Comprehensive motor insurance may cover flood-related vehicle damage, but engine water ingress can require separate protection. Experts warn drivers not to restart stalled cars in floodwater.
Sudden rain and waterlogged roads can leave drivers facing far more than a soaked commute. According to ICICI Lombard, a standard comprehensive motor policy does cover accidental damage to the insured vehicle and can extend to losses linked to natural calamities such as floods, but that protection may stop short of engine damage caused by water entering the vehicle. The insurer says many motorists wrongly assume the base policy automatically pays for every form of flood-related loss.
That distinction matters because water ingress can trigger hydrostatic lock, a condition in which water gets into the engine’s combustion chamber and prevents the pistons from moving normally. ICICI Lombard says trying to restart a car after it has stalled in floodwater can make the problem worse and lead to expensive repairs or even a full engine replacement. In such cases, the safest step is to avoid cranking the engine and call for professional help.
For drivers who want broader protection, ICICI Lombard says an engine protection add-on can help cover eligible repair costs linked to water seepage, subject to the policy’s terms and exclusions. The company says the cover is especially relevant for people in flood-prone areas and for owners of higher-value vehicles, where engine or gearbox repairs can be costly. ICICI Lombard also says its comprehensive car policy can be tailored with add-ons such as engine protection and roadside assistance.
Roadside assistance is another cover worth weighing, particularly when heavy rain leaves vehicles stranded or makes towing unavoidable. ICICI Lombard says its Service Assure roadside assistance plan is available for petrol and diesel cars as well as electric vehicles, offering support when a vehicle breaks down or cannot be driven after flooding. The insurer also says it uses weather alerts from credible authorities to warn customers ahead of adverse conditions. Drivers, it adds, should check whether their existing policy already includes flood-related damage, towing and engine cover, or whether those features must be bought separately.
Disclaimer: This article is intended to inform and educate, not to recommend or endorse any financial product, investment or strategy. Please consider your own financial circumstances and seek professional advice where appropriate before making financial decisions.
