How To Drive Through Floods | Saga Car Insurance

Driving through floods can be very dangerous. If possible, avoid driving in these conditions. However, sometimes you might need to, or you might get caught in a flood unexpectedly. It's important to know how to stay safe.

This guide will help you learn how to drive safely through flood water, prepare your car for such conditions, and understand the risks involved.

How should I drive through flood water safely?

If you see standing flood water, it's best to avoid driving through it. But if you have to, here are some tips to stay safe:

Check the depth: Get out and see how deep the water is. If it's higher than the bottom of your car, don't drive through it.
Look for hidden dangers: Check for obstacles like potholes or missing manhole covers that could damage your car.
Go one at a time: Let oncoming cars pass first. They can create waves that make it riskier for you.
Drive slowly: Go no faster than 3-4 mph to stay in control of steering and prevent water from getting into your engine.
Stay in the middle: Drive in the middle of the road where the water is usually shallower as the road is higher.
Use a low gear: Drive in first gear with higher revs to keep water out of your exhaust. Keep moving until you're out of the water.

If the water is flowing, it's best to avoid it altogether. Even shallow moving water can sweep your car away. The AA advises avoiding any moving water that's 10cm or deeper.

What should I do after driving through a flood?

After driving through flood water, the first thing you should do is test your brakes. This helps remove moisture and ensures they work properly so you can drive safely.

It's also a good idea to have a mechanic check your car, including the brakes. Water can cause hidden damage that might get worse over time. A mechanic can spot and fix any issues early.

If you have comprehensive car insurance, it might cover damage caused by flood water.

How can I prepare my car for flood conditions?

If you need to drive but the weather forecast says heavy rain and possible floods, think about whether your trip is really necessary. If you can wait until the weather improves, it's best to do so.

If you must drive, here are some things to check before you go:

Windscreen wipers: Make sure they work well so you can see clearly in the rain.
Tyres: Check that your tyres have enough tread (more than 3mm) to grip the road. If not, replace them.
Fuel tank: Fill up your tank because you might get stuck in traffic, which uses more fuel.
Headlights: Test your headlights and use dipped beams so other drivers can see you.

What are the risks of driving in floods?

Driving through floods can be very risky for both your car and your health. Here are some of the dangers:

Aquaplaning

This happens when water gets between your tyres and the road, making you more likely to lose control of your car and possibly cause a crash.

Brake damage

Water can get into the brake system, contaminating the brake fluid and damaging parts. This can make your brakes less effective or even stop them from working.

Health issues

Floodwater that gets into your car is often dirty and contaminated, possibly with drain water or pesticides, especially in rural areas. This can lead to various health problems.

Engine damage

If water enters areas meant for air, fuel, or oil, it can damage the engine. Signs of engine damage include cranking sounds when starting the car, the smell of petrol, or the car not starting at all.

Electrical damage

Water can harm your car's electrical system, leading to corrosion and short circuits in the wiring, sensors, and battery. This can cause problems like dashboard warning lights, unresponsive electronics and faulty headlights.

If you drive through floodwater and it causes lots of damage, your car may be written off if it’s beyond repair.

Are you insured if you drive through flood water?

If your car gets damaged by driving through flood water, you might be covered, depending on your insurance policy. Many comprehensive car insurance policies do cover flood damage, but insurers will check if you took steps to protect your car. They will decide if the damage was avoidable or not. If you drove through flood water that was already there and caused damage, you might not be covered.

Flood damage is usually not covered by Third-Party or Third-Party, Fire and Theft policies.

As a Saga Plus customer, your no claims discount won't be affected if you claim for flood damage.

What happens to your engine when you drive through deep water?

Driving through deep water can cause your exhaust to flood, which can lead to the car’s engine breaking down. Additionally, water can get sucked into the engine itself, which can cause compression issues, rusting and hydrolocking.

Will a car start if it’s hydrolocked?

Your car won't start if it's hydrolocked. This happens when water or other fluids like coolant or oil get into the engine cylinders. When this happens, the pistons can't move, so the engine seizes up and the car won't start.