What You Should Know
- The comprehensive portion of your auto insurance will cover damage from a water main break
- Not all water damage is covered, including if you forget to close your car windows before a major rainstorm
- Water mains can break for a variety of reasons and without warning, so adding affordable comprehensive coverage may be a good idea
If you discover that a major water pipe has broken in your neighborhood and your car is now filled with water, you might wonder, “Does auto insurance cover damage caused by a water main break?”
Water can ruin your car’s carpets, upholstery, electrical systems, and even the engine, so getting it fixed as soon as possible is important. Keep reading to learn about auto insurance coverage for water main breaks, how to check the status of an auto insurance claim, and some additional tips.
Does auto insurance cover damage caused by a water main break?
Yes, your auto insurance will cover damage caused by a water main break. The comprehensive portion of your auto insurance policy will help pay for any damage to your car caused by the water main break, minus your deductible.
While comprehensive auto insurance is optional, it can be an affordable way to purchase peace of mind for your vehicle.
There are five reasons water mains break. These reasons include excavation work in your neighborhood, old pipes, and pressure changes in the main line.
Unfortunately, water main breaks are hard to predict, so speaking with your insurance agent if you have one might be worthwhile and asking about adding comprehensive auto insurance to your policy.
If you decide to add comprehensive insurance to your policy, you might wonder, “How quickly do changes I make to my policy go into effect?” If you have one, your insurance agent should be able to answer this question for you.
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How do I report damage from a water main break to my insurance agent?
After you discover that your auto has been damaged from water from a break in the main pipes, you should contact your agent, if you have one, as soon as possible. Then, when the flood waters recede, and it is safe for you to do so, take plenty of photos of the damage to the interior and exterior of your vehicle.
Also, be sure to note when and where the major water damage took place.
Are there times comprehensive coverage won’t cover water damage caused by a water main break?
While your comprehensive coverage will pay for damages from water damage that results from water main breaks, rain, storms, hail, tornadoes, and other instances, it will not cover instances where the water damage is determined to be your fault.
For example, if you neglect to roll up your windows and a powerful rain storm causes water to get in your vehicle, this would not be covered. In addition, if you have a leak in your car’s roof and don’t get it fixed before a hailstorm, your comprehensive policy will not cover this situation.
How long will it take to repair my vehicle due to damage caused by a water main break?
Once you contact your insurance company to report the damage caused by a water main break, it will assign you an insurance adjuster. They will come by and assess the damage and probably take additional photos.
The claims adjuster might have additional questions, so it is important to get back to them as soon as possible, as this will speed up the process of getting your check.
While it does vary from company to company, in most cases, you should get your money within a week or so. Then you can schedule your car to be repaired. If you have questions about any part of the process, such as how auto insurance companies pay out claims, ask your insurance adjuster or agent.
Final Thoughts on Auto Insurance Covering Damage Caused By a Water Main Break
Finding that your vehicle is filled with water is a stressful experience. Depending on how bad the water main break was, your vehicle’s engine might be severely damaged, and your car’s electrical system may be down.
If you don’t have comprehensive auto insurance, consider finding auto insurance quotes online for the best coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does water damage include?
“Water damage” refers to physical damage caused to property by water. It can be from natural disasters like floods, tornadoes, hurricanes, or burst pipes.
What is the difference between water damage and flood damage?
An “internal” disaster causes water damage. This includes plumbing issues and burst pipes. Flood damage is from an act of nature like hurricanes or torrential rain storm that causes flooding.
What is the deductible for water damage?
The deductible is the portion of your insurance policy you will pay out of pocket. It varies from policy to policy, but common amounts are $250, $500, or $1,000.
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Leslie Kasperowicz
Farmers CSR for 4 Years
Leslie Kasperowicz holds a BA in Social Sciences from the University of Winnipeg. She spent several years as a Farmers Insurance CSR, gaining a solid understanding of insurance products including home, life, auto, and commercial and working directly with insurance customers to understand their needs. She has since used that knowledge in her more than ten years as a writer, largely in the insurance…
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