Did you see on the San Diego local news, cars submerged up to their roofs in water? Mission Valley was turned into a Lake esp. around the Qualcomm Stadium area. What do those people do that have flood damaged cars? A drop of prevention is really worth a gallon of cure. Avoid flood prone areas. In San Diego, we have very light rainfall. Stay abreast of the forecast if you live near a swelling stream, culvert or other low point.

When your car acts like a boat, that is a very bad thing. Be smart and do not drive through standing or even worse, running water. I saw one guy get stuck even in a full size Hummer. If you find your car has water up the bottom of the car, do not attempt to start the engine. If you suck water into the engine and other systems, that will cause further damage. Your car’s brakes, engine, electrical and transmission systems will not perform when being submerged.

Mildew can build up in hidden areas that are concealed. The interior may need to be torn out and dried. Engine fluids contaminated with water need to be drained and replaced. I am giving you these tips because unless you have comprehensive coverage for your vehicle, your car will probably not be repaired if flooded. You car might not be worth fixing.

If you have an older car, or it’s paid off, you may not have comprehensive coverage. A car worth $2000 is probably not worth paying extra insurance premiums for comprehensive. If you have liability insurance only, know that the property damage portion only covers damage you cause to another parties property, when you hit them.

Most car insurance, even if it is comprehensive, will not cover damage to personal property inside the car. So any Christmas gifts damaged by water are not covered, radios, etc.

If your car is financed or leased, the finance company most likely requires you to maintain full comprehensive coverage on the vehicle. If you have comprehensive insurance and file a claim for a flood damaged car, it’s often declared a total loss. To report your auto insurance claim, contact your car insurance company before you go give permission to repair or replace your vehicle. The faster you can begin repairs on water damage, the less damage there will be. If it is totaled and you agree on a price with the insurer, you will have to sign the car over to them. The it will have a salvaged title with the “flood” brand on it by the DMV. You’ll probably have to pay any deductibles from your comprehensive coverage.

If you have a homeowner’s flood policy, that will not cover damages to a vehicle. Flood policies supplied by FEMA aka The National Flood Insurance Program only cover flood damage that has occurred to a home, not a car. Remember, you are your best insurance. Merry Christmas and may you have a drier new year!

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