Flooded Car? Here’s what you need to know.
In light of last week’s flash flooding in the Washington, D.C. metro area, Connie Phillips Insurance has gathered a few facts to guide you in the right direction after a vehicle has flooded.
- Flooding is covered under comprehensive coverage.
You can find coverage information by checking your policy’s declarations page. If you don’t have one, please contact our office and we can provide you with a copy.
- Once you know your coverage, it’s time to file a claim.
Your policy or insurance card should have the number you would need to call in order to submit a claim. Remember that time is of the essence when you’re reporting a flood damage claim, make sure to document the damages by taking photos and videos of the damage.
- Now it’s time to dry out the vehicle, but how?
It is imperative that dry out your vehicle correctly in order to prevent further damages such as mold and mildew. Do not try to dry your vehicle on your own, however. Contact the appropriate professionals, your insurance even carrier might cover for this service, contact us and find out.
4. Other possible outcomes (totaled vehicle, car flooded away, etc…)
- Keep in mind that your vehicle can possibly be totaled if the repairs needed outweighs the total cost of the vehicle. According to Maryland’s law, your insurance company must total your vehicle in the event that the repairs are more than 75% of how much your car is worth.
- If your vehicle has flooded away, you must contact local authorities and report your loss. The police will keep in touch with you and will notify you should they recover your vehicle.
- Let’s say you decide to keep your vehicle and fix it; First, you need to notify the insurance company, they will deduct the salvage value they could have gotten from your car through your settlement. Keep in mind that Maryland requires an inspection of your vehicle by the State Police department to make sure it’s under acceptable conditions to drive. If your vehicle is totaled, your insurance carrier might not allow you to keep comprehensive and collision coverage on your policy. Since it was totaled, they will not pay another claim for that vehicle.
We hope you found these facts helpful, feel free to contact our offices should you have any questions about flood coverage.
Connie Phillips