2024-10-31 03:06:00
The DANA which erupted on Tuesday in the Spanish Levante has already been classified as the third natural disaster in the history of Spain. The human and material damage is concentrated in the Valencian Community, where dozens of houses have been destroyed and cars dragged by the force of the water, or even left submerged in underground car parks. In most cases the only solution is to request compensation for damages from the respective insurance.
However, it should be noted that car insurance usually does not cover damage to your vehicle resulting from a weather catastrophe. In these cases the Insurance Compensation Consortium comes into play, which aims to help people cover the material costs of their damaged property. The property damage suffered by flooded vehicles is extensive, which is why it is important to know whether your car insurance covers these damages.
Rain is one of the earth’s most necessary atmospheric phenomena, but it can also be one of the most devastating. When taking out car insurance it is necessary to take this possibility into account, especially in some areas of Spain where the probability of these disasters occurring is greater. It is essential that users are clear about the terms of the contract to know in advance what the company’s liability is for certain risks that occur, such as damage caused by a flood.
Recover the car
But you should know that sometimes it is possible to recover the car. Everything will depend on the damage caused and the level of components that the water has reached. For example, and first of all, if the car runs submerged in water, it is very likely that water can enter the engine intake, which implies complete engine failure.
«In a vehicle that is around 15 years old, a complete engine replacement easily exceeds 2,000 and 3,000 euros. In new mid-range vehicles, however, a complete engine replacement can cost between 10,000 and 15,000 euros. And why does the engine break down completely? In a flooded area, water can enter the cylinders and when the piston reaches top dead center, since the water is not compressible, it bends the connecting rods, causing the engine to fail completely,” he explains to this newspaper. Usobiaga Searesponsible for the development of Euromaster in Spain.
On the other hand, in a relatively new combustion vehicle there are usually 25 to 30 electronic control units, “so it is more than likely that all of them could be affected by the large accumulation of water and the rest of the dirt that usually settles swept away from a flood or an overflow”, he claims. And this type of component, “the cheapest and simplest”, costs over 300 euros each, and can exceed 1,000 euros, up to 5,000, for a more sophisticated and modern one.
Other damaged elements could be the brakes and suspension. «In both cases, careful cleaning and careful drying would solve the problem, so it would be a lesser evil. It should be remembered that, together with tyres, brakes and suspensions, they are two of the mechanical components of a vehicle most exposed to wind, rain, splashes of water when crossing a puddle, in short to all possible bad weather,” explains Usobiaga.
Likewise, he adds that, in the drain, “water extraction must be ensured so that the entire drain system does not rot.” In the latter situation the costs vary greatly, “but they are much lower than in the case of the engine”, he adds.
Finally, if the water has completely covered the car and entered the interior, deteriorating the seats, dashboard, door trims… it is the least worrying part of all. «Repairing the interior of a flooded vehicle is very feasible, that is, the entire interior is recoverable. The recovery process is arduous, with a minimum estimate of around 250 euros”, concludes the Euromaster development manager.
Finally, if the water has completely covered the car, the situation could be irreversible as the water and mud will have reached every little corner of it. It would be necessary to completely disassemble it, dry it and clean each of the parts, as well as replace others. The repair may cost more than a new vehicle.
In the electric one the cost is higher
In the event that a flood or flood has overwhelmed a 100% electric vehicle, “the batteries will be completely discharged if the vehicle remains immersed in water (and mud), deteriorating the plates of which they are part. Its change it is expensive; and if water has entered the core of the engine (which is very likely), its metal parts will eventually rust, causing problems in the future,” he points out to this newspaper. Fernando Gonzalez Iturbedeputy director of the CEA’s legal department after the statements of an expert.
Therefore, “if an electric car is submerged in water, the general recommendation is not to attempt to repair it, as the risk of other components being damaged is high and repairs can be more expensive than for a conventional car,” he says .
