[PatchyBoy]

Not sure if this has been shared before. Sharing as it is quite relevant to the topic

[anandtheleo]

Originally Posted by Rahul Rao

Is that so, this was to be a safety feature added after the 2005 Mumbai floods, where many people trapped in their cars could not open doors after car was submerged, and suffocated to death.

Rahul

Yes, I too was surprised that it had opened. In a way it was good, at least the stench is moving away and I would have no way of opening the windows with a dead battery. And water had anyway entered and the car was full of it, and not only through the open window.

Have already registered for the insurance claim with my insurer - Bajaj Allianz, they have asked to get the car towed to a known garage and request for a surveyor visit. The problem I am facing now is that, no garage is willing to take the car, citing either the garage itself is damaged or they have heavy loads already due to this deluge.

Now, I am not sure what to do, the more I wait the damage gets even worse, if I have to tow the car, where to tow it to is the question?

[srinath.s]

Originally Posted by anandtheleo

Now, I am not sure what to do, the more I wait the damage gets even worse, if I have to tow the car, where to tow it to is the question?

Sir, I share the pain you're currently going through. My car was fully submerged too, and it's a wretched sight now.

I'd suggest you approach an ASC immediately. Most of them must be getting prepared to handle this calamity. For instance, Maruti Service Masters (whom I approached) has put up a separate kiosk to collect details of flooded vehicles and has promised a pick up on a first come first served basis once their facility is operational.

In the meantime, it is better to keep your insurer posted, which I believe you have already done.

[Warwithwheels]

This is how the VOLVO showroom looks in chennai

[prithm]

Most of the insurance companies ask for spot inspection. This is important actually. I recommend everyone to do this even if it means that you vehicle is stranded for multiple days.

DO NOT GIVE THEM ANY LEVERAGE OF PUTTING THE BLAME ON YOU.

Moving the vehicle from its current disaster location has the potential to cause more damage than good. Just lock the wheels with thick chains if you must, but DO NOT MOVE IT.

Insist for spot check and positive report. Collect all evidence and do not rely them doing a good job for you. Be alert and assertive.

Originally Posted by anandtheleo

Now, I am not sure what to do, the more I wait the damage gets even worse, if I have to tow the car, where to tow it to is the question?

The best option is to get it surveyed in the current location. Do not try to move. Check with the insurance companies and ask them to give it in writing.

I know, we are facing a national disaster, but we have to play by the rules nevertheless.

[anandtheleo]

Just read my policy details again, really surprised of the 'Exclusions'. Wordings seems to suggest flooding is not covered. I am shocked.

"Exclusions
(1) Where the Insured Vehicle can be safely transferred on its own power to nearest dealer/workshop. (2) Any Accident, loss, damage and/or liability caused, sustained or
incurred whilst the Insured Vehicle is being used otherwise than in accordance with the limitations as to use. (3) Any liability of whatsoever nature directly or indirectly
caused by or contributed to by or arising from ionising radiations or contamination by radioactivity from any nuclear fuel or from any nuclear waste from the combustion of
nuclear fuel. For the purpose of this exception, combustion shall include any self-sustaining process of nuclear fission. (4) Any Accident, loss, damage and/or liability directly
or indirectly or proximately or remotely occasioned by contributed to/by or traceable to or arising out of or in connection with war, invasion, the act of foreign enemies, hostilities
or warlike operations (whether before or after declaration of war), civil war, mutiny rebellion, military or usurped power or by any direct or indirect consequences of any of
the said occurrences. (5) Any loss or damage caused due to riots, strikes and Act of God perils like flood, earthquake etc. (6) Claims pertaining to theft losses. (7) Any consequential loss arising out of claims lodged under '24x7 Spot Assistance' ."

[prithm]

Originally Posted by anandtheleo

Just read my policy details again, really surprised of the 'Exclusions'. Wordings seems to suggest flooding is not covered. I am shocked.

"Exclusions
(1) Where the Insured Vehicle can be safely transferred on its own power to nearest dealer/workshop. (2) Any Accident, loss, damage and/or liability caused, sustained or
incurred whilst the Insured Vehicle is being used otherwise than in accordance with the limitations as to use. (3) Any liability of whatsoever nature directly or indirectly
caused by or contributed to by or arising from ionising radiations or contamination by radioactivity from any nuclear fuel or from any nuclear waste from the combustion of
nuclear fuel. For the purpose of this exception, combustion shall include any self-sustaining process of nuclear fission. (4) Any Accident, loss, damage and/or liability directly
or indirectly or proximately or remotely occasioned by contributed to/by or traceable to or arising out of or in connection with war, invasion, the act of foreign enemies, hostilities
or warlike operations (whether before or after declaration of war), civil war, mutiny rebellion, military or usurped power or by any direct or indirect consequences of any of
the said occurrences. (5) Any loss or damage caused due to riots, strikes and Act of God perils like flood, earthquake etc. (6) Claims pertaining to theft losses. (7) Any consequential loss arising out of claims lodged under '24x7 Spot Assistance' ."

