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Dealing with Mumbai monsoons? Boost your car insurance coverage

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Published on July 26, 2021. EST READ TIME: 4 minutes

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.

Common damages your vehicle might face during Mumbai monsoons

1. Engine seizure

   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.

2. Electrical damage

   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.

3. Mechanical damage

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. 

Precautionary measures to protect your car from Mumbai rains

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.

• Park on high ground –Park your car on an elevated terrain, away from low-lying, flood-prone areas. This will keep the water away from the engine and wheel rims.
• Pull up windows – Pull up all the windows to prevent water from entering the interior of the car, to prevent moisture build-up and fungal growth. However, in case the car does get wet, it is recommended to open all windows and doors and dry the vehicle in the sun.
• Disconnect the batteries – This will help protect the electricals in the car in case it gets submerged.
• Apply wax – Apply a fresh coating of wax to allow water to roll off easily from the body. Also, it’ll help prevent any weak spot/exposed metal underneath the paint from rusting.
• Do not restart engine – Do not restart the engine after the car has been flooded. As mentioned before, it can damage your engine and void your insurance claim.
• Replace fluids and filter – Engine oil, brake oil, transmission fluid, and coolants, must be replaced in case of engine flooding, before you start the car. Do the same for the air filter.

Add-ons that can boost your car insurance during Mumbai monsoons

These add-ons can help you financially deal with the common monsoon-related problems.

• Engine protection

  This add-on can help protect against damages related to water ingression, hydrostatic lock, leakage of lubricating oil, and damage to the gearbox.

• Zero depreciation

  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.

• Return to Invoice (RTI) cover

  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.

• Electronic and electric circuit add-on

  This will offer protection against damages to the electrical circuitry of the vehicle.

• Collision cover

This will come in handy if your car experiences any physical damage due to a pothole.

Conclusion

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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• Car Maintenance Tips in Monsoon - 6 smart ways to protect your car from monsoon woes
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• Drive safely in monsoon

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