Summary of this article
Monsoon flooding often causes costly car engine damage excluded in standard insurance.
Engine protection cover saves lakhs by covering water-induced engine failures.
Zero depreciation, roadside assistance, and consumables cover boost financial protection.
EV owners benefit from battery protection cover against flood-related damage.
While monsoons lead to flooding in most major metros, Mumbai is now in the news for waterlogging. Images of cars submerged in water are scary, and one might think that comprehensive insurance will cover it, but that might not be the case.
One must understand that protecting your vehicle from potential damage is important. People living in excessive rain or flood-prone areas can opt for engine protection cover with comprehensive car insurance. “This is important as when heavy rains or flood-like situations occur, when water enters the engine, it can cause serious damage, which can lead to heavy repair costs,” says Subhasish Mazumder, head – motor distribution, Bajaj Allianz General Insurance.
“It is also important to note that one must not start the engine if the car is stuck in water. It increases the risk of engine damage. In such a situation, call your insurance company and ask for towing the vehicle. It can then be safely transported to the garage. With the engine protection cover and with the awareness of the steps that need to be taken in such a situation, you avoid extra repair costs and worrying about your vehicle in the monsoon season,” says Mazumder.
Why Add-Ons Are Important
Add-ons play a critical role in safeguarding vehicles during monsoons. Engine protection cover is especially valuable, as engine damage due to water ingress is otherwise excluded under standard policies.
“With zero depreciation cover, the insurer pays the full claim amount, ignoring wear-and-tear deductions on vehicle parts. Additionally, roadside assistance and consumables cover are cost-effective add-ons that provide crucial support during floods and breakdowns,” says Pankaj Verma, Chief Technical Officer (products & underwriting), Zurich Kotak General Insurance Company.
As we have seen, one of the most important of those is Engine Protect. It helps protect the car's engine if damaged by water ingress. Engine repairs often come at a high cost, and without this protection, you will end up paying a hefty amount for repairs. Zero depreciation is another useful add-on. In case car parts get damaged due to excessive rain, the insurance pays the full cost of the parts without depreciating their value.
Staying Protected Is Key
Planning smartly about your car insurance can save you from a lot of huge bills that may come your way, especially during the monsoon. With weather changes and rains happening almost in every part of the country, it is important to plan smartly beforehand. Choose a comprehensive policy for your vehicles so you are safe from your own damage, third-party damage, and theft-related damage.
In cities where waterlogging is common, proactive planning is key. Without add-ons, a flooded engine can result in repair bills ranging in lakhs. “With comprehensive coverage and the right add-ons, such costs can be reduced drastically, often limited to just the deductible. By planning for the future and customising policies with suitable add-ons, owners can safeguard themselves against sudden financial shocks, ensuring peace of mind,” says Verma. “For electric vehicle owners, a battery protection cover is one of the most valuable add-ons. If your EV battery gets submerged in water, even for a short time, it can be severely damaged, and replacing it can be expensive,” says Mazumder.
Standard insurance often doesn't cover this, so battery protection can save you from a huge bill. If you drive an EV in an area prone to flooding, this add-on provides extra peace of mind when heavy rains arrive.
