After one of the heaviest rainy days in recent years in Istanbul, many vehicles were damaged due to floods and heavy rain. Some of the cars that are difficult to repair, both in terms of bodywork, electronics and mechanics, will be torn apart. Vehicle owners who do not have insurance are also investigating how their losses are compensated. So, what should flood-affected vehicle owners do? Who covers flood damage? How will flood damage of vehicles without insurance be covered?
Experts and insurance representatives list the vital rules that should be taken into consideration to prevent flood victim vehicle owners from losing their rights and multiplying the damage to their vehicles:
1. THE BIGGEST DANGER IN CASE CONTROL: DO NOT TURN THE IGNITION!
The biggest mistake drivers make in a vehicle exposed to flood water is to turn the ignition switch or press the start button to check whether the engine is running.
Since the water entering the engine cylinders cannot be compressed by the piston movement, "hydro-lock" occurs. This causes the engine block to crack, the connecting rods to bend, and the vehicle to have a complete engine replacement. Insurance companies may refuse or restrict compensation payments by considering the driver's attempt to start the vehicle despite being aware of the water as "grave fault".
2. DOCUMENT THE LOCATION AND WATERLINE WITH PHOTOS
The circumstances in which the incident took place are directly decisive in the examination process of insurance adjusters. Before loading your vehicle onto the tow truck:
Photograph the water level of the vehicle and the mud/water line on the hood from different angles.
Take short videos with a clear view of the plate and surrounding flooding.
Record whether water has entered the vehicle and the seat and dashboard area.
3. DO NOT EXPASS THE INSURANCE NOTIFICATION PERIOD (5 BUSINESS DAYS)
In case of flood or inundation, you should immediately call the call center of the insurance company where you have the policy and open a damage file.
In accordance with the Turkish Commercial Code and Insurance Legislation, the damage notification period is generally 5 business days. During the notice, take advantage of your insurance's free roadside assistance and request an "octopus tow truck" (crane tow truck). Pulling the vehicle's wheels by turning may cause permanent damage to the transmission and chassis.
4. DOES INSURANCE COVER FLOOD DAMAGE? HIDDEN DETAIL IN THE POLICY
The question that drivers are most looking for an answer to is "Does insurance pay for flood damage?" The answer to the question is hidden in the policy type:
Standard and Extended Insurance: Policies mostly include Flood and Flood Coverage. However, attention should be paid to the deductible rates in the policy.
Compulsory Traffic Insurance: Traffic insurance only covers damages caused to the other party; It does not cover flood damage to your own vehicle.
Wrecked (Heavy Damage) Process: If the repair cost of the vehicle is close to its market value or if the electronic parts have become completely unusable, the vehicle is "Wrecked" by the decision of the expert and the current market value is paid to the insured.
WHAT SHOULD VEHICLE OWNERS WITHOUT INSURANCE DO?
Vehicle owners who do not have insurance or who do not have flood coverage in their insurance can request compensation from the relevant administration to repair the damage. If a service defect is determined after a legal battle that will last for many years, the vehicle owner can receive compensation.
The option that comes to the agenda for vehicle owners who do not have insurance or whose insurance does not include flood coverage is to ask for compensation from the relevant administration on the grounds that the damage is caused by the lack of infrastructure or the failure to take the necessary precautions. In such requests, the claim of "service defect" comes to the fore.
