Last updated 2024-06-20

Water damage considerations

What to consider when determining the extent of water damage on a vehicle.

Considerations and impacts

The table lists what to consider in a water damaged vehicle, which is information that will assist an estimator with determining if a vehicle is repairable or salvageable.

Considerations	Details and impact
What are the circumstances of the water contact?	The circumstances of water contact can affect claim-related damage. Circumstances include vehicle-to-water impact, and rising water, such as due to flooding.
Was the water fresh water, sea water, or contaminated water?	Water may cause serious damage when water is contaminated with chemicals petroleum products fertilizers, or other biological products, or salt water.
Does the type of water impact anything?	Potential impacts of the type of water content, such as fresh water, sea water, or chemicals, includes damage to upholstery corrosion of metal in inaccessible areas of a vehicle, and damage to electronic components and connections.
Was the motor vehicle immersing or traversing?	A vehicle that was immersed, refers to a complete or partial submersion of a vehicle, and the results are almost certain water seepage and damage, and had been traversed, refers to a vehicle being driven through low levels of water, and where no hazards were present. Note: The vehicle should be carefully examined, if water seepage or damage is suspected. Note: Most vehicles are intended to be driven through shallow water, and can lead long and productive service lives in wet climates.
What was the depth of immersion?	A vehicle is considered flood-damaged when it is or has been immersed in a liquid to the bottom of the dashboard, or a level affecting any of the vehicle's major electrical system components. Note: For additional information, refer to the topic, Flood damaged vehicle policy
What is the length of time between recovery and the estimate or repairs?	The longer it takes to estimate and assess thevehicle damage, the greater the likelihood the water and its contaminants will migrate into the vehicle components and assemblies. This could result in contaminated lubricants upholstery, and compromised safety and electrical components.
Was the vehicle's motor running at the time of immersion?	If enough water is introduced such as when the vehicle is immersed, or it impacts the water surface, water can be sucked into the engine and cause immediate damage to expensive internal components of the engine.
Was there additional damage resulting from the vehicle's recovery or extraction?	Recovery or extraction of a vehicle can create further claim-related damage to the suspension running gear, and vehicle structure. Water in the vehicle may enter into previously undamaged areas when the vehicle is raised or is in transit.