For the past week UAE has been battling extreme weather with rain, floods and thunderstorms. Videos circulating online have shown cars partially or fully submerged in water, particularly in the low-lying areas. In some places, motorists were stranded with their vehicles, waiting for water levels to reduce, before attempting to move on.
Many have faces minor or major damage to their vehicles and concerns about repair costs have been surfacing among residents. Most have been worried if they will have to pay for the loss from their own pockets, or insurance could help cover the cost.
The two types of insurance
In the UAE, one can not legally drive a car without insurance, as per the law. While third-party insurance is mandatory, comprehensive insurance is dependent on the owner’s choice.
- What does third-party insurance cover?
Third-party insurance covers the bare essentials including damage to another driver’s vehicle, injury or death of third parties and damage to public or private property. However, it offers little to no protection and benefits to the owners themselves.
- What does comprehensive insurance cover?
Along with covering everything third-party insurance offers, this one also covers damage to your own vehicle theft, fire vandalism, natural disasters, and personal injury at times.
How much damage do vehicles stand to face?
As per automobile experts, the extent of the damage largely depends on how long the vehicle was submerged and the depth of the water. In a conversation with Khaleej Times, Nasir Rasool, an automobile expert based in Industrial Area 6 in Sharjah said even if the engine is safe, water can still damage electrical systems, transmission and interior parts. “People should not attempt to start the vehicle and instead get it checked immediately.”
“In some cases, the car can be saved with cleaning and fluid changes, but if the engine or ECU is affected, repairs can become very expensive,” he added.
How much can the repairs cost?
Repair costs also depend on the level of damage. Minor cases like drying interiors and changing fluids may range between a few hundred and a couple of thousand dirhams.
However, if electrical systems, sensors or wiring are affected the costs can rise. In majorly severe cases where the engine gets damaged due to hydrolock or requires repairs or replacement, the cost can exceed Dh15,000 to Dh25,000, depending on the vehicle, as per Nabeel Ahmed, an expert for Carzpert Auto Maintenance based in Umm Ramool.
While an owner with comprehensive insurance may get the costs covered, those with third-party insurance have to pay from their own pockets here.
Newer cars are more vulnerable
Experts also warned that newer cars are more vulnerable to damage due to electronics. “Even partial submersion can affect sensors and wiring. The biggest mistake people make is trying to start the car. That can turn a small issue into major engine damage,” said Ahmed, advising motorists to tow the vehicle and get it inspected.
Moreover, they reminded that even motorists with comprehensive insurance may face problems covering the costs of damage if the driver is found negligent, like driving into deep water or trying to start the car after it is submerged.
Thus, for owners with recently purchased cars, comprehensive insurance during unsettled weather may be a worthy investment. However, for those with old cars, a third-party insurance may be sufficient.
