If you're worried about what happens to your car in a flood — and whether your insurance will help — you're not alone. In this article, we answer common questions about car flood insurance, explain how to protect your vehicle, and guide you on filing a claim after flood damage.

Does car insurance cover flood damage?

Only a comprehensive car insurance policy (with "special perils" for natural disasters) will cover flood or water damage to your vehicle. Basic third-party liability policies will not pay for flood-related damage to your car.

There is no separate "flood insurance" for cars. Flood damage is covered under comprehensive auto insurance. A standard third-party policy (the minimum required by law) covers injury or damage you cause to others, but it does not cover damage to your own car from floods or other perils. In other words, if you only have third-party insurance and your engine or interior is ruined by flood water, your insurer won't cover the loss.

'Car flood insurance' simply refers to the protection provided by the comprehensive coverage part of an auto policy. Comprehensive insurance covers damage to your vehicle from non-collision events, like natural disasters (floods, storms), fire, theft, or vandalism. To have flood damage covered, you must opt for a comprehensive motor insurance plan with special perils coverage (coverage for events like floods, hurricanes or earthquakes). Some insurers automatically include these perils in comprehensive policies (for example, GenAc includes flood coverage free for private cars), while others offer them as an add-on — so be sure to confirm your policy includes flood or "special perils" protection.

Comprehensive coverage is optional and costs more than basic third-party insurance. However, it's well worth it if you're concerned about flooding. Comprehensive insurance will pay to repair flood damage to your car or reimburse you for the car's value if it's beyond repair (a total loss). By contrast, with only a third-party policy, any flood damage to your vehicle comes out of your own pocket. In short, if you want peace of mind during Trinidad & Tobago's rainy season, make sure your car insurance is comprehensive with flood coverage included.

What happens to your car when you drive through flood water?

Driving through flood water can cause severe and often irreversible damage to your car. For example, water entering the engine air intake can lead to hydrolock — when water gets into the cylinders and the engine can't compress it, parts like pistons and rods can bend or break. This will stall your engine and potentially destroy it. Modern cars also have complex electronics, and water can short-circuit critical components like the engine control unit (ECU) and sensors, leading to erratic behaviour or permanent failure.

Even a seemingly shallow flood is dangerous. Just six inches (15 cm) of standing water can float a small car and cause you to lose control. Hidden potholes or debris under flood waters can also damage your tires, brakes, or suspension. Wet brakes lose friction, reducing stopping power.

And remember — if you only have third-party insurance, none of that damage is covered, leaving you to bear the full cost of repairs.

How do I protect my car from flood damage?

You can't always predict or prevent floods, but you can take steps to reduce the risk of flood damage to your car:

Stay aware of the weather and avoid flood-prone areas

If heavy rain or a flood warning is in effect, move your vehicle to higher ground or a safe garage. Don't park in low-lying spots or near rivers that might overflow. Most importantly, never drive through flooded roads — water depth is hard to judge and even a foot of water can make a vehicle float or stall your engine. It's always safer to turn around and find an alternate route.

Get comprehensive insurance coverage

The best financial protection against flood damage is a comprehensive car insurance policy. Comprehensive coverage pays for damage to your car from events like floods, storms, fire or theft. Adding comprehensive coverage to your auto policy ensures that if your vehicle does get flooded, your insurer will cover the repairs or reimburse you for the car's value (after your deductible/excess).

In regions like Trinidad, Jamaica, or Barbados, where tropical rains and hurricanes can strike, having comprehensive coverage with natural peril protection is a smart safeguard. It covers not only flood damage, but also other unexpected mishaps, giving you peace of mind that your car is protected no matter what.

Why Doesn't Every Insurance Policy Cover Water Damage?

The reason not all auto policies cover flood or water damage comes down to the type of coverage. Third-party only insurance — which is the basic, cheapest plan and the legal minimum — covers only damage or injury you cause to other people. It does not cover damage to your own vehicle, whether from a crash or a natural event like a flood. Many drivers in T&T opt for these basic policies to save on premiums, but the trade-off is zero coverage for your car's damage in incidents such as floods, fires, or theft.

On the other hand, comprehensive insurance is designed to cover your vehicle's losses. This is why comprehensive plans will pay for water damage (and other "acts of God"), whereas third-party plans will not. Essentially, third-party insurance exists to protect others from your mistakes — it won't help you with your own car's flood damage. Insurers price these policies much lower because they cover far fewer risks.

Comprehensive policies cost more because they cover a broader range of perils, including flood, hurricane or storm damage to your car. Not everyone purchases comprehensive coverage due to the higher premium, but if you want your car protected against water damage, comprehensive is the only option. A third-party policy alone will never cover flood or water damage to your vehicle.

How to File a Car Insurance Claim after a Flood

If your car is flooded, a timely and thorough insurance claim can get you on the road to recovery. Here are the steps to follow:

Contact your insurer immediately

Report the flood damage to your insurance company as soon as possible (via their claims hotline, website - Incident Report, or via telephone at 224-3622). Quick reporting is crucial. After a major flood, many people will be filing claims, so the sooner you file, the faster yours can be processed. Early notice also helps limit further damage, as the insurer may advise next steps.

Do not start the car

Attempting to start a flooded car can cause more damage, especially if water has entered the engine or electronics. Leave the vehicle off. If the car is in standing water, have it towed or moved to a dry, safe area (most comprehensive policies cover towing costs).

Document the damage and Submit your claim

Take clear photos or videos of your car's condition after the flood. Within your documentation, note how high the water reached (water line on the body, interior soaked, etc.). These records will play a critical role throughout the claims process — the more thorough the documentation, the better. Now that you have all the information required, and if you are a GENAC customer, you can log in to your GENAC account to submit your claim. Alternatively, and for third parties, you may visit our website, download the claim form and submit along with all the necessary documentation to claimsreportstt@genac.com or drop it at any one of our 8 conveniently located branches.

Mitigate further damage

If you can safely do so, start drying out the car's interior to prevent mold. Mop up standing water and ventilate the car (open windows, use fans). Do not reconnect the battery or test electrical systems until a professional checks the car. Removing floor mats and other wet items can help drying. Insurers expect you to take reasonable steps to prevent additional damage after the incident.

Work with the claims adjuster

Your insurance company will assign a claims adjuster to inspect the vehicle. They will assess the damage and estimate repair costs. Cooperate in scheduling inspection or taking the car to a recommended garage if asked. Based on the assessment, the insurer will determine if the car is repairable or a total loss. If repairs cost more than the car's value, the insurer will declare it a total loss (write-off).

In that case, the insurer will pay you the vehicle's insured value or market value (minus your deductible/excess) and take possession of the vehicle. If it's repairable, you'll receive payment (or direct repair arrangements) per your policy terms to fix the car.

Throughout the process, stay in touch with your claims representative and follow their guidance. Filing a flood claim can be stressful, but comprehensive insurance is there to handle exactly this kind of situation. By acting quickly and working with your insurer, you'll maximise the chance of a smooth claim and a fair payout for your flood-damaged car.

Comprehensive insurance, with Genac

Secure comprehensive car insurance from Genac, which includes free flood damage coverage for private cars in Trinidad & Tobago. Our local experts will guide you through your options, ensuring you drive confidently in any weather.

Contact Genac today for a free quote and personalised advice. Visit genac.com or call our local office to secure your coverage. Don't wait for the next storm—trust Genac, Trinidad & Tobago's leading car insurer, to keep you covered on every journey.