Why Protecting Your Car From Flood Damage Is More Important Than You Think

Last year thousands of people in the northeast were caught off guard when Superstorm Sandy pounded into the region creating millions of dollars worth of damage to property, including cars that were swept up in the storm surge. A flood can strike when you least expect it and do serious damage in a matter of minutes. From hurricanes to flash floods during heavy rains, here in Texas water damage is not an uncommon occurrence.

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You might have flood insurance for your home, but is you car covered?

How Floods Can Damage Cars

Car owners are often much more concerned about collisions and accidents, but water can cause much more damage to a vehicle. Driving through a downpour is one thing, having water flood your car is quite another. Here is a list of the parts that are commonly damaged or destroyed from flooding.

  • Starters
  • Alternators
  • Motors for windows and wipers
  • Electrical connections
  • Batteries
  • Computer units
  • Engine – it can be salvaged if cleaned and treated soon after submersion in fresh water.
  • Filters
  • Transmission
  • Clutches
  • Wheel bearings
  • Oils, Fluids and Fuel – if water has mixed with any oils, fluids or fuel it will need to be drained and replaced.
  • Interior – will need to be cleaned at the very least, and possibly replaced.
  • Airbags
  • Seatbelts

Salt water is typically going to cause more severe damage than fresh water. Oftentimes if any water enters the car and floods it up to the dash it will be beyond repair and deemed totaled. That’s why it’s critical for car owners, especially those in areas with flood plains, to make sure their Austin auto insurance will cover flood damage. Here’s how.

Make Sure Your Car is Flood Covered

First, review your current car insurance policy. Does it provide comprehensive coverage or just liability? Liability insurance is legally required, however comprehensive car insurance is not.

Liability insurance covers you in the event that you get in an accident with another car. That’s about the extent of it. Comprehensive coverage, however, protects you from an array of other types of incidents including natural disasters, break-ins and theft. If you want to be covered for flood damage a comprehensive plan is a must.

Prices for comprehensive car insurance vary from state to state and from company to company. Typically, the cost for this additional coverage is more affordable than people think – usually around $100-200 more a year.

If you’re interested in adding comprehensive coverage to your car insurance give Biscoe Insurance Group a call and one of their reputable agents will be happy to provide more information.

Image Source: carsguide.com.au/news-and-reviews/car-news/flood_damaged_car_sales_warning
Original Source: http://www.mybiginsurance.com/auto-insurance/why-protecting-your-car-from-flood-damage-is-more-important-than-you-think