid contamination
- Unresponsive brakes
- Damage to lights and indicators
- Damage to sensors and cameras
- Mould in your upholstery
Even if you think you’re in the clear after driving through a flood, it's a good idea to have your car checked by a qualified mechanic.
In summary
To recap, car insurance usually only pays for flood damage if the insurer deems the damage unavoidable and you have fully comprehensive cover. If you take avoidable, unnecessary risks during stormy and wet weather (and you don’t have fully comp insurance), you’re less likely to be covered if your vehicle suffers any damage due to flooding.
Make sure you’re covered with Howden Car Insurance
Howden’s car insurance brokers can find a fully comprehensive quote that suits you, offering the highest level of protection while keeping you as financially unaffected as possible in the event of unavoidable flood damage. Find out more here.