Most regions in India are prone to natural disasters such as floods, cyclones, and landslides. These calamities can cause extensive damage to properties, including cars. Heavy floods in states like Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka have damaged thousands of vehicles in recent years. These events can result in crores worth of insurance claims.
So, how can one secure their car from a natural disaster? Having adequate car insurance can be the first line of defence. This article will discuss how one can leverage a car insurance policy to safeguard one’s car against damage from natural disasters.
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How natural disasters pose a risk to your car
India has different geographies in different areas. This means some places are more prone to natural disasters. When disasters occur, vehicles like cars can experience severe damage, which can cost significant money. Some common disaster threats in India include the following:
- Floods: Floods are common during the rainy season, especially in coastal and low-lying areas. Floodwaters can damage a car’s engine, electrical systems, and interiors.
- Cyclones: Cyclones usually strike the coasts with strong winds. These can knock down trees, blow things around, and flood the roads. These conditions can cause significant damage to cars.
- Earthquakes: Earthquakes, though less frequent, can cause landslides or buildings to fall, crushing cars nearby.
- Landslides: Landslides occur in hilly areas, mainly after heavy rain. They can trap or crush cars.
Because of these risks, it is essential to have good car insurance. This will help protect your car and save money if a natural disaster damages it.
Does car insurance in India cover natural calamities?
Standard car insurance policies in India provide some coverage against the damages caused by natural disasters, but the extent varies. Here’s a quick look at what car insurance policies in India usually cover:
- Third-party liability: A third-party car insurance offers legally mandatory minimum insurance coverage that only covers injuries or damages caused by your car to others. These policies typically do not protect your vehicle from harm because of natural disasters.
- Comprehensive policy: A comprehensive car insurance policy usually offers extensive coverage, including damages to your own car from natural disasters like floods, storms, lightning, earthquakes, etc. Some limitations, however, may apply, so it is important to review the policy documents carefully.
- Own damage car Insurance: Own damage car insurance policy offers coverage for the damages or losses suffered by one’s car. It includes the damages your car might suffer due to natural disasters.
- Add-on covers: For further protection, you can opt for specific add-on covers, such as an engine protect
orcover or a depreciation cover.
There are differences between policies in terms of coverage, deductibles, exclusions, etc. So, one must understand the policy completely before making a decision.
Tips to safeguard your car from natural disasters
Apart from adequate insurance, some preventative measures can also help you secure your car from natural disasters:
- Shelter your car whenever possible: Protect your car from flood waters and storm debris by parking it in a garage or using weather-proof car covers. Try avoiding trees or power lines that could fall during storms. Importantly, prioritise parking your car in high-elevation areas to minimise flood risks.
- Install protective gear: Invest in sturdy car covers, window shields, and other protective accessories specially designed to minimise disaster damages, such as dents and chips. Secure your car correctly with protective gear to withstand high winds and rainfall.
- Maintain your car proactively: Thorough periodic service checks, including fluid checks and battery care, can help your car stay in good shape for added resilience against damage from storms, floods, and other natural disasters.
- Prepare an emergency kit: Keep an emergency kit with essential supplies like a power bank, torchlight, tools, first-aid items, and drinking water. This can help you deal with car-related difficulties amidst chaotic disaster aftermaths when access to help may be limited.
- Review insurance policies annually: Re-evaluate your coverage, deductibles & add-on covers annually to ensure your car has adequate protection per the latest market values. Try accounting for new anti-theft devices or car accessories installed in your vehicle.
These safety features can be useful during natural disasters.
What to do if a natural disaster damages your car
Here’s what you can do when your car gets damaged in a natural disaster:
- Make a pre-assessment and try documenting the damage: Take pictures of the damage to your car from all angles. This will help show the insurer what happened. Don’t try to fix the damage yourself because that could impact your claim.
- Contact your insurer: Call your insurer right away. Most companies require you to report the damage within a specific timeframe. You can use your insurer’s emergency contact line for immediate help.
- File a claim: Fill out the insurance claim form with information about what happened. This usually includes the date, time, location, and pictures. Try keeping copies of all paperwork and communications with the insurance company.
- Damage inspection: Wait for the insurance company to send a representative to inspect your car. Answer all the questions and provide the required documents. The decision to approve the claim is taken after inspection.
- Repairs: Once your claim gets approved, you can get your car fixed at a repair shop authorised by your insurer or the one you choose, depending on the policy.
Conclusion
Several locations in India are prone to natural disasters. These events can result in the loss of lives and significant damage to private properties like cars. Comprehensive car insurance coverage with natural disaster protection can make things less stressful for people if a natural disaster damages their car.
The right car insurance policy can help with vehicle repairs or replacement.
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