If you live in an area prone to heavy rains and flooding, you may be wondering whether your auto insurance would cover you for flood damage. If you have a comprehensive or full coverage policy with MAPFRE, then we will likely cover damage caused to your vehicle in the event of a flood. Additionally, it’s important to understand the specifics of your policy, including any deductibles or limits on coverage.
Comprehensive coverage not only insures a car against flood damage, but other extreme weather like hail, wind, and fire. It also usually covers damage incurred from falling objects like branches or trees.
Do I need flood insurance to cover flood damage to my vehicle?
If you have comprehensive coverage, you don’t need separate flood insurance coverage for your vehicle as you are covered under that policy. Comprehensive coverage typically covers damage from things like falling objects, like branches or trees, and collisions with animals, such as a deer running across your vehicle’s path. Typically, comprehensive coverage also helps cover losses from vandalism or theft.
Does my home flood insurance cover vehicle damage?
Standard homeowners insurance policies usually do not cover water damage due to flood for either the building or personal property in Massachusetts. This would include water that seeps through the foundation and floods the basement. If you live in an area that frequently experiences floods, ask your MAPFRE agent or visit the National Flood Insurance Program. In other states, if you have flood insurance for your home, it will not cover damage to vehicles as they are excluded from the home flood insurance policy.
What happens if my vehicle is flood damaged?
Even drivers who have taken out a comprehensive policy should ensure that they have taken suitable precautions to protect their car from flood damage. The process of making a claim for flood damage is time-consuming, so doing everything possible to prevent the vehicle from being flood-damaged is always a good idea.
How do I know if a used car I’m thinking about buying may have flood damage?
Another concern about insuring a vehicle is when you may be shopping for a used car. Do you know where it came from or if it had prior flood damage? Not all flood-damaged vehicles are reported to their insurance companies, and some may be sold as used cars without disclosing their history, which can be dangerous for future buyers. If a vehicle has been in a flood, it can have a variety of problems that may not be immediately apparent, including engine damage, mold, and electrical issues. If you’re considering buying a used vehicle, it’s important to have it inspected by a trusted mechanic and to do a vehicle history check to make sure it hasn’t been in a flood or other major accident.
If you are unsure about your coverage or have questions about your policy, it’s always a good idea to contact your independent insurance agent to discuss your auto insurance needs or you can get a fast, free quote today on your Massachusetts car insurance policy to see how much you could save!
