Are you prepared for flood damage to your car?

Britain is facing extreme weather conditions, with 92 flood warnings currently in force across England and Wales. And as water levels rise, so too does the cost to drivers.

Following the massive floods that hit Britain in 2007, it is estimated that over £35m was paid out by UK insurers for cars either caught in the flood waters or abandoned by drivers who had tried to cross flooded roads or fords. Although the current bout of flooding has not reached 2007 levels, this figure highlights the huge cost of water damage to cars.

According to esure, repairs to flood damaged cars are often expensive with many vehicles being written off for health and safety reasons. Water can be sucked into car engines with destructive effects and damage isn’t always immediately apparent. According to the report, corrosion can work slowly, causing mechanical parts to fail months after the event. Overall, the value of claims for flood damaged cars are four times more than the average claim, according to esure statistics.

Mike Pickard, Head of Risk and Underwriting at esure, said:

“It is not just homes that should be the focus of people’s concerns when floods occur; hundreds of cars are often irreparably damaged by taking on flood water. Many motorists actually drive their cars into trouble by trying to cross water and misjudge its depth – when they should’ve just turned off the engine and waited for help.”

“It sounds simplistic to say ‘don’t drive into water’ – but observing that warning could save drivers from the hassle and inconvenience of a flooded car that might have to be written off. As the number of flood warnings continue to rise this week, drivers must ensure they understand how to avoid flood water damage.”

esure offers the following flood tips for car owners:

- If you can’t be sure that a ford or puddle is a safe depth, don’t drive into it.

- If your car has stalled in water, don’t try to restart it as this will cause the most damage to your engine.

- If you do get stuck on a flooded road, remain in the car and call for assistance on your mobile rather than opening your doors if you can.

- If you are aware of a flood warning in an area where you car is parked, drive it to higher ground rather than leave it to chance.

- Visit the Environment Agency’s website before you start your journey to check for flood warnings (www.environment-agency.gov.uk).

(Photo by Dachalan.)