What car insurance covers
Comprehensive car insurance usually covers against accidents and damage as a result of natural disasters like floods. They may cover the cost to repair or replace your vehicle, minus your excess. However, there are some factors that can disqualify your claim. For example, you might not be covered for an instance where your vehicle was damaged by water if you leave your windows down or sunroof open. It could be regarded as negligence on your part and you’d be responsible for the repairs of the vehicle.
Remember that there is a level of responsibility that lies on you as a vehicle owner to care for it and keep it out of harm. Be sure to read through your insurance policy document so that you are not surprised when you need your insurer to come through for you.
How to prepare your vehicle for the rainy season
As the saying goes, it’s better to prepare than to repair. Although you cannot stop the rain, there are some precautions you can take to ensure the safety of your vehicle.
- Don’t ignore weather warnings from your insurer
- Check if your wiper blades are in good working condition
- Inspect your tyres for wear
- Check if your headlights are working
- Check your brakes
Driving in rainy conditions
It is advisable to avoid driving in heavy rain, but sometimes you can’t help it. Here’s what you can do to be safe if you find yourself driving during a rainstorm: Maintain a safe following distance, keep your headlights on for better visibility, slow down and avoid driving into a flooded area even when you think your vehicle can wade through the water.
Watch the following video from Arrive Alive for more rainy weather driving safety tips.
How to stay safe in flooded areas and flash floods
Arrive Alive advises drivers not to attempt to cross low water bridges when the small pillars on the sides are not visible. Those pillars are designed to give an indication of how high the water is over the bridge surface. So, if they are covered, it means the bridge is not safe to drive over.
If you’re caught in a flash flood, try to find an alternative route. Don’t just stand in that spot. Remember, it takes only 30 cm of water to float most cars. If your car is already surrounded by water, get out and seek higher ground.
If your car has been damaged or swept away in a flood, report the damage to your car insurance provider as soon as possible so that they can determine if you are eligible to claim for the repairs or replacement of your vehicle.
How we look OUT for our car insurance clients
OUTsurance provides water damage cover due to natural perils, such as storms or flooding, for valid claims. Our Comprehensive Car Insurance clients have access to Help@OUT, our 24/7 roadside emergency service that will organize a towing truck for you and stay in touch until help arrives. We’ll also pay off all the costs related to the towing and storage of your vehicle. What’s more? If you have a breakdown more than 50km away from your home, we’ll organise overnight accommodation or alternative transport to get you home safely.
Consider switching to OUTsurance, the insurer who goes above and beyond to help you OUT. Start a quote here and one of our friendly agents will give you a call to discuss your car insurance cover.
OUTsurance is a licensed insurer and FSP. Ts, Cs, limits and standard rates apply.