Monsoon Damage? What Your Home And Vehicle Insurance Actually Cover

The monsoon season brings much-needed relief from summer heat. But it could also be challenging for many people due to the rain-related disasters, especially damage to house and vehicles. Waterlogging, flooding, roof leaks and electrical damage are common during heavy rains.

Often, people turn to their insurance policies expecting full compensation for any damage to their residential property and vehicles. However, all damages are not usually covered under property or vehicle insurance plans.

If you’re wondering what your home or car insurance will cover during the monsoon, here’s a breakdown to help you stay informed and better prepared for any unforeseen situations.

Home insurance can provide protection during the monsoon, but the extent of coverage depends on the type of policy you have purchased.

• Structural damage: If your home’s structure is damaged due to heavy rainfall, flooding, or water seepage, most comprehensive home insurance policies cover the cost of repairs.

• Electrical equipment: Damage to appliances like refrigerators, washing machines, or televisions due to short-circuits caused by water seepage or lightning is usually covered.

• Furniture and interiors: Policies with content coverage will also include compensation for furniture, carpets and personal belongings affected by rainwater.

• Pre-existing issues: For existing cracks or leakages in your roof or walls, insurers may not offer financial coverage. If the damage to your property gets worse due to rain, the claim for any compensation won’t be accepted by the insurance firm.

• Negligence: If your insurer believes that proper maintenance was not carried out, like clogged drains or unsealed windows, you might not be compensated.

• Lack of add-on covers: Flood and earthquake damage often require additional riders or coverage add-ons. If you haven’t opted for these, basic policies may not cover such natural calamities.

Monsoon is a nightmare for car owners in cities with poor drainage. Whether it’s damage to the engine due to flooding or a tree falling on your parked car, insurance can come to the rescue — but only if you have the right plan.

Engine damage (with add-on): Standard comprehensive policies don’t cover engine damage due to water ingress unless you’ve opted for the Engine Protection Cover. This is a critical add-on during monsoon.

Accidental damage: If your car skids and hits something due to a wet road, the resulting damages are generally covered under a comprehensive plan.

Damage from falling objects: If a tree falls on your car or debris causes damage during a storm, it is typically covered.

Driving through waterlogged areas: If you try to start your car in a flooded area and the engine gets damaged, it may be treated as negligence. The insurance firm my reject the claim.

• Review your policies annually to ensure you have the right add-ons.

• Check if flood or storm damage is included in your home insurance plan.

• Ensure your car insurance includes engine and zero depreciation cover, especially before the rainy season begins.

• Take preventive steps like clearing drains, sealing cracks, and parking in safe areas.

Monsoon damage can be financially draining, but with the right insurance coverage, much of the cost can be mitigated. Always read the fine print, understand what’s included and excluded and make sure your policies are updated to match your risk exposure during the rainy season.