Comprehensive car insurance can help protect your car from flood damage caused by heavy rain or rising water, which can cause significant harm to your car’s electrical system, engine, and transmission.
Let’s take a look at how car insurance can help protect your car against flood damage.
TL;DR
- Comprehensive coverage is a must if you want protection against flood damage for your car
- If your car is totaled by heavy rain or rising water, you’ll get paid its actual cash value — what it’s worth today, after factoring in depreciation. Your deductible comes out of that amount.
- Temporary transportation coverage covers a rental car or a ride-share while your car’s in the shop
How does car insurance cover flood damage?
If your car gets damaged by flooding, here’s how your car insurance policy can help manage the costs:
Comprehensive coverage
Comprehensive coverage helps with repairs and replacements caused by things that aren’t accidents, like vandalism, theft, or damage from natural disasters like flooding. Deductibles usually range between $100 and $1,000, and if your car is deemed a total loss, your coverage amount is based on the car’s actual cash value (ACV).
Keep in mind that comprehensive coverage isn’t always part of a standard car insurance policy—it’s optional. That said, if you’re leasing or financing your car, your lender might require you to have it.
Temporary transportation coverage
Temporary transportation coverage can help pay for alternative transportation methods while your car’s in the shop after a covered incident. At Lemonade, pretty much any type of transportation is covered for up to a month while you’re waiting on repairs (as long as the reason for your car repair is covered). You have a daily limit and can use the money to help with the costs of ride-shares, rental cars, or even public transport like buses and trains.
When does car insurance cover flood damage?
Picture this: Your $12,000-valued car is parked on the street, and heavy rain causes a flash flood. The floodwaters severely damage your engine, leaving your car unusable. You get your car towed to a local repair shop to have the damage assessed, and it’s deemed a total loss because the cost to fix the engine would be $15,000, which is worth more than the car’s value.
In this hypothetical scenario you have comprehensive coverage with a $500 deductible and your claim is approved. Your insurer pays you the car’s ACV ($12,000) minus your deductible ($500), which comes out to $11,500 to replace your car.
Without comprehensive coverage, you’d be left to cover these costs out-of-pocket.
When is flood damage not covered by car insurance?
If you only have liability coverage—the basic requirement in most states—it won’t cover damage to your own car. Liability insurance is designed to pay for damages you cause to others, such as another driver’s repair costs if you’re at fault in an accident, but it doesn’t extend to your own car.
Also, if you intentionally ignore warnings and drive through flooded roads, your claim would be denied for intentional misuse—even if you have comprehensive coverage.
What about my stuff inside the car?
If a flood damages personal belongings left in your car, they won’t be covered by your car insurance. This is because car insurance is designed to protect your car, not your personal items inside it. Typically, you’ll need to rely on your homeowners insurance or renters insurance to protect your belongings—but that’s not the case when it comes to flood damage.
Standard renters and homeowners insurance policies don’t cover flood damage. If you live in a flood-prone area, it’s worth thinking about getting a separate flood insurance policy to protect your stuff—and your wallet.
The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) is a great way to get the specialized coverage you need. With the NFIP, you can choose from a range of flood insurance options designed to fit your needs, helping protect your home and belongings from potential water damage.
How big of a risk is flooding to cars in the US?
Flooding is one of the most common and expensive weather events in the US, impacting millions of people and properties every year. By October 2024, floods from the US hurricane season had damaged 347,000 cars, highlighting the importance of having comprehensive coverage. Whether it’s coastal surges or heavy inland rain, flooding is a concern nationwide and can happen anytime of year.
Some states are at a higher risk of flooding because of their geography and climate. Coastal states like Florida and Louisiana are especially prone to storm surges and rising sea levels, while places like California and New York deal with a mix of coastal and inland flooding.
| Top ten states at risk of flooding | |
|---|---|
| 1. Florida | 6. Virginia |
| 2. Louisiana | 7. South Carolina |
| 3. California | 8. North Carolina |
| 4. New Jersey | 9. Massachusetts |
| 5. New York | 10. Georgia |
What should I do if my car has flood damage?
Here are some general steps to help sort out your car’s flood damage and get back on the road.
- Assess the situation: Check your car for visible damage caused by floodwaters, but avoid starting the engine. Flood damage can worsen if the car is powered on.
- Document the damage: Take photos of the damage, flood surroundings, and your car’s position to support your insurance claim.
- Report the situation: Notify your insurance company as soon as possible. If your car was affected by widespread flooding, filing early usually means quicker claim processing.
- Get a quote: Drive (or tow) your car to the repair shop to evaluate the damage—after you’ve notified your insurance company. They’ll be able to let you know how much it’ll cost to repair the damage, or if your car is deemed a total loss.
At Lemonade, we designed our digital claims process to be as quick and easy as possible. Just submit your claim through the app with the help of our chatbot, AI Jim. We’ll pair you up with one of Lemonade Car’s claims adjusters to help you with the rest of the process.
Before we go…
Flood damage is no joke, and having comprehensive car insurance means you’re covered when the unexpected happens. With Lemonade Car, you can make sure your car is protected from whatever mother nature throws your way.
Ready to get started? Click below to start your quote.
FAQs
If my car is parked in a garage, will I still be covered for flood damage?
Yes! When you have comprehensive coverage, your car is covered for flood damage even if it’s parked in a garage. Preventive measures, like sealing garage doors, can minimize potential damage.
Does car insurance cover flood damage caused by hurricanes?
Yes! Hurricanes, tropical storms, and heavy rain are listed as covered “perils” (aka bad things that can happen to your car) when you have comprehensive coverage on your car insurance policy. That means you’re covered for flood damage caused by hurricanes. Keep in mind: Coverage details vary by state and policy, so it’s important to understand your unique circumstances.
Can I buy comprehensive insurance just before a storm to cover potential flood damage?
Probably not. Most insurers implement restrictions or waiting periods when severe weather, like hurricanes, is expected. It’s best to maintain comprehensive coverage year-round to make sure you’re always protected against unexpected and severe weather.
Will my claim for flood damage increase my premium?
Filing a claim for flood damage could lead to a rate increase at your policy renewal, though this depends on your insurance provider’s policies and your claims history.
If I don’t live in a flood-prone area, do I need comprehensive coverage?
Even if you don’t live in a flood-prone area, comprehensive coverage is still valuable for drivers. In addition to protection against flood damage, comprehensive coverage also covers unexpected events like theft, vandalism, or damage caused by animals or falling objects.
A few quick words, because we <3 our lawyers: This post is general in nature, and any statement in it doesn’t alter the terms, conditions, exclusions, or limitations of policies issued by Lemonade, which differ according to your state of residence. You’re encouraged to discuss your specific circumstances with your own professional advisors. The purpose of this post is merely to provide you with info and insights you can use to make such discussions more productive! Naturally, all comments by, or references to, third parties represent their own views, and Lemonade assumes no responsibility for them. Coverage and discounts may not be available in all states.
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