My Car Flooded... Don't Start the Engine, Check Your Insurance First

Photo by Hyunmin Kim kimhyun81@

[Asia Economy Reporter Kiho Sung] Unprecedented prolonged monsoon rains are expected to cause significant automobile damage. According to the non-life insurance industry, from the 9th of last month to the 10th of this month (as of 9 a.m.), the number of vehicle flood damage claims reported to insurance companies reached 7,113 cases, with estimated damages amounting to 71.1 billion KRW. Compared to the 3,041 cases and estimated damages of 33.5 billion KRW recorded up to the 3rd, this nearly doubled in just one week. Due to this, it is forecasted that the total number of automobile damage claims this year from monsoons and typhoons will exceed 10,000 cases.

First, if your vehicle has suffered flood damage, the most important thing to do is 'do not start the engine.' Rainwater and foreign substances can mix with fuel in the engine and drivetrain, causing further damage. The best method is to open the vehicle doors and wait for all moisture to drain out, then use a tow truck to move the vehicle.

In the case of electric vehicles, the battery and drivetrain components are basically waterproofed, but the engine should not be started. Other motors and parts may have been damaged. Hybrid vehicles share the same drivetrain system as internal combustion engines, so for both types, it is wise to remove moisture and move the vehicle using another vehicle.

For diesel vehicles, checking the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) is important. The DPF captures fine dust generated during diesel combustion and burns it off while driving. However, if the vehicle's undercarriage is flooded, muddy water can flow back through the muffler and clog the DPF. If left unattended, normal operation becomes impossible, so maintenance is essential.

If your vehicle has suffered flood damage, you should verify compensation through your non-life insurance company. Generally, the insurance industry considers a vehicle flooded if water has entered the engine room and the interior mats.

First, check whether you have subscribed to the 'Own Vehicle Damage Coverage' in your automobile insurance. If not subscribed, you cannot receive flood damage compensation. Also, check if you have the 'Single Vehicle Accident Damage Compensation Rider.' Some insurers automatically include this, while others do not, so confirmation is necessary. Vehicles without this rider cannot receive compensation even if flooded.

If the vehicle doors or windows were left open, or the sunroof was open during the flood damage, compensation may be difficult due to the owner's negligence. Additionally, if the vehicle was parked in restricted areas, flood-prone riverside parking lots, or no-parking zones and suffered damage, compensation will not be provided.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.