Does car insurance cover flood damage?

When storms roll in and the rain just won’t quit, you might wonder whether your car will be protected if it floods. You’re not alone — flooding is one of the most common and costly weather events drivers face. The good news is, with the right car insurance coverage, you can breathe a little easier knowing you’ll have help if flooding damages your vehicle.

Let’s take a closer look at how a properly built car insurance policy may help you.

Is my car covered for flood damage?

Knowing which coverages provide flood protection enables you to build a policy that could help protect you from unexpected losses.

People often wonder if they need “full coverage” to protect against flood damage. Full coverage usually refers to a suite of auto coverages — including comprehensive, which is typically the part of your policy that provides flood protection. However, you may also need additional coverages to help manage a total loss.

Consider these coverages for added peace of mind in the event of a flood:

Comprehensive coverage

Comprehensive coverage is designed to protect your car from unexpected events that are out of your control — including flood damage. Whether it’s a storm surge after a hurricane or a sudden downpour that turns your street into a stream, comprehensive insurance may help pay for repairs or replacement of your vehicle after a storm rolls through and your car has been flooded.

Weather events that may be covered under a comprehensive auto policy include:

• Windstorms and tornados
• Falling objects
• Hail
• Flood
• Lightning

Gap insurance coverage

If your car is declared a total loss and you owe more than it’s worth, this coverage may help cover the difference. Imagine that a summer storm unleashes hail where you live and totals your car, which is valued at $15,000. Unfortunately, you still owe $18,000 on the loan. Gap insurance coverage helps ensure you’re not left paying the extra $3,000 out of pocket for a car you no longer have.

Rental reimbursement coverage

In the aftermath of a severe weather event, your community auto/body shops may be booked for days before they’re able to repair your car. Our rental car reimbursement coverage may help pay for you to rent a car while yours is in the shop. You may also be covered for expenses like ride-sharing services, taxis, and other forms of public transportation.

Does liability auto insurance cover flood damage?

Liability insurance is there to help cover costs if you’re in an at-fault accident that causes injury or property damage to others. It does not cover flood damage to your own car.

How to file an insurance claim for a flooded car

If your car’s been damaged by a flood, don’t wait — file a claim as soon as possible. With American Family Insurance, you can:

• Log in to My Account or use the MyAmFam app to report your claim anywhere, any time.
• Track your claim status and view your insurance info in one convenient place.

Prefer talking to someone? Call us at 1-800-MYAMFAM (1-800-692-6326) or reach out to your American Family Insurance agent.

Is flood damage to your car repairable?

Sometimes, minor flood damage can be fixed. But water may cause hidden problems, like mold, mildew, and rust that could impact your car and its interior over time. Wiring, electrical circuitry, and other sensitive instruments in hard-to-reach places might be destroyed or damaged, too.

After you file a flood claim, your insurance adjuster will work with you and your repair shop to get an accurate picture of the damage and create a plan for potential repairs.

How to protect your car from flood damage

Here are three top tips to protect your car from flood damage:

Stay weather aware. Consider downloading a free weather app — like AccuWeather, The Weather Channel, or Weather Underground — for reliable forecasts and real-time alerts when the winds begin to howl.

Have a plan. If your area is under a flood watch or warning, move your car to higher ground or an upper floor of a parking garage — but only if it’s safe to do so.

Act quickly. Don’t wait for the water to rise — relocate your vehicle as soon as you hear a flood warning, provided your safety won’t be at risk.

Get the flood coverage your car needs

Having the right protection in place before disaster strikes can give you peace of mind when you need it most. Contact your American Family Insurance agent to review your policy and request a quote for comprehensive, gap, and rental reimbursement insurance. 

This article is for informational purposes only and based on information that is widely available. This information does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal or financial advice. You should contact a professional for advice specific to your situation.

This information represents only a brief description of coverages, is not part of your policy, and is not a promise or guarantee of coverage. If there is any conflict between this information and your policy, the provisions of the policy will prevail. Insurance policy terms and conditions may apply. Exclusions may apply to policies, endorsements, or riders. Coverage may vary by state and may be subject to change. Some products are not available in every state. Please read your policy and contact your agent for assistance.