Does Car Insurance Cover Flood Damage?
- Only comprehensive insurance covers flood damage, not liability or collision
- Claims may be denied if damage results from avoidable risks, like driving through floodwaters
- Comprehensive coverage is especially important in flood-prone areas
Does car insurance cover flooding or water damage?
Car insurance does cover flood damage, as long as you carry comprehensive coverage. This should be the case, no matter which auto insurance company you choose: GEICO, Allstate, Progressive, and others will provide coverage after a flood. The primary caveat here is that you need to hold comprehensive coverage before your vehicle sustains water damage.
Flooding is wrecking more cars than ever, especially in Texas and Florida.[1]Â As storms get stronger and drainage systems struggle, water damage is becoming a leading cause of totaled vehicles and costly insurance claims. Know what your policy covers before the next storm hits.
Water Damage
Water damage happens when water gets into your car from things like rain, leaks, or leaving a window open during a storm. It’s usually more minor and affects specific areas like seats or electronics.
Flood Damage
Flood damage is more serious and happens when rising water from storms or natural disasters submerges your car. It often affects the entire vehicle, including the engine and electrical systems, and can lead to a total loss.
Will a flood-damaged car be totaled?
Often, yes — if the repair costs are too high compared to the car’s value, your insurer may declare it a total loss. During the claims process, your car will be inspected and evaluated. If it’s deemed unsalvageable, you may receive a payout offer. Some flood-damaged cars can be repaired, but they may come back with a salvage title, which can lower resale value and affect future insurance.
Comprehensive Insurance Claims
A comprehensive claim raises auto insurance rates by $5 per month. Learn more about how to reduce those costs in the event of a claim.
Can you add coverage right before a storm?
Get the right coverage before a storm hits.
How much does comprehensive coverage cost?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, because the cost of comprehensive coverage depends a lot on your vehicle. Here are some average estimates for popular vehicles to give you a ballpark idea of what comprehensive and liability-only coverage could cost.
States by region:Â
- Northeast:Â Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Washington D.C.
- Southeast:Â Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia
- Midwest:Â Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Wisconsin
- Southwest:Â Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas
- West:Â Alaska, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Wyoming
Updating data...
| Company | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium | Avg. Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Travelers | $613 | $102 |
| USAA | $721 | $120 |
| American Family | $728 | $121 |
| GEICO | $833 | $139 |
| Progressive | $980 | $163 |
| Nationwide | $1,043 | $174 |
| Farmers | $1,086 | $181 |
| State Farm | $1,090 | $182 |
| Allstate | $1,320 | $220 |
Source: The Zebra
The Zebra’s Dynamic Insurance Rating Tool data methodology
The Zebra’s Dynamic Insurance Rating Tool for home and auto insurance rates utilizes the latest ZIP code-level rate filings from across the U.S., sourced from Quadrant Information Services and S&P Global. These filings, typically updated annually or biennially by insurers, are verified through Quadrant’s QA process and then integrated into The Zebra’s estimator.
The displayed rates are based on a dynamic home and auto profile designed to reflect the content of the page. This profile is tailored to match specific factors such as age, location, and coverage level, which are adjusted based on the page content to show how these variables can impact premiums.
For a comprehensive understanding, see our detailed methodology.
Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Flood Damage? | The Zebra
Learn what flood insurance covers, what homeowners insurance won’t protect, and how to get the right policy for your home through NFIP or private insurers.
Is comprehensive car insurance required?
If you can afford it, we recommend including it in your coverage. 70% of drivers carry full coverage (which includes comprehensive and collision, along with liability. [2]Â
If you're leasing or financing a car, comprehensive (and collision) coverage is usually required to protect the lender’s investment. If you own your car outright, comprehensive coverage is still a smart choice if:
- Your car is worth more than $4,000
- You live in a flood-prone or coastal area
- You want protection from non-collision risks like theft, hail, or flooding
Flood damage can have serious long-term effects on a car. Water can seep into the interior, damage wiring, and corrode metal parts, especially if the floodwater contains salt or debris. Electrical systems are particularly vulnerable, and issues may not appear immediately. Buying or selling a car with a flood history may come with a salvage title, lower resale value, and limited insurance options.
How to file a car insurance claim after flooding
Flood claims are often more complex than regular car insurance claims, especially since flood damage can total a car and impact large areas at once. If you experience a flood-damaged vehicle and need to file a comprehensive claim, here's what to do:Â
- Contact your insurer right away
- Take photos of the damage, if it’s safe
- Wait for the adjuster’s review and payment, minus your deductible
Updating data...
| Company | No Claims | One comp claim | Two comp claims | Difference between claims |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American National | $570 | $587 | $590 | $33 |
| Travelers | $671 | $821 | $858 | $218 |
| USAA | $683 | $683 | $689 | $9 |
| Nationwide | $738 | $738 | $738 | $0 |
| GEICO | $771 | $782 | $796 | $32 |
| American Family | $784 | $871 | $949 | $174 |
| State Farm | $785 | $785 | $785 | $0 |
| Farmers | $893 | $942 | $1,024 | $128 |
| Progressive | $941 | $1,048 | $1,140 | $174 |
| Allstate | $1,206 | $1,244 | $1,282 | $59 |
Source: The Zebra
If your car is flooded and you file a claim, the insurance company will investigate before deciding whether to approve it. If negligence is found, your claim may be denied or coverage may be limited. This could include situations like intentionally driving through floodwaters or leaving windows or a sunroof open during a storm.
Check your flood coverage today
Make sure your policy includes flood protection so you're ready before the next storm hits. Don’t wait until it’s too late—start by entering your ZIP code below.
💡 How to prevent flood damage to your car
Park on high ground, away from rivers or low-lying areas. Stay alert with weather apps, and check that your door and window seals are in good shape. For added protection, use sandbags or a car cover.
After a storm, watch for signs of flood damage like musty smells, foggy headlights, or glitchy electronics. [3]
Floods and car insurance: FAQs
Real help, right here.
Get quotes for comprehensive coverage in minutes!
Top 10 states currently containing most water-damaged cars. Auto Remarketing
Anonymized user surveys. The Zebra
Flood-Damaged Cars: How to Spot and Avoid Them. Kelley Blue Book
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About The Zebra
The Zebra is not an insurance company. We publish data-backed, expert-reviewed resources to help consumers make more informed insurance decisions.
- The Zebra’s insurance content is written and reviewed for accuracy by licensed insurance agents.
- The Zebra’s insurance editorial content is not subject to review or alteration by insurance companies or partners.
- The Zebra’s editorial team operates independently of the company’s partnerships and commercialization interests, publishing unbiased information for consumer benefit.
- The auto insurance rates published on The Zebra’s pages are based on a comprehensive analysis of car insurance pricing data, evaluating more than 83 million insurance rates from across the United States.