Will Car insurance pay for flood damage to car?

Benson

My husband was driving to the shops and there was a slight stretch of road where there was a lot of water on the road, another car speed past and sent a load of water over his bonnet and his car ground to a halt. (its a newish car) We got the AA out and they seem to think it needs a new engine which will not be under warranty and said the insurance might try to get out of it.

Is anyone knowledgeable about this as they said a new engine could be 7k??

Help

dacouch

Most companies will pay this if you have comprehensive cover, the simple answer is to contact your Insurers and have a word with them.

Bear in mind that this is likely to be a "fault" claim which means you will have to pay your excess, lose some of your no claims bonus (Unless you have protected no claims bonus) and your premium may be loaded next year.

Also bear in mind that if the Insurers fit a brand new engine they may ask you to ontribute towards it due to "Betterment". This in effect is if your engine was say five years old and had a say a ten year life span they may ask you to pay half of the price as you have a better engine than before the claim

cdixon1041k

Most insureds do so as part of comprehensive coverage. I worked in insurance for 10 years. Most acts of nature are generally covered but you should call your company to be sure. Most major companies are good to go.


Chris

lisyloo

Most acts of nature are generally covered

I'm sure you know more than me if you worked in insurance, however to the lay persons mind this was not an act of nature.
This was the act of another car driving without due consideration.

Obviosuly if they drove past and you don't have the reg then there is nothing to be gained.
But the problem as caused by another vehicle.
The water wasn't flying through the air until another vehicle was involved.

gordikin

I would be really surprised if the engine was a write off due to a load of water landing on the bonnet. How deep was the water your husband was driving through?

lisyloo

I think the car needs to be looked at by a dealer and not diagnosed at the roadside but a recovery person.
I've had things incorrectly diagnosed by recovery people before.
It needs ot be checked out more thoroughly.

gordikin

Lisyloo, you are right this needs to be checked more thoroughly. Afterall bonnets protect engines.

LinasPilibaitisisbatman

Lets be honest the OP's OH is clearly lying. Water landing on the bonnet couldnt do this to a car. The OP's husband was clearly driving through a puddle himself which was too deep.

It may well be covered but expect to be hammered for it.