Reader’s Question:

My car was parked on a street in Des Moines, Iowa and got flooded. Will this be covered by my insurance company?

Jeremy

Des Moines, IA

Hey, Jeremy! Most car insurance companies have coverage for incidents like this. If you had “comprehensive” coverage at the time of the flood in your area in Des Moines, IA, then your insurance company will and must cover your claim.

“Comprehensive” insurance coverage means that your insurance covers your automobile, and sometimes other automobiles that you may be driving, for losses resulting from incidents aside from collision. The coverage generally includes loss caused by any of the following: fire, theft explosion, falling objects, hail, windstorm, water, earthquake, flood, malicious mischief, colliding with a bird or animal, breakage of glass, and riots or civil commotions.

Also, your insurance company will pay the lesser of one: either fixing your vehicle or “totaling” it. And if your insurance company decides to “total” your vehicle, you or your lien holder will be paid the vehicle’s “actual cash value” or ACV. The depreciation of the vehicle would also be taken into consideration in determining its value, as well as the deductibles that you choose to include. I would also like to suggest that you contact your insurance agent there on Des Moines to inquire about your insurance coverage. It’s better to be safe than sorry, I always say!

Tags: auto insurance, Car Insurance Company, comprehensive insurance coverage