It’s important to keep your car in good working condition. It gets you to work and the grocery store. And it allows you to take your children to school and activities. So when your car has been involved in an accident, you know your insurance will cover at least part of it. But will it cover water damage? Here’s what you need to know. 

Most types of car insurance don’t cover water damage

There are many things to consider when shopping for car insurance. Some drivers want an insurance provider with a local office. Other people are more concerned with cost savings. Unfortunately, when trying to save money, many people opt for insurance that doesn’t provide enough coverage. Here are the types of insurance and what they cover.

Liability insurance

Liability insurance is popular among vehicle owners on a tight budget. This type of insurance covers you, your car, and damage affecting someone else’s vehicle. However, it may not cover medical costs for injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident. Furthermore, although liability insurance may save you money from month to month, you may regret choosing it if water damages your vehicle. This type of coverage doesn’t include water damage. 

Collision coverage

Collision coverage will cover the replacement of your car if it’s totaled in an accident. If your vehicle isn’t a total loss, your insurance will cover repairs. However, you can’t count on this type of policy to cover water damage to your car, either. In fact, there’s only one type of car insurance that may cover water damage. According to Allstate, If you’re concerned about water damage to your car, you need comprehensive coverage. 

Does comprehensive car insurance cover water damage? 

Many people pay for comprehensive car insurance when leasing or financing a vehicle. However, when they no longer have to maintain comprehensive coverage, they move to a cheaper plan. However, you should strongly consider whether comprehensive coverage will save you money in the long run. 

Comprehensive is the only type of coverage that may cover water damage. Let’s take a look at scenarios where water damage to your car is or isn’t covered. 

When comprehensive insurance covers water damage

Hail damage

Many comprehensive car insurance policies cover hail damage. For example, you’d be covered if your car sustained water damage after hail breaks your windows, resulting in hail and rain entering your vehicle. 

Damage from leaks due to heavy rain or flooding

Your comprehensive insurance would also cover water damage from heavy rain or floodwaters entering your car. However, you must prove you’ve been staying on top of your regular vehicle maintenance. If lack of maintenance damaged your vehicle’s seals, your car insurance would not cover the repair costs. 

When comprehensive coverage does not cover water damage

Negligence on your part 

You should not expect your car insurance to cover water damage if there was negligence on your part. For instance, you’d have to pay for repairs yourself if water damage occurred because you left your car’s windows or sunroof open during a rainstorm. Furthermore, comprehensive coverage wouldn’t cover water damage if you failed to perform reasonable preventative maintenance. 

Make sure your car insurance policy has you covered

It can be tempting to save money on your car insurance premiums by opting for liability or collision coverage. However, comprehensive coverage could save you money in the long run. As long your negligence didn’t cause the water damage, comprehensive coverage should pay for repairs. To ensure you’re covered, carefully read your policy, and consult with an insurance agent.