Introduction
Every year, thousands of people face damage to their cars as rains flood city streets and reduces road visibility. Their standard insurance policies simply don’t cover these damages. That is because most Indians settle for third-party insurance, believing it is the bare minimum required by law. However, it offers no protection for their car. This choice becomes a financial trap during the monsoon. The right kind of coverage, like comprehensive car insurance, can mean the difference between having your repair cost covered and receiving a huge bill from your garage.
Let us understand the most frequent and costly risks vehicles face during the monsoon season, and how different types of insurance respond:
Engine Damage from Water Ingress: Driving through waterlogged roads can cause water to enter the engine’s combustion chamber. This can lead to a hydrostatic lock and typically result in complete engine failure. The repair costs can go up to several lakhs, and it can depend on the car model and the extent of engine damage. Basic third-party insurance does not cover this. Only comprehensive policies with an engine protection add-on do.
Accidents from Skidding and Poor Visibility: Slippery roads, worn-out tyres, and fogged windshields are a dangerous combination during monsoons. These factors contribute to a noticeable rise in collisions, particularly in congested cities. Repairing body damage, bumpers, and headlights after a minor accident can result in repair bills that often exceed basic estimates. Only comprehensive plans cover these repairs.
Electrical and Sensor Failures: Rainwater can seep into sensitive electrical systems and damage components like the ECU, infotainment system, or keyless ignition. These often result in repair bills that can become expensive, especially in newer models with advanced electronics. High-end cars may face steeper repair costs. Comprehensive plans with electrical or consumables add-ons can help cover the expenses.
Damage to Parked Vehicles: Heavy rainfall often brings down tree branches, hoardings, and construction debris, and these sometimes crash onto parked cars. In other cases, stagnant water in parking lots can flood the vehicle’s underbody. These incidents are not rare during storms and can lead to significant structural damage to cars. Coverage for these is only available under a comprehensive policy.
Interior Damage from Water Seepage: Water entering through faulty seals or floor panels can ruin upholstery and short out wiring beneath the seats. This can create long-term moisture problems. These damages are often overlooked. However, they may require moderate to substantial repair expenses, depending on the extent of damage. Select comprehensive policies offer protection against these incidents under consumables or cabin protection cover.
Breakdowns and Emergency Towing: Cars commonly stall during the rains due to battery failure or water damage. Getting your vehicle towed or finding help in a flooded area can quickly turn into a costly and stressful ordeal, especially if you don’t have roadside assistance. A comprehensive policy with roadside support can save you from being stuck and helpless.
How Comprehensive Car Insurance Steps Up in Monsoons?
Monsoons test your insurance policy like no other season. Only comprehensive insurance with the right add-ons shields you from the financial shocks caused by rain-related damages.
1. Own-Damage Cover: This is the core of a comprehensive policy. It covers repair costs if your car is damaged by flooding, falling objects, accidents, or fire. Most monsoon-related claims fall under this section. They include everything from dented panels to water-damaged interiors.
2. Engine Protection Add-on: This rider covers repairs to engines and gearboxes damaged due to water ingress.
3. Zero Depreciation Add-on: Without this, insurers will deduct depreciation during claims. With it, you receive the full cost of repairs. This is particularly helpful when multiple components, such as bumpers, fenders, or wiring, are affected by monsoon conditions.
4. Consumables Add-on: This covers often-excluded costs, such as the expenses for replacing engine oil, brake fluid, and nuts and bolts. All these may require replacement after water exposure. It is useful for both major and minor monsoon repairs.
5. Roadside Assistance: Breakdowns are common in heavy rain. Towing and emergency support can become costly, especially in urban areas or during peak monsoon periods. Roadside assistance offers emergency towing, battery jump-starts, and even fuel delivery.
6. Tyre and Rim Cover: Potholes hidden beneath water can damage tyres and rims. This add-on helps recover repair or replacement costs, especially for premium or alloy wheels.
7. Return to Invoice Cover: This cover compensates the full purchase price of your vehicle, not the reduced market value, if your car is completely damaged in circumstances like a flood.
Why These Add-ons Matter More Than Ever?
Monsoons are getting worse, and more people are on the road every day. These add-ons are more important than ever for the following reasons:
● Extreme Weather Trends: Climate data indicate an increasing intensity of monsoons. This raises the likelihood of flood damage.
● Rising Claim Denials: According to insurance industry reports, many monsoon-related claims are denied because policyholders don’t have engine protection or interior damage add-ons.
● Rural to Urban Shift: More people now travel to cities for work as jobs grow in the service sector. This has increased vehicle use, even during the rainy season.
So, What Should You Do?
Let us see what you can do right now to stay protected this monsoon.
Audit your policy: Check if the essential add-ons are included.
Upgrade smartly: Engine protection and zero depreciation are the highest priority.
Compare premiums online: Most platforms offer discounts for bundling add-ons.
Document and report damage quickly: Engine damage claims during monsoon require prompt documentation to be approved.
Conclusion
Heavy rains expose the real limits of basic car insurance. A basic third-party policy won’t cover damage from floods, breakdowns, or falling objects. That is why having comprehensive car insurance with the right add-ons is essential.
If you haven’t already bought comprehensive insurance, now is a good time to review and update your plan. Buying or modifying your car insurance online takes just a few minutes. It ensures your car is ready for whatever the monsoon brings.
Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purposes only. For more details, please refer to the policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.
Disclaimer: This article is published in association with HDFC ERGO and not created by TNM Editorial.