As regards prices, “it is clear that it is impossible to quantify them given that everything will depend on the type of vehicle in question. Now replacing the engine is not cheap, but it is the only way to avoid future problems due to rust, even if the workshop tells us that it has carried out a thorough cleaning of the engine,” concludes González Iturbe.
#costly #breakdowns #DANA #affected #cars
Interview between Time.news Editor and Usobiaga Sea on the recent flooding disaster in the Spanish Levante
Editor: Good morning, Usobiaga! Thank you for joining us today. The recent DANA event that struck the Spanish Levante has caused unprecedented damage. Can you give us an overview of the situation and how it stands as the third natural disaster in Spain’s history?
Usobiaga Sea: Good morning! Yes, the DANA that occurred recently has been devastating, particularly in the Valencian Community. The destruction of homes and vehicles has been extensive, with many cars completely submerged and significantly damaged. It’s heart-wrenching to see so many people affected, and many will now rely on insurance claims to recover from these losses.
Editor: That’s an important point. Many people might not be aware that standard car insurance often does not cover damages from weather-related catastrophes. Can you elaborate on how the Insurance Compensation Consortium plays a role in these situations?
Usobiaga Sea: Absolutely. When vehicles are damaged by floodwaters, insured individuals often need to turn to the Insurance Compensation Consortium, which is designed to assist people in recuperating costs for their damaged property. However, it’s crucial for car owners to thoroughly understand their insurance contracts beforehand, particularly in high-risk areas where such disasters are more likely.
Editor: That’s sage advice—being informed is essential. In cases where a car has been submerged, what are the typical damages we can expect, and is there a chance for rehabilitation of the vehicle?
Usobiaga Sea: The extent of damage primarily depends on how long the vehicle was underwater and the height of the water level. If water has entered the engine, unfortunately, that often leads to complete engine failure due to what’s called hydro-locking. For older vehicles, replacing an entire engine can cost anywhere from €2,000 to €3,000, and for newer models, we’re talking between €10,000 and €15,000.
Editor: That’s a significant financial burden for many families. But what about the electronic systems within the vehicle? I’ve heard they can also be severely impacted.
Usobiaga Sea: Exactly. Modern vehicles contain a multitude of electronic control units—usually about 25 to 30. If these get submerged, they can malfunction, and replacing them can be costly, ranging from €300 for basic components to over €1,000 or even up to €5,000 for sophisticated systems. This adds another layer of financial concern for those affected.
Editor: It sounds incredibly overwhelming for those who are dealing with the aftermath of such a disaster. Aside from the engine and electronics, what other vehicle parts are at risk during flooding?
Usobiaga Sea: Great question. Brakes and suspension systems are particularly at risk, as they can be affected by water exposure. In some cases, however, careful cleaning and drying of these components can significantly mitigate the damage. On the other hand, any water damage to the vehicle’s interior—such as carpets, seats, or the dashboard—is usually easier to recover from, with repair costs starting around €250.
Editor: It’s encouraging to know that while some damage might be irreparable, others can be fixed. What are some immediate steps that owners should take if their vehicles have been submerged?
Usobiaga Sea: First and foremost, safety is paramount. If the vehicle is still in a dangerous location, they should seek help from professionals to retrieve it safely. Once that’s done, it is vital to contact insurance providers to understand coverage and seek assistance from the Insurance Compensation Consortium. Additionally, they should document the damage thoroughly with photographs for any claims.
Editor: Thank you for those insights, Usobiaga. As we wrap up, what message would you like to convey to car owners, especially those living in flood-prone areas?
Usobiaga Sea: I would advise all car owners to review their insurance policies closely, especially in high-risk areas. Ensure you understand what is covered and consider expanding your coverage if necessary. Preparation can significantly reduce stress in unfortunate situations like these.
Editor: Wise words indeed! Thank you, Usobiaga, for sharing your expertise with us. Your insights are invaluable for our readers during this challenging time.
Usobiaga Sea: Thank you for having me! Let’s hope for better weather ahead and more resilient communities.