UAE has been dealing with rain showers recently, and we’ve seen how difficult it was to commute, more so to drive and deal with the aftermaths of flood and vehicle damage. When your car gets submerged in water, here are a few tips that you might want to consider:
What should you do if your car breaks down?
First and foremost, before you do anything, DO NOT START THE CAR. Whatever you do, do not try and start the vehicle. Trying to restart the car will cause more water to go inside the engine and cause damage which can be rather expensive. To get the vehicle out of harm’s way, call a roadside recovery or speak to your insurance company if you have paid for emergency recovery services.
How to avoid damaging your car when rain strikes:
1. Don’t drive if you don’t have to – this is an obvious one unless it’s a real emergency.
2. Don’t speed on waterlogged roads – another obvious one. Driving through a lot of water fast will result in a lot of water going into various components, including the air filter. This, of course, will lead to a breakdown.
3. Check the water level – you can assess how high it is by looking at your surroundings. If the water level is up to the pavement/curb, then don’t risk it.
4. Don’t follow too close – following another vehicle through water is not a good idea. Don’t do it.
How much does it cost to repair?
The rain can affect your vehicle in several ways;
1. Internal computer damage – just because it’s raining outside, doesn’t mean your car’s internals are safe. If water gets in, a replacement internal computer costs AED 500+.
2. Engine damage – this is the most expensive of all and prices vary depending on the vehicle and severity of the damage.
3. Interior damage – if the water creeps inside your car, it can leave a nasty smell inside even if you have leather upholstery. A full interior clean cost around AED 500.
4. External damage – although rare in the UAE, when massive amounts of rain arrive, hail follows suit. Hail does far more damage as they are pellets of ice. Depending on how much damage is done, how much paint needs to be applied and the size of the vehicle. This can cost AED 500 and more.
Does insurance cover the costs?
Almost every first-party insurance plan covers damage by “natural perils” or “natural calamities” which includes hail, flood, and storm. You’ll have to read the fine print though, as these will only be covered by comprehensive plans. If you have third party insurance, the costs will not be covered, leaving you with the costs.
While it may seem like an additional expense, it may be worth looking into due to certain occurring weather annually.
