What to do if your car gets flooded (and will insurance cover it?)

How to take care of your car during the rainy season

Here are some tips to protect your car during rain & typhoons -

• Park the vehicle in an elevated or covered area: During the rainy season, it is advised to park the car on higher grounds; even opting for multi-level parking buildings is a good option. Parking in low-lying areas, basements, etc, is a big NO. In case you are planning to park in the garage, ensure the car is above the ground level. Here you can use a ramp or blocks.
• Invest in tools meant for protection during the floods: Nowadays, you get waterproof car covers that prevent water from entering the car, even from the smallest of gaps. Also, garage flood barriers and sandbags are good options for blocking water from entering the garage.
• Monitor the weather forecast: Stay alert, stay protected. The PAGASA (Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration) issues alerts that you should take note of. If a storm is coming, move your car to a safe spot.
• Avoid driving through flooded areas: Driving through heavy rain is not at all advisable. Not only can it damage your car's body, but if the water enters inside, upholstery and electric wiring can be affected. However, if you must pass, then make sure that the water doesn’t enter the engine or exhaust air intake.
• Maintain your car regularly: Before the rain or typhoon hits, make sure the wipers and lights are working correctly. To prevent leaks, make sure all four doors are sealed, windows are lined with rubber, and there is an underbody coating.
• Get appropriate car insurance coverage: Make sure you have proper insurance coverage for your car against damage due to natural disasters. For this, get Acts of God coverage that is either part of a comprehensive insurance plan or an add-on.

After all their precautions, many cars get flooded every year during the rainy season in the Philippines. Do you know why? Well, that’s because of a combination of a few things, including a poor drainage system, flash floods, and sudden downpours. The trio makes cars get submerged in just a few minutes.

Therefore, it becomes essential to get appropriate car insurance that compensates for the damage done to your car by a flood. Speaking of damage, let us now check out the common types of flood damage to vehicles.

Also Read: What is covered (and not covered) in a car insurance policy in the Philippines

Common types of vehicle damage due to flood

As mentioned above, floodwater can cause multiple damages to the vehicles, including -

• Engine damage due to water entering the cylinders and causing parts to break or bend. This often leads to total engine replacement.
• Transmission issues occur when water mixes with transmission fluids, leading to gear grinding, slippage, or even complete transmission failure.
• An electric system failure due to floodwater, leading to a short-circuit.
• Interior and upholstery damage; due to water seeping inside, which causes mould growth and foul odours.
• Corrosion & rust; due to prolonged exposure to water, especially on the underbody and metal parts.

What to do after your car gets flooded

Did you know that acting quickly after your car gets flooded makes a big difference when it comes to insurance claims and repair costs? Here is a guide of immediate steps to be taken when the vehicle gets drenched in rain, inside & outside.

Step 1: Safety comes first

It is essential to prioritise safety before approaching the car to check for damage. Note that floodwater contains sewage waste, debris, and electrical hazards; therefore, it is essential to wait until the water level comes down to approach your vehicle.

Step 2: Document the vehicle damage

Once the water levels are down, it’s time to head towards your vehicle and take pictures and videos of the exterior & interior damage, along with that of the surroundings. This bit will make your claim application stronger (it’s vital too).

Step 3: Don’t start the engine

A big NO to starting the car’s ignition and seeing if the vehicle runs. Why? Doing so can cause irreversible damage. Instead, call for roadside assistance and get the car towed to a trusted mechanic.

Step 4: Contact your mechanic

After getting the vehicle towed to a trusted mechanic, ask the expert to inspect the car for damage and advise whether it can be repaired.

Step 5: Notify your insurance provider

Call your insurance agent as soon as possible and initiate the claim process. Gather all required documents and avoid any sort of delays.

Also Read: Why buying car insurance online is SMARTER in 2025

Assessing the extent of car damage

Floods can damage cars to a varied extent - major, minor, or even total loss. Here’s how damages are bifurcated -

• Minor damage: Mild electric issues and wet seats & carpet
• Major damage: Engine damage (hydro-lock), electric failure, and heavy corrosion
• Total loss: If the flooded car repair cost exceeds 75% of the car’s value, the unit would be declared a total loss by the insurer

Flood-damage & car insurance

Does car insurance cover flood-damaged cars?

It depends on your insurance coverage; for instance, CTPL only covers third-party injury/death and does not cover any type of damage.

What about comprehensive insurance?

It will cover flood damages if the plan includes Acts of God coverage.

What is Acts of God coverage (AOG)?

This particular coverage offers protection against natural disasters such as floods, landslides, volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, and typhoons. Some insurers include AOG in their comprehensive coverage, while others offer it as an add-on; therefore, it is essential to confirm with your insurer.

