Few things are more important than having the right insurance coverage. About ten years ago, I was involved in a near-fatal crash where I experienced traumatic physical and emotional injuries. It was really challenging for me to endure the hospital stay and subsequent physical rehabilitation, but with the help of my medical team and my insurance company, I was able to overcome the challenge and completely recover. This blog is all about the importance of choosing the right insurance plan so that you can get on with your life and enjoy those precious years with your family and your friends.
A flash flood (sudden local flood) can damage your car's electronics, engine, transmission, upholstery and many other parts. Whether or not your insurance will pay for the damage depends on multiple factors that include these three:
The Coverage You Have
You will get some reimbursement if your insurance includes comprehensive coverage; without the coverage, you won't get anything. Comprehensive coverage applies to damages other than those caused by collisions. Unfortunately, comprehensive coverage is elective, which means some drivers (especially those who own old cars) do not have it. If your area experiences flash floods, protect your car from storm damage by buying comprehensive coverage before the storm season starts.
Your Car's Age
A car's value depreciates with time, so your car will not be worth much if it has been in use for a long time. However, you won't look for spares your car's age when repairing your car after flash flood damage; you will just use new parts for it. Using new parts in an old car increases the value of the car since the new parts haven't suffered from normal wear and tear are less likely to fail like the old ones.
As you know, however, your auto insurance is meant to restore your damaged car to its pre-damage status, and not to improve it. Therefore, if your car is extremely old, and it has been fixed with new parts, your insurance can reduce your claim so that it doesn't leave you with an improved car. For example, if the old engine was worth $600, and it has been replaced with one worth $1000, the insurer can reduce your claim by $400.
The Precautions You Took To Protect the Car
Car insurance is meant to protect you from genuine risks or accidents, not damages caused by your reckless behavior. This is why many auto insurance policies have a statement to the effect that the insurer expects you to take reasonable care to keep your car safe. For example, you might not be compensated if you ignored flash flood warnings, drove past barricades, or drove despite warnings from the authorities of potential flash floods in your area.
Don't ignore comprehensive coverage if you live or frequently drive in a flash flood prone area. Also, take reasonable measures to avoid being caught up in a flash flood. If a flash flood does damage your car, present your claim with the requisite proof and follow your insurer's claim process. Talk to Owen Insurance Agency, LLC or your insurance company today to find out more.
Share12 July 2016
