Protect your vehicle from heavy rain, floods: Here’s why you should opt for engine protection add-on in car insurance

As the waters of the Hindon River menacingly breach their banks, many cars, including approximately 350 vehicles from a prominent cab aggregator, find themselves at the mercy of the surging flood.

The visuals of a huge yard full of cars submerged in water in Greater Noida recently went viral on social media. Delhi and neighbouring areas have been facing heavy rain since the last few days and many low-line areas in the national capital were grappling with floods due to rising water levels of Yamuna river. The neighbouring Greater Noida also witnessed flooding in several parts due to overflowing of Hindon river, a tributary of Yamuna.     

As seen in the viral video, nearly 350 cars belonging to a private company were completely submerged in Hindon flood water in the Ecotech 3 area of Greater Noida.

The flood waters can cause significant damage to the vehicles by infiltrating intricate engine parts. As this scenario becomes increasingly common, especially in monsoon-prone regions of India, the spotlight turns towards the crucial aspects of car insurance to protect your vehicle.

As several parts of the country are already facing heavy rain you should take precautionary measures to keep your car protected. The damages caused by rain or flood can be covered to a great extent by opting for right add-ons like engine protection plan while purchasing car insurance.

Engine protection add-on

Flooding, as evidenced by recent events, poses a significant risk to vehicles, particularly the engine. This essential component houses various intricate parts, working in harmony to power the vehicle. When floods occur, water may infiltrate the engine, leading to severe damage, dysfunction, and even total engine failure.

Substances like mud and silt, commonly found in floodwater, can infiltrate the engine, leading to abrasive wear and corrosion. Additionally, water intrusion can cause a condition known as a 'hydrostatic lock'—where water replaces air in the cylinders. If one tries to start the vehicle in such a condition, it could lead to the engine seizing, causing substantial damage that's often irreparable.

Standard comprehensive car insurance policies in India often exclude damage from water ingress, particularly to the engine. Hence, an engine protection add-on becomes a necessity. This cover provides financial protection against rain-related damages and can save car owners from the substantial costs of engine repair or replacement, ensuring a sense of security during the monsoon season.

The extent of engine protection cover

An engine protection extra has several key aspects:

Engine components: The cost of repairing or replacing parts like the gearbox, crankshaft, pistons, and connecting rods is covered.

Water infiltration: Damages resulting from water entering the engine, common during floods, are included.

Lubricating oil leaks: If your car's engine oil leaks, it might lead to various issues. The add-on covers related repair expenses.

Hydrostatic lock damage: This occurs when you attempt to start your car while the engine is wet.

Moreover, this extra feature can also cover consumable costs like coolants, nuts and bolts, and lubricant oil used during engine repair.