Right on spot and Bingo. Crooks will try to take us for ride no matter what. They are legal criminals.

Not sure if the T&C will hold good in court due to conflict of interest and what is termed as Law of Contracts, but it is legally binding if undersigned by policy holder.

I am just hoping for the best for all Chennai BHPians.

[virage]

Originally Posted by prithm

Most of the insurance companies ask for spot inspection. This is important actually. I recommend everyone to do this even if it means that you vehicle is stranded for multiple days.

Called up the insurance company, they insist that they take a look before the car is towed. Its been 5 days, and these idiots are being completely moronic.
The service centers are getting busy, all i can do now is watch my baby rust and rot.

[prithm]

Originally Posted by virage

Called up the insurance company, they insist that they take a look before the car is towed. Its been 5 days, and these idiots are being completely moronic.
The service centers are getting busy, all i can do now is watch my baby rust and rot.

Yes Virage. I did mention that too earlier. We are now facing a citywide catastrophic event where all people irrespective of status, strata, gender are affected deeply.

Patience my friend. Keep that hope high, but collect all proof's and evidence to safeguard yourself..

Infact let it rust. Rather than writing it off to a dump yard, we can save what we can from our hard earned money and still keep this car alive.

[satanic_dude]

Hi All,

My Alto K10 was almost completely submerged in the flood water. Water was up to 5 feet deep near our place. The car was parked on slightly higher ground, but was caught.

Have clicked all photos when the water subsided to safe levels. Was not able to reach Chola MS toll free, so sent an email to Chola and MSM MASS with all the details and photos. Also clearly mentioned that I have not tried to start the car, nor move it.

As the flood level was unprecedented, all of us in the building had not removed the ICE, other small items nor the battery terminals, which I'm sure no one might have known the seriousness of.

From Wednesday morning, when the levels rose very fast, we could hear car alarms go off one by one which did not stop till Thursday morning, then horns, also headlights from under water. Was scary to see the cars frantically doing random stuff whilst getting fried and short circuited. My friend's Polo had activated wipers and ripped off the body cover. Another Estilo had ejected a CD. It was as if they were trying to scream and desperately reach out for help just before dying a slow painful death :(

Was able to wade through and click photos on Thursday. I doubled up as the insurance photographer for the building, clicking photos of all cars nearby, and helped one ground floor resident with photos of his damaged house, which is insured.

Was able to reach Chola MS toll free today, and register a claim. They have informed me to get the car towed either by own arrangements or call Chola MS Free Roadside Assistance CARE for doing the same. They recommend MSM, I guess due to common tie up with Sumitomo. MSM doesn't seem to have opened yet apart from the KIOSK someone mentioned here on Team BHP.

Attaching a photo of my car. The water had risen to above half of the windscreen, and the interiors were damaged. Lots of water in the seats, which I sat down on and squeezed before draining the stagnant water from the carpet. I know the area under the carpet is still wet and will start rusting. Keeping my fingers crossed. Hoping things will improve soon and MSM will be able to attend to the car. I've anyways prepared myself for a month of waiting, but very concerned about the interim damage due to corrosion :(

On the brighter side of things, we are all alive and healthy, as we were on the second floor, had sufficient food and water stocked up, and did not run into any scarcity problems. Neighbours have become closer, and unknown people have become more than just acquaintances. The situation has brought this City of Madras much closer together.

God bless. Peace.

[virage]

Originally Posted by prithm

Infact let it rust. Rather than writing it off to a dump yard, we can save what we can from our hard earned money and still keep this car alive.

I hope that comes true

Originally Posted by satanic_dude

On the brighter side of things, we are all alive and healthy, as we were on the second floor, had sufficient food and water stocked up, and did not run into any scarcity problems. Neighbors have become closer, and unknown people have become more than just acquaintances. The situation has brought this City of Madras much closer together.

Glad to hear that, the flood waters have washed away all the racial colors these cheap politicians have tried to coat us with. The city rose above religion, cast, creed and economic status.

I hope the people don't forget this come next elections

[Ananthang]

Originally Posted by libranof1987

I'd suggest you talk to the Insurance provider first and get their estimate. Their evaluation will tell you if it is a total loss or repairable.

Sure Will ask him to talk to the Insurance provider first but I strongly feel he will be inclined to get it fixed with the local mechanic.

[Krishnan V G]

Registered a claim with my insurance co. Future Generali online on Monday morning and have been following up with FG and Gurudev Motors, Skoda Dