Storm No. 5 Kajiki, after weakening into a tropical depression, brought heavy rains, causing deep flooding on many roads in the Northern and Central regions, with countless cars submerged and broken down. Many car owners are now concerned about whether their insurance will cover these damages.
In principle, damages to cars due to storms and flooding are considered force majeure events caused by nature and are within the scope of insurance compensation. However, not all cases of vehicle damage will be compensated.
There are various types of car insurance available in the market. While third-party liability insurance is mandatory for all vehicle owners as per legal regulations, other types of insurance, such as comprehensive (or physical damage) insurance and personal accident insurance for passengers, are optional and depend on the owner’s preference.
Cars submerged in floodwaters in Hanoi on the morning of August 26th. (Photo: Minh Duc – Vien Minh)
Therefore, to be eligible for compensation for damages caused by flooding due to storms, car owners must have purchased comprehensive insurance, commonly referred to as vehicle body insurance. The specific compensation value and scope are based on the terms of the contract signed between the vehicle owner and the insurance company.
To claim compensation, owners must first call their insurance company’s customer service hotline to report the incident. This is a mandatory requirement to ensure the owner receives their full benefits and avoids penalties ranging from 10-50% of the total repair cost.
It is also advisable for owners to take pictures of the scene if the insurance company is unable to send an assessor to verify the damage immediately.
Next, arrange for a tow truck to take the vehicle to a repair shop. In this case, the insurance company covers the transportation cost since the car cannot be driven due to the accident.
It is important to note that owners should refrain from attempting to start the engine to prevent hydrolock. If the comprehensive car insurance policy does not include a hydrolock add-on, the insurance company may deny the claim.
Additionally, owners should prepare all relevant documents related to the vehicle and driver, such as the vehicle registration certificate, identity documents, driver’s license, insurance certificate, and any invoices or receipts for repairs or replacements due to flood damage, as directed or approved by the insurance company.
Another important consideration is to choose a repair shop that is affiliated with the insurance company to expedite the payment process. If the owner opts for a non-affiliated garage, they may have to pay for the repairs upfront and then seek reimbursement from the insurance company based on the amount they have already spent.
Building a Brighter Future: Supporting the Reconstruction of 1,000 Homes in Flood-Affected Nghe An Province
The Central Relief Committee, under the umbrella of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee, has allocated 65 billion VND from its central relief funds. This amount has been transferred to the Office of the Ministry of Public Security to aid people in Nghe An Province who are reeling from the devastating effects of the recent floods.
Over 26,000 Ginseng Roots Damaged: Quang Ngai Farmers Face Massive Losses
The cultivation of ginseng in Quang Ngai province has suffered a devastating blow, with losses amounting to tens of billions of dong. The destructive force of the storm ravaged over 26,000 ginseng roots of the precious Ngoc Linh variety, leaving farmers reeling from the financial toll.
The Insurance Company’s Ploy Against Car Owners
In recent times, many car owners have been complaining about being “bullied” by their motor vehicle insurance companies, who are demanding additional unexpected payments.
Landslides Wreak Havoc in Multiple Regions
Due to heavy rainfall in the provinces of Son La, Thanh Hoa, Nghe An, and Ninh Binh, several landslides have occurred. Local authorities promptly evacuated affected residents to safer locations.
“Businesses Unite to Support Farmers’ Recovery: Providing Seeds and Fertilizers to Revive Production.”
As of now, the statistics show that the third storm, Yagi, and the rainbands have caused approximately 312,000 hectares of crops to be flooded and toppled, with over 100,000 hectares completely destroyed. The estimated damage to the farming sector alone is over VND 4 trillion. Thus, tens of thousands of tons of rice, corn, and vegetable seeds are required to restore production.
