Comprehensive Car Insurance: A Must in Natural Disasters Like Chennai Floods!

Recently, Chennai has been a victim of the heavy rainfall caused by Cyclone Michaung, resulting in widespread flooding. Numerous videos are making rounds on social media showing cars being carried away by the floodwaters, and in some parts of the city, vehicles have been entirely submerged. Anyone facing this unfortunate predicament might find a silver lining if they have the right insurance coverage.

Flood coverage, however, is not a part of the obligatory third-party insurance. To safeguard your vehicle against natural disasters such as floods, a comprehensive insurance plan becomes vital. Pawan Durani, an insurance provider from ACKO, states, "The Comprehensive Car Insurance Policy covers damages to your car resulting from natural calamities like floods, earthquakes, cyclones, etc. It also extends coverage to accidents, fire, man-made disasters, and theft."

Understanding Comprehensive Car Insurance Policy

ACKO, in a blog post, warns, "Flood damage can result in severe damages, depreciating the car's value, leading to costly repairs, and in extreme situations, total loss (unrepairable)." While the Comprehensive Car Insurance Policy might come with a higher price tag, it could ultimately save you a significant amount of money during unexpected losses.

The damages due to floods can include engine, gearbox, electric and electronic, and upholstery damage. The cost of repairing or replacing a water-damaged engine alone could range between Rs 75,000 to Rs 15 lakh. However, it's worth noting that comprehensive plans do not automatically cover all types of damages.

Ensuring Adequate Coverage

Therefore, when buying insurance, it's crucial to thoroughly review the terms and conditions to ensure flood coverage, such as engine protection cover or hydrostatic cover, is included. For added security, consider optional add-ons like Return to Invoice Cover, Zero Depreciation Cover, No Claim Bonus, and Engine Protection Cover.

Further, it's critical to avoid driving in waterlogged areas. If your car breaks down in a flooded area, refrain from trying to restart it, as this might worsen the situation.

Claiming Insurance in case of Damage

In the event of damage, policyholders should quickly report a claim to their insurance company. To improve claim settlements, consider coupling add-ons with zero depreciation and consumable expenses cover. Roadside assistance packages can provide immediate support, including towing, battery jumpstart, flat tire fixing, rental vehicles, and relaying messages to relatives.

In conclusion, while we cannot prevent natural disasters like Cyclone Michaung, we can certainly prepare for the aftermath. Having a comprehensive car insurance policy provides a safety net for your vehicle, potentially saving you from financial distress caused by unforeseen circumstances. Therefore, it's advisable to invest in a comprehensive insurance plan and ensure that it covers potential damage caused by floods and other natural disasters.