How to Report Flood Damage to a Car

Flooding can result in permanent damage to your car.

Damage caused by flooding can render your car useless, unless repairs are made quickly. According to Car Accessories Magazine, water can damage the braking system, ruin the interior and flood the engine, which contaminates the engine oil and transmission fluid. The cost to repair flood damage to your car can cost thousands of dollars, so utilize your insurance policy and file a claim.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Camera or cell phone with built-in camera
• Insurance card or insurance policy number
• Police report

1. Take pictures of your car and the surrounding scene. Taking photographs is your security measure to ensure that all damage to your vehicle is documented and that all damage occurred during the flood is indisputable. Be sure to get well-focused pictures that clearly show the damage. Take pictures from all angles, including the front end, rear end, sides and, if possible, underneath the car. Photograph the inside of your car, including underneath the hood and inside of the trunk, to document any interior damage caused by water.

2. Contact the police and file a police report. Police reports are often required by insurance companies if they are to move forward with your claim. When the police arrive, the police officer will ask you to fill out forms that include personal information such as name, address, social security number and insurance information. You will also need to fill out forms in which you will describe the flooding incident and list any damage suffered by your car. Inform the police officer that you have pictures and offer copies for use in the report. If you have a digital camera or a cell phone, the police officer will ask for a digital copy. If you have a camera has film which needs to be developed, the police officer will take note and ask you to submit the pictures once you have gotten them developed.

3. Contact a mechanic and get a damage estimate for your car. Your insurance company will provide their own estimate from its own mechanic, but it is best to get the opinion of at least one other mechanic to level the playing field. Have your mechanic assess the damage and give you a written estimation that lists not only the total cost to repair the damage, but each individual part that needs to be fixed or replaced, including the price of each item. Providing your insurance company with your estimates will increase your chances of getting the insurance coverage you deserve.

4. Consult Kelley Blue Book to determine the overall value of your car. Kelley Blue Book is the largest automobile assessment company in the U.S. that lists the estimated value to automobiles of all ages, makes and models. Water damage can ruin expensive components in your car, such as your engine and transmission. According to AutoZone and NAPA Auto Parts, a new engine can cost between $1,500 and $5,000, while a new transmission can cost between $1,200 and $4,000. If Kelly Blue Book lists the value of your car as less than the total cost to repair it, your car is considered "totaled" and your insurance company should pay you for the value of your car.

5. Contact your insurance agent and schedule a meeting to discuss your claim. If your insurance agent is out of state, your insurance company will send a locally based claims representative to meet with you.

6. Meet with your insurance agent. Have a copy of your police report, damage estimate and photographs ready. The claims representative will assess the damage to your car and take his own set of photographs. Be sure to inspect the damage with the representative, in case they have any questions or if there are any disputes as to whether certain damage was caused by the flood or another source. Once the claims representative has inspected your car, he will submit your claim. Your insurance agent will contact you within about one week to inform you of the coverage you will receive to pay for your damages.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not attempt to approach your vehicle until flood waters have reduced to a safe level.

References

• State Farm Insurance: Claims Center
• Progressive: How to Report an Auto Claim
• GEICO: What to Do if Your Vehicle is Damaged
• Car Accessories Magazine: Car Water Damage

Resources

• Kelley Blue Book
• NAPA Auto Parts
• AutoZone