With heavy rain predicted across the UK, the newspapers and television reports warn us of impending flood dangers. A majority of such reports tend to focus on the damage sustained by homes and businesses.
Flooding can also affect vehicles, sometimes leading to thousands of pounds worth of repairs needed for flood damage. Road users are also at a risk, even those who don’t live in areas at risk of flooding.
But there are steps you can take in order to prepare yourself, your vehicle and your finances in case of flood damage:
Check that your car insurance policy will cover you in the event of flood damage. Most fully comprehensive policies will cover flooding as standard. However those on ‘third party, fire and theft’ policies may find themselves having to pay a little more for flood damage cover.
If a flood warning has been issued in your area and you’re unsure as to your cover, contact your motor insurance provider to double-check any details before setting off on a journey.
If a flood warning is issued in your area, try and store your vehicle on higher ground if you are able to.
If you need to travel during flood conditions, be sure to leave plenty of time for your journey.
Make sure you let someone know of the planned itinerary of your journey, including departure times and an approximate return time – this information can be valuable to emergency services should you become stranded.
Keep a watchful eye and ear on your local radio and TV weather and travel reports, take time to research alternative routes in the event of road closures in flood-prone areas.
Pack a small bag with a change of clothes, food and drink and a fully charged mobile phone in case of emergency.
When driving during flooded conditions it is important to take precautions, both before and after your journey:
Drive slowly and cautiously, leave plenty of space between yourself and the car in front, remembering that braking distance is reduced in wet conditions.
Drive very carefully around flooded parts of the road, keeping to the highest possible point. Do not attempt to travel through flooded patches if you’re unsure of the depth.
If you have to travel through flood water, drive at low speed and be vigilant for any debris or other obstacles that could cause damage to your vehicle.
Once clear of the water, use gentle braking to dry your brakes, but ensure it is safe to do so before taking this step.
If your car has suffered flood damage, do not attempt to switch on the ignition, and check the outside of your vehicle for any damage.
It is important to get your car examined by a qualified mechanic at the earliest opportunity following floods to assess the damage caused by flood conditions. It is also advisable to contact your
motor insurance company to check if you’re eligible to claim for any damage.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Underinsured
By: lunchlady | 12-07-2008
what is the statute of limitations on motor vehicle accidents in nj for underinsured drivers? if the person at fault does not have enough coverage to cover the cost of replacing a totaled vehicle, can the insurace company of the other driver sue them personally for the difference? if they can, is there a time frame they have to do it by?
Uninsured in car accident
By: bran | 08-07-2008
my husband was involved in a car accident july05.very minimal damage to other vehicle,none to ours. i just found out our policy cancelled on june30.so we have no insurance to cover this accident. the family of 6 that was in the van were not hurt and 3 of the passengers left before the law arrived because they were going to a wedding. now it is july 08 and 2 of the passsengers are complaining of back problems. i have pictures of the damage to their vehicle and no tickets were given. where do we stand on this?i dont have a problem at all with paying for the damages to the van. but i do have a problem with the injuries. my husband bumped them in the rear pulling from a stop sign. barely any speed at all. any advice would be appreciated. thanks alot!
Car storage insurance
By: mmille6515 | 09-05-2008
do you know how i can insure my car in arizona for storage only
Car insurance policy
By: Jonofwg | 05-05-2008
I bought a used car and added it to my policy, and then the car broke down 2 days later, how do I take it off my policy, will I be charged? How does it work?
Wa car liability insurance
By: judykay | 23-03-2008
Does car liability insurance in WA state cover the passenger for medical insurance in case of a one car accident
My parked car was hit 22nd Oct 2008 and my car has ...
By: RoydenFoster | 22-01-2008
My parked car was hit 22nd Oct 2008 and my car has been off the road for over three months and the insurers are unable to still provide a date when they will get the part to complete the repairs to my car. They also appear not to want to consider any alternative solutions. Is not three months an unreasonable time to wait for your car to be repaired? Where do I stand in relation to the insurers having to pay me out? Fully comprehensive
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