Due to the mini-ponds created by the flood that hit Tartu and the flooded parking lots and streets, quite a few vehicles suffered significant water damage. Balcia’s insurance expert explains in which cases insurance can help and how to best protect yourself and your vehicle in such a situation.
Due to the heavy rains, several Tartu streets, businesses and also parking garages were flooded. So many cars that tried to drive through the water obstacle stopped due to the deep water, and quite a few vehicles in the parking garages also had to withstand the high water level. “Compared to the consequences of the storm that passed over Latvia and Lithuania last week, Tartu actually escaped easily. In addition to damage to buildings, quite a few of our Latvian customers turned to us because of damage to sunken vehicles,” explained Balcia vehicle insurance product manager Timo Semjonov.
He explained that conventional road insurance does not help with flood damage if the car has not been damaged directly due to a road accident. Comprehensive insurance helps in the event that the vehicle damaged due to high water levels was parked, for example, in a parking garage, parking lot or on the street. “However, if there is a situation where a person knowingly drives through a deep puddle or a flooded street, it no longer falls under unavoidable or unexpected damage, and the insurance may not cover the damage. In other words, the driver must not knowingly endanger his vehicle. This is especially so when the street is already closed, there are warning signs, etc.,” said Semyonov.
Semyonov shares some recommendations for behavior in the event of floods:
- Avoid flooded deep places. If you’re not sure how deep the water might be, don’t risk driving through it. Today’s cars are full of electronics that can easily be damaged by water.
- Drive slowly. If you have decided to drive through a flooded area, do it slowly. A fast momentum creates a wave in front of the car, which can even more easily penetrate the car’s engine or important components.
- Do not start the engine of a flooded vehicle. If you suspect that the parked car may have been under deep water or the car has stopped while driving through water, do not try to start the car, as this can cause even more serious damage. Contact your insurance provider and follow their instructions.
2024-08-07 10:15:11
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