If your car has flooded, do not start it or attempt to drive it. Be sure to move to a safe location away from the floodwater, document the scene by taking photos. From there, be sure to contact your insurance provider and arrange for your vehicle to be towed to a repair facility.
Between the ocean, rivers, lakes and wetlands, it’s not uncommon that cars on the East Coast may be inundated by floodwater. Follow the tips below to ensure you are safe if your car does get flooded by water.
Put personal safety first
Remember, it’s never safe to drive or walk in floodwater. According to the National Weather Service and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than half of all flood-related drownings happen when a vehicle is driven into floodwater. The next highest percentage of flood-related deaths is due to walking into or near floodwater.
If your car is submerged in water, do not attempt to start it. If there is water in the engine, attempting to start it can cause damage beyond repair.
Determine how deep the car was submerged. It’s possible that water did not enter the cabin or any parts susceptible to damage.
What to do with car flood damage?
Try to dry your vehicle as soon as possible. You may need to have a towing service to move your car to higher ground to avoid further water damage.
Tips to drying a flooded car
- Use a wet and dry vacuum to remove standing water and use towels to dry the seats.
- Remember to check any compartments.
- Take out anything removable like floor mats.
- Open the doors and keep air flowing with a fan.
- Note the kind of water your vehicle was in. Salt water is more corrosive and can cause more serious damage to your car.
Get in touch with your insurance company immediately. Flood damage to your car is covered under comprehensive coverage. It is important to note, however, that if you only have liability insurance, flood damage to your car is not covered.
If you’re not sure, contact our company or your local agent if you have questions about your coverage.
Filing a car insurance claim for flood damage
At Plymouth Rock, we know that filing any kind of car insurance claim can be stressful. Our unique claims services will simplify the process, getting you back on the road in no time.
- File your claim — please have your policy number ready. You can file a claim online or by contacting us or your agent directly.
- Assignment and tracking of the claim — after you report your car insurance claim, you’ll receive a claim number to help track its progress. We’ll also assign you an experienced and friendly representative to answer any questions you may have.
- Damage evaluation — if your vehicle has damage and the applicable coverage applies, we offer these convenient options to get you back on the road as soon as possible:
- CarPics® Photo Appraisals: Eliminate the need to schedule a claims inspection and receive your estimate within hours. You may even get paid that same day.*
- Crashbusters® Mobile Claim Service: Have a representative meet you to appraise the damage at a time and place that’s convenient for you, oftentimes, issuing you a check on the spot.
- Door to Door Valet Claim Service®: Let us pick up your car and handle the repair process from start to finish. If you have rental coverage, we’ll even coordinate a rental car.
- Receive your claim settlement — based on your situation, Plymouth Rock may pay your claim to the repair shop or we may reimburse you directly. Your claim payment will be based on the terms and coverage in your car insurance policy.
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*Certain restrictions apply.
This page is for informational purposes only. Actual coverage may vary and is subject to the policy issued by your insurer. Restrictions and limitations may apply. Review your policy and consult a licensed insurance professional to learn more about your coverage.