My Car Was Flooded In A Storm
The situation: My car sat in floodwater during the storm. Water got inside and it won't start. Does car insurance cover flood damage?
Quick Answer
Flood damage to a car is typically covered under comprehensive coverage, if you carry it. A homeowners or flood policy generally doesn't cover your car. Floodwater often damages engines and electrical systems badly enough that the car is declared a total loss and paid at actual cash value, less your deductible.
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What Happened
Heavy rain flooded the street outside Kai's apartment overnight, and water rose above the floorboards of his parked car. It wouldn't start the next morning. He didn't try to start it again, had it towed, and filed a comprehensive claim. The adjuster found water damage to the engine and electronics and declared the car a total loss. The insurer paid its actual cash value, less his $500 deductible.
Likely Relevant Policies
- Auto Insurance
Potential Coverages
Comprehensive Coverage High likelihood
Flood is among the causes the Texas Department of Insurance lists under comprehensive.
Towing and Labor Coverage Possible likelihood
May pay to tow a car that can't be driven, if you have it.
Possible Exclusions
- Without comprehensive coverage, flood damage to the car is generally not covered.
- Homeowners, renters and flood insurance policies generally don't cover vehicles.
Questions That Determine Coverage
- Do you carry comprehensive coverage?
- How high did the water rise in the car?
- Did anyone try to start the car after it flooded?
- Is the car financed, with a balance above its value?
Recommended Immediate Actions
- Don't try to start a car that's been in floodwater.
- Photograph the water line and damage.
- Have it towed and report the claim.
- If you owe more than it's worth, check any gap coverage.
Documents to Collect
- Photos showing the water level
- Towing receipt
- Loan payoff, if financed
Common Claim Process
The insurer inspects the car. Flood-damaged cars are often declared total losses and paid at actual cash value, less the deductible. Gap coverage, if you have it, may cover a loan balance above that.
Potential Outcomes
- Paid under comprehensive, often as a total loss.
- Without comprehensive, the owner bears the loss.
- A loan balance above the car's value may remain without gap coverage.
Risk Prevention Tips
- Move cars to higher ground when flooding is forecast.
- Don't drive through flooded roads.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does flood insurance cover my car?
Generally no. Comprehensive auto coverage is what typically covers flood damage to a car.
Should I try to start a flooded car?
No; it can cause more damage. Have it inspected first.
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The factual claims on this page were checked against these sources. Rules and figures change, so check the source itself if you need to confirm the current version.
- tdi.texas.govAuto insurance guide · Texas Department of Insurance
Educational information, not advice: This scenario describes how a loss like this commonly goes, not how your claim will be decided. Coverage depends on your policy's wording, limits and deductibles, your state, and the facts. Confirm specifics with your insurer.