Bringing cars to safety — Extremnews — The slightly different news

Damage caused by flooding is generally covered by partial comprehensive insurance. However, car owners must act when flooding threatens. “After an official flood warning, the vehicle should be taken out of the danger zone – including from underground car parks at risk,” explains Roland Richter, traffic expert at R+V Versicherung. Anyone who leaves the vehicle in the flood area despite the warning may be acting with gross negligence. “Then the insurance cover is at risk,” Richter continues.

R+V expert Richter also strongly advises against driving through flooded streets. “Cars are not waterproof, even if it sometimes looks different in the cinema.” If the engine takes in water and is damaged as a result, this is called water hammer. Partial insurance only pays for damage caused by water hammer in exceptional cases. “Coverage is available through fully comprehensive insurance. But even here, gross negligence can jeopardize insurance coverage,” says Richter.

Further tips from the R+V Info Center:

• Water damage to your car should be reported to your car insurance company immediately.




• If the water has reached the car door, it is worth having it checked at the workshop before continuing your journey: the engine, catalytic converter or electronics could be damaged.




• If the vehicle is completely under water, it is usually a total loss.

Source: R+V Infocenter (ots)