In India, monsoons are usually considered to be the harbinger of prosperity, owing to the impact they have on the agricultural landscape. However, urban and metropolitan areas often end up negatively affected, since heavy rains and floods can cause widescale damage to property and infrastructure, besides leading to traffic jams and blackouts.
Mumbai especially bears the brunt of monsoons, thanks to heavy rainfall and narrow, congested roads that are prone to flooding. So, there’s no doubt that having car insurance is essential to deal with monsoons in Mumbai. Apart from that though, you need to know about the damages rain can cause to your car, what you can do to prevent them, and which add-ons you can choose to make your insurance coverage more robust.
Engine seizure can happen when water seeps into the engine, most commonly from the air intake. The water can ingress into the cylinder, replacing the gas that is required for combustion. Water being non-compressible, hinders the piston from completing its stroke, preventing ignition. If you constantly try to start the engine, you can damage the cylinder walls, piston, and the connecting rod. So, avoid it.
A standard car insurance policy does not cover hydrostatic lock as it is a result of the driver constantly trying to start the car under wet engine conditions. If the repair cost exceeds the insured declared value (IDV) of the vehicle, it is considered as a total loss.
Water and electricity do not mix. Water seepage into the electrical system is generally not covered under a standard comprehensive car insurance policy, unless specified during your car insurance renewal. So, it is best to take an electronic and electrical circuit add-on cover, especially for expensive and off-roading vehicles.
Potholes are a common problem during the Mumbai monsoons. And they can cause damage to your tyre alignment, steering system and the suspension. They can sometimes cause you to lose control of the vehicle, resulting in a collision. And while a third-party insurance policy will cover the damages to the other vehicle/property, the cost of repairing your own vehicle will not be covered. So, take a comprehensive policy.
Take pictures of the pothole and the damage that is has caused and send it to the insurer immediately. They may even arrange for a tow to the garage if required.
Since prevention is better than cure, it makes sense to undertake common precautionary measures to safeguard your car during monsoons. This way, you won’t have to file claims unnecessarily and lose out on your No Claim Bonus.
These add-ons can help you financially deal with the common monsoon-related problems.
This add-on can help protect against damages related to water ingression, hydrostatic lock, leakage of lubricating oil, and damage to the gearbox.
This covers the total cost of repairs without taking depreciation of the parts into account. It is ideal for new vehicles that are prone to flood-like situations.
An RTI cover closes the gap between the IDV and the on-road price that you paid for the vehicle. If the car is considered a total loss, you can file an RTI claim and the insurer will be liable to pay the last invoice amount to you, at the time of purchasing the vehicle.
This will offer protection against damages to the electrical circuitry of the vehicle.
This will come in handy if your car experiences any physical damage due to a pothole.
Monsoons are a particularly challenging time for cars in Mumbai as road conditions deteriorate, visibility decreases, and there’s excess moisture in the air. Furthermore, there are chances of trees and poles falling on your car, for which a comprehensive insurance policy is advised. While you can easily avail car insurance online, make sure you get the right add-ons for wholesome protection. Also, unless essential, avoid taking out the car when the weather is adverse. Instead, park it safely in an elevated and enclosed space.
Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purpose only. For more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.
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