Note: If you live or commute frequently to flood-prone areas, AOG coverage is highly recommended. Don’t take it as an expense, but an investment that will stand by your side when your car demands expensive repairs due to flood damage.

When is flood damage not covered by insurance?

Your insurance claim can get denied, and the entire burden of flood-damage expenses will fall on your shoulders, if …

• Your insurance policy does not include Acts of God coverage.
• You got delayed in reporting the damage to the insurer.
• You drove via the flooded road intentionally.
• You misrepresented the events or information to the insurer.
• Your car already had a pre-existing issue/damage.

Also Read: Top 10 car safety tips during typhoon season in the Philippines

Filing an insurance claim for flood (AOG coverage)

What documents are required to file a claim against flood damage?

To file an insurance claim, you’ll require the following documents: a copy of the insurance policy, photos/videos of damage, a police report (if needed), a repair estimate, vehicle OR/CR, and valid ID.

What is the AOG claim process timeline?

Generally, most car insurance claims take 7 to 14 days to process, depending on the extent of damage and accuracy of documentation & information.

Bottom line

Flooding is an issue Filipinos can’t skip. Every year, excessive rains brought by monsoon and typhoons hit the cities. The matter further intensifies due to the insufficient drainage system, which leads to temporary accumulation of water. People from all walks of life are affected, and the situation worsens when the floodwater damages your beloved car. Vehicles get struck and damaged, sometimes even beyond repair. What to do in such cases?

The key is to act quickly and document the damage properly. Next, contact your insurance agent or provider and claim Acts of God coverage; this will take care of all the massive repair bills. In case you don’t have this covered in your insurance plan, sorry, you're going to have to pay your bills.

So, if you live in a flood-prone area, it's better to get AOG coverage - it is an investment and not an expense.

FAQs

Q1. I have a basic car insurance policy. Will it cover flood damage?
Ans. If your car insurance policy only includes the CTPL plan, then you’ll get no coverage against flood damage. To get this particular protection, make sure that your policy includes Acts of God coverage - it could be part of the comprehensive insurance plan or offered as an add-on, depending on the insurance provider.

Q2. I drove my car through a flooded road. Will I get appropriate coverage from the insurer?
Ans. It is recommended that you avoid driving through flooded roads as it not only damages the vehicle but also may lead to denial of claim based on negligence.

Q3. How much does Acts of God (AOG) cost in the Philippines?
Ans. Generally, Acts of God coverage costs a minimum of 0.5 per cent of the total sum insured. For example, if the car costs PHP 1 million, the AOG will cost you PHP 5,000.

Q4. Do I have to pay anything from my pocket when claiming the Act of God coverage?
Ans. Yes. You’d be required to pay a deductible or participation fee for your claim.

Q5. What documents do I need to submit while making the Act of God claim?
Ans. You’ll be required to submit the basic documentation proving the ownership of the vehicle (vehicle OR/CR), valid ID, and proof of damage incurred (pictures and certificate from authorities stating your area was hit by the said natural calamity).

Q6. How long does it take for an Act of God claim to get approved?
Ans. Typically, an insurance claim in the Philippines, be it AOG or any other, takes 7 to 14 days to get settled. However, delays often happen due to incomplete documentation.

Q7. My car got flooded in the recent typhoon. Can I resell it?
Ans. Reselling your flood-damaged car is an option; however, you might have to settle for way less due to the damage. It is advised never to hide flood or any other damage in the vehicle, as doing so may lead to legal action against you.

Q8. My flood-damaged car came back from the workshop. What should I check?
Ans. Inspect the following things in your car once it’s back from the workshop - transmission, engine performance, interior condition, and electrical systems like light units & audio system.

Q9. Is Acts of God coverage mandatory in the Philippines?
Ans. While the Philippines is known for frequent natural calamities, Acts of God coverage is not compulsory, but it is highly recommended to include it in an insurance policy.

Q10. Are damages related to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions included in Acts of God coverage?
Ans. Yes. Acts of God coverage offers protection against natural disasters such as landslides, floods, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions.

Q11. Is it possible to add Acts of God coverage to my existing policy?
Ans. Yes, most car insurance providers in the Philippines allow policyholders to modify their coverage mid-term. However, some insurers might restrict the addition if your area is already affected, or a typhoon warning has been issued.

Q12. Will my insurance premium increase after claiming Acts of God coverage?
Ans. Your insurance premiums may hike after an AOG claim, especially if the damage was extensive. However, note that the renewal premium depends on several factors such as claim history, driving, etc.

Also Read: Breaking down personal accident coverage in Philippine car insurance