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Reporting Flood-Related Auto Insurance Claims
You may be surprised to know that floods are a common natural disaster in many parts of the U.S. Depending on where you live; floods or even just large amounts of rainfall could personally affect you and your vehicle. Below are some pointers on how to file an auto insurance claim should you need to.
Reporting Your Auto Insurance Claim
Unfortunately, in substantial flooding, you may have to abandon your car to floodwaters. In less severe flood situations, your car may be damaged. In either case, you’ll probably want to file a claim with your auto insurance company.
To report your auto insurance claim and start the process of getting back on the road, be sure to call your auto insurance company before you go ahead with the repair or replacement of your car. Typically, flood-related damage is covered by comprehensive coverage in your auto insurance policy. (When you file your auto insurance claim, you’ll probably have to pay the deductible you chose when you bought your auto insurance policy.)
Even if your car looks fine after floodwaters recede, remember that a car's engine, as well as its braking, steering, and transmission systems are prone to hidden flood damage. As a result, any car that has been subject to flooding should not be started until it has been inspected and cleaned by a qualified mechanic. If you try to start a flood-damaged car before a mechanic looks at it, you could endanger yourself and/or cause further damage to the vehicle. Your mechanic can also give you a repair estimate for your auto insurance company.
Auto Insurance Claims with Esurance
If you have auto insurance coverage with Esurance, you can take your car anywhere you like for repairs. However, if you don’t have a preferred body shop, we can help you locate one that’s close to you, from one of the more than 800 shops affiliated with Esurance.
Estimates written by shops affiliated with us are free. Our appraisers review these estimates online and then send them electronically to your auto insurance claims representative for payment. If you choose to have your vehicle repaired at one of the shops affiliated with us, it’s likely that you’ll get your auto insurance claim resolved even faster!
Learn more about staying safe around floods and staying away from flooded cars, read Floods Are No Easy Cruise: Disaster Driving, Car Damage, & Auto Insurance.
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