What should you do if your vehicle has taken in water?

What are the first steps to take when your vehicle has been flooded?

1. Do not attempt to start your vehicle

If the vehicle’s engine is off, do not attempt to start it. You risk getting water into the engine and causing more damage. Have it towed to your trusted garage.

2. Report the incident to your insurer

Generally, as soon as the water rises above half the wheels, you must inform your insurer of the situation, even if the vehicle is still running. Your insurer will inform you of the procedure to follow, which usually includes an assessment of the damage to determine if your vehicle is repairable or if it is declared a “total loss,” based on the “irreparable” status criteria of the Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ).

3. Remove the water, air out, and dry your vehicle

Although it is probably too late to recover the vehicle if the water has reached above the floor level, you can take the following actions:

• Remove the mats.

• Use a wet vacuum to remove as much liquid as possible.

• Sponge the seats and surfaces.

• Open all doors, the trunk, and windows to allow air to circulate and help dry the interior.

When is a vehicle declared a "total loss"?

Exposure to water can cause serious damage to vehicles, both thermal and electrical, even though the latter generally have better resistance to flooding. If electronic components get waterlogged due to flooding, an accident, or a rain episode, it directly affects the functioning of several systems. Water can also cause corrosion of certain components. As for the interior, it is rare for parts to survive a flood.

In the vast majority of cases, flooded vehicles are declared “irreparable.” This status is indicated in the file and on the vehicle’s registration certificate following a declaration by the owner, the insurer, or an administrative authority (SAAQ) and ensures that the vehicle will not be put back on the used car market.

When buying a used vehicle, a pre-purchase inspection is recommended to check if a vehicle has been flooded without the incident being declared. You can also request a “Carfax” type report and pay attention to the region of origin of the vehicle (e.g., hurricane-prone region).

Can a flooded vehicle be put back into circulation?

A flooded vehicle must be repaired with new original parts and covered by an insurance policy to be able to drive again. The insurer must verify the repairs, which require special expertise. You can ask your insurer to recommend a specialized garage or choose your own, respecting the estimate issued after the damage assessment.

How to prevent water damage in a car?

It is not possible to predict a disaster, but small actions can certainly be taken to avoid some water damage in a vehicle.

Equip your car with suitable mats

Mud, calcium, and wet boots can eventually damage electronic parts or wiring located under the car floor. A set of mats suitable for your vehicle can be an interesting element to prevent these problems. Rubberized and specially molded to fit the shape of the floor, these mats are sold in the auto parts section of large stores or by independent suppliers, such as auto glass retailers. Dealers also offer custom mats that help extend the life of car floors.

Sunroofs or retractable roofs: potential water infiltration points

As soon as there is a small opening, there is a risk of infiltration. Retractable roofs and sunroofs, especially panoramic ones, can, for example, lead to long-term water infiltration. Check if periodic maintenance of your roof is necessary in your vehicle owner’s manual.

Is a flooded vehicle covered by car insurance?

As soon as a vehicle is flooded, the owner is generally compensated based on the insurance coverage they had chosen. The “all risks” policy covers damage caused to your vehicle by flooding. To find out if you are covered, discuss it with your insurance agent or broker.