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A car caught in a flood can suffer serious damage if not handled properly. Let's take a look at some tips on what to do if your beloved car gets caught in the floods that have been increasingly affecting major cities recently.
According to data from the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), from 2014 to 2023 there were a total of 8,333 flood incidents throughout Indonesia. 2020 recorded the highest number of flooding incidents, at 1,531. In 2023, East Java Province recorded the highest number of flood events with 114 incidents, followed by West Java (107 incidents), Aceh (97 incidents), Central Java (95 incidents), and Riau (79 incidents).
These recurring floods demonstrate the importance of preparedness, including financial protection such as car insurance, so that vehicle owners can anticipate the risks posed by the unexpected.
When your car becomes stuck in floodwater, stay calm and focus on your safety. Quickly assess the situation. Note the water level, road conditions, and whether you have enough time to act before the water rises further. If conditions permit, find a safer exit. However, if the water is rising rapidly or you feel unsafe exiting, stay in your car and call for help.
If your car is still running when it gets flooded, turn off the engine immediately to prevent further damage. Water entering the engine can cause serious damage, such as a water hammer, which can damage the main components of the engine.
Furthermore, a car's electrical system is also susceptible to short circuits if exposed to water. Shutting off the engine early can reduce the risk of further damage.
If the water continues to rise past the threshold and begins to enter the car, exit immediately and carefully. Open the door if possible, but if the water pressure is too great and the door is difficult to open, use the window as an escape route.
If the automatic window is not working due to a short circuit, break the side window with a glass breaker or other hard object. Make sure to exit safely and move to higher ground to avoid the strong current.
After a car has been submerged in water, avoid trying to restart the engine. Water entering the engine, fuel system, and electrical system can cause further damage, even rendering the car irreparable. It's best to wait until the vehicle is inspected by a professional technician to avoid costly repairs.
After ensuring your safety, immediately contact emergency services such as a tow truck or a reputable repair shop to help remove the vehicle from the floodwaters. Also, allow a professional technician to perform further inspections.
If your car insurance includes flood coverage, contact your insurance company to request evacuation assistance and initiate the claims process. Some insurance companies offer free towing services in emergencies like this.
Once the water has receded, check the condition of the vehicle before attempting to restart it. Some components to check include:
Check the Interior
Flooding can damage a car's interior. Ensure the seats, carpets, and dashboard are dry to prevent mold, musty odors, and damage to the interior electronics. If necessary, take the car to a detailing workshop for a thorough cleaning.
Engine & Transmission Oil: If the oil is brownish or milky in color, it is a sign that it has been mixed with water and must be replaced immediately.
Check Engine Components
After a car has been submerged in flood water, it is important to check several engine components to ensure there is no damage that could affect the vehicle's performance.
The air filter should be replaced immediately if it gets wet, as it can cause engine damage. Spark plugs and coils should also be dried or replaced if they are no longer functioning properly.
Additionally, the brake system should be inspected to ensure there is no remaining dirt or water inside. Flooding can also carry mud and debris to the undercarriage of the car, so cleaning the suspension and brakes is essential. This is to prevent rust and problems with the braking system, which could affect driving safety.
Electrical System: Check for short circuits or malfunctioning electrical components.Before restarting the car, check the electrical system, such as the lights, horn, air conditioning, and power windows. If any components are malfunctioning, take them to a repair shop immediately for further inspection.
If your car has car insurance with flood protection, immediately report this incident to the insurance company. Typically, the insurance company will send a team to assess the damage and provide repair solutions or compensation claims.
With the high risk of flooding in Indonesia, having comprehensive car insurance and additional flood protection is crucial to protect your vehicle from potential damage. The benefits include:
Covers damage due to natural disasters, including floods.
Provides financial protection for vehicle repair or replacement costs.
Providing peace of mind for car owners in flood-prone areas.
If you are considering protection, Oona offers comprehensive car insurance with optional additional flood protection, helping reduce the financial burden from vehicle damage. Quick Policy Issuance. Approval Within 48 Hours for Flood-Affected Cars! With a fast and efficient claims process, you won't have to worry about long waits for vehicle repairs or replacement. Make sure you understand the deductible amount you'll need to pay as part of the claims process.
If your car has been damaged by flooding, follow these steps to file a claim:
Document the damage: Take photos and videos of cars affected by flooding.
Contact the insurance company: Immediately report the incident to Oona Insurance Indonesia.
Fill out the claim form: Complete the claim form with accurate information.
Surveyor visit: The insurance company will assess the damage to the vehicle.
Claim approval: Once the assessment is complete, the company will determine the amount of the approved claim.
Repair or replacement: The car will be repaired at a partner workshop or replaced if it is a total loss.
Besides having the right insurance, here are some precautions you can take:
Park on higher ground if there is a flood warning.
Avoid driving through deep puddles.
Install waterproof seals on car doors and windows.
Perform routine maintenance on the car's drainage system.
Store important car documents in a safe and dry place.
Flooding is a real threat to vehicle owners in Indonesia, with thousands of incidents occurring each year. Dealing with a car stuck in floodwater requires quick and appropriate action, such as turning off the engine, avoiding attempts to restart it, and immediately calling for help. However, the best preventative measure is having adequate financial protection.
Oona’s comprehensive car insurance offers extended coverage against flood damage, helping you reduce your financial risk. With the right protection, you can face the rainy season with more safety and confidence. Don't wait until disaster strikes—make sure your car is protected with the right insurance.
