Facing vehicle damage during heavy rains? Here's how motor insurance can come to your rescue

With heavy, torrential rains currently lashing south India, particularly Bangalore and Chennai, life in these metros has reached a complete standstill. While there is little you can do to control nature's ongoing fury, you can safeguard your precious two- and four-wheelers, which have little respite or protection from the ongoing vagaries of rains and floods.

During heavy rains, the first in line of damage is your vehicle's engine, which could cost you a bomb! If the water enters the engine's cylinder, it can cause it to seize and leave it beyond repair. Another common damage your vehicles can face during such times is electrical failure since water seepage can cause shorting of the electrical components, including the battery, alternator, and wiring systems. Then there's moisture seepage, which can affect your vehicle's braking and fuel systems.

Motor Insurance to the Rescue

While a comprehensive motor insurance policy might protect you against accidents, thefts, and other third-party liabilities, they might fall short when it comes to safeguarding your vehicles from damages caused by natural calamities like heavy rain.

As such, you can opt for a few add-ons over and above your regular motor policy to ensure you don't end up spending a hefty amount from your pockets if your vehicles need repair.

"In Chennai and Bangalore, the recent heavy rains have led to several challenges, causing multiple vehicles and home damage. Urban flooding is a phenomenon now being witnessed in most metropolitan cities. Cases of vehicles being swept away in floods have also been seen, leading to total loss.".

"While comprehensive motor insurance policies protect your vehicle against damage from natural disasters such as floods, cyclones, and heavy rains, you should consider add-on covers like engine protection, zero depreciation, roadside assistance, return to invoice, and consumables. These options help cover the costs of repairing or replacing vehicle parts and any injuries or damage from accidents," he continues.

Here's a ready reckoner of all add-ons you can consider:

1. Engine Protection Cover: This cover protects your wallet from costly repairs in case your vehicle's engine is severely damaged.

2. Zero Depreciation Cover/Bumper-to-Bumper Cover: While servicing your claims, insurers generally deduct depreciation or regular wear and tear on your vehicle. This add-on guarantees you a claim without any deduction for wears and tears.

3. Roadside Assistance Cover: You never know when your vehicle might be stalled. This cover offers repair at the site, towing, and alternative travel if one’s car is stuck on waterlogged roads. It can also include services like fuel delivery, battery replacement, or flat tire repair.

4. Tire Protection Cover: It offers repair or replacement of tires damaged due to cuts, bursts, or bulges during wet, hazardous conditions.

Says Kalpesh Chavan, Senior Vice President & Product Head of Elephant. . (Corporate Insurance Wing of Alliance Insurance Brokers), "EV owners should additionally also opt for battery protection cover and electric surge secure add-on. This add-on protects the electronic pieces and circuits of electric vehicles from any short circuits, electrical arcing, or leakage, especially through water entry.".

Don't crank up the engine.

Got a vehicle that's flooded with water? Don't try to start it forcefully. If you do so, the insurance company can decline your clain for all the damage caused by attempting to start such a flooded engine. Your best bet in such cases is to wait till the water subsides and then try revving up the engine.

Chavan adds that most car owners need to take into account how disaster-prone their area is and end up estimating the wrong coverage amount for their cars. Inadequate study of the terms and conditions of the policy may lead to claim rejections when most needed.

But most importantly, if your vehicle's insurance is up for renewal, do not delay or procrastinate to do the same. Or else your car could become uninsured during the most critical periods. Maintaining up-to-date records and documentation is of the essence; missing documents may trigger unwarranted delays in the processing of claims.