Baltic Sea storm surge: water damage to the car - insurance protection and damage settlement.

Baltic Sea storm surge: water damage to the car - insurance protection and damage settlement.

According to a report from www.tagesspiegel.de, the first streets and shore areas on the Baltic Sea coast were flooded due to a storm surge. The article deals with water damage to cars and explains which insurance policies apply in such cases. As a rule, partial comprehensive insurance covers flood damage caused by storm surges, floods or heavy rain. With fully comprehensive insurance, partial comprehensive protection is already included. In addition, natural events such as hail and storm damage are usually covered by insurance. However, it is often a prerequisite that there was a force 8 storm. Avalanches, landslides and subsidence usually need to be insured separately.

The insurance usually covers the replacement value or new price of the car, less the residual value of the wreck. If the car is damaged, the repair costs will be paid by the insurance company. Damage caused by objects floating in the water is also covered. Things permanently attached to the car, such as roof boxes or special accessories, are also insured. As a rule, the insured person only has to pay the agreed deductible; there are no downgrades.

Only people who only have compulsory motor vehicle liability insurance have to pay the damage out of their own pocket. However, insurers may refuse to cover damages if the car was parked in an area for which a flood warning had previously been issued. In such cases, insurance coverage may be at risk.

Anyone who parks their car in a typical flood risk area should pay attention to appropriate flood warnings. It is recommended to avoid flooded roads as there is a risk of water hammer resulting in engine damage. In such cases, partial comprehensive insurance can refuse to cover the damage because it was not caused directly by the flood, but by the driver's behavior. Unless the flood came so suddenly that the engine could no longer be switched off in time.

Overall, it is important to inform the insurer about the damage as quickly as possible and to document any damage. In the event of intentional actions, comprehensive insurance will not cover the damage. This information serves as a guide for consumers who want to find out about insurance coverage for water damage to their car.