Natural calamities can occur anytime, anywhere at their discretion, and can cause great destruction. Humans can’t eliminate it rather we can take precautions. Recently, cyclones Tauktae and Yaas have caused huge devastation over the eastern and western coasts of India. Many states of the country such as Maharashtra, Gujarat, Orrisa, West Bengal, Goa, and Daman & Diu have been greatly affected due to heavy monsoon cyclones. Many buildings, houses, and other properties have collapsed and thousands of vehicles parked on the road got damaged in the heavy rainfall. The storm took out hundreds of trees and poles, making them fall on vehicles lying on the roadside. During these days, images of vehicles drowned in the rainwater went viral on much Social Media.
Heavy rainfall can cause severe damage to significant parts such as engines, electric system, and even disrupts transportation. It may cost Rs 2 – 3 lakh to repair the affected parts. This increases the significance of motor insurance to claim damages against natural disasters such as floods, hurricanes, cyclones, earthquakes, landslides, storms, inundations, and typhoons.
The owner can first approach the insurer as soon as possible and take advice from the insurance agent to repair if the vehicle got affected by a natural disaster. It is always better to consult the agent first before approaching any local mechanic. The claiming of insurance for vehicle damage in the case of natural calamity is a longer process than a claim due to an accident. People should not try to start a vehicle when it is drowned by floodwater. People think that it will help to heat the engine and drain the water inside the vehicle. However, it is the biggest mistake people commit. There is a chance of water entering into internal parts such as pistons of vehicles which will result in hydro locking. The insurer will reject the claim if the vehicle gets hydro-locked as it is the owner’s mistake. Hence it is advisable to reach the workshop directly to repair the vehicle.
Some of the popular add-ons of a comprehensive motor insurance policy are Key and Lock Replacement, Zero Depreciation and Return to Invoice, etc. One of the lesser-known add-ons of motor insurance is Engine Protection cover to claim loss due to engine damage. Engine damage cannot be indemnified through a standard car insurance policy as it is not included in it and has to opt for an engine protection cover. This add-on cover will protect the engine damage due to rainwater, oil, and other machinery. It is a must-have add-on cover as that helps to save money at a nominal rate of premium 0.15% to 0.20% of the Insured Declared Value (IDV).
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