From spring through to autumn, torrential downpours, burst pipes and clogged drains can lead to flooded roads – attempts to cross which often leave drivers turning to their insurer to help pay for the damage that ensues. But in reality, those costs regularly go uncompensated.

Every year, we see similar pictures in the media of flooding on roads and in tunnels and viaducts in cities around Estonia, almost always with a car and a desperate-looking driver stuck in the water.

Seesam’s head of Vehicle Damage Aare Lepik says that drivers tend to both underestimate the extent of flooding and overestimate their car’s (and their own) abilities.

Never attempt to drive through floodwaters

“Drivers really should avoid flooded areas at all costs,” Lepik advises. “Firstly, there’s no way of assessing the depth of the water, and for all you know the road beneath it might have been washed away. Secondly, even shallow waters can cause you to aquaplane and lose control of your vehicle. In the best case scenario you might just lose your number plate; in the worst case, water could get into the motor, which will see your repair costs skyrocket.”

What makes these kinds of accidents so expensive is the deliberate choice of drivers to go in search of adventure. Regardless of the insurance company, the decision to try and cross floodwaters often leaves claimants out of pocket.

“For the insurer, the determining factor is whether the damage could have been avoided simply by behaving reasonably,” Lepik explains. “If a driver sees that a road is underwater, whether partly or fully, but decides to try their luck anyway, that’s usually considered gross negligence, and any damage resulting from it isn’t compensated.”

Similar logic applies to driving on the frozen surfaces of lakes and waterways: unless the safety of an ice road has been officially verified, or the road has been opened to traffic, drivers should never assume that the ice will bear the weight of their vehicle. Knowingly taking risks in such situations means that drivers themselves assume responsibility for any damage.

So when is damage compensated?

Lepik says there are exceptions that see damage to ‘drowned’ cars being compensated. One is if a vehicle is parked in an underground car park which unexpectedly floods.

“But if you come up against floodwaters that are already dangerously deep, back out of there as quickly as you can, if you can,” the insurer urges. “If your car stalls in the water, don’t keep trying to crank the engine, as the water that’s already gotten into it could cause even more damage. To avoid permanent damage, call a tow truck or, if your car’s still drivable, take it to a repairer as soon as possible. They’ll inspect, clean and dry all the components that need to be looked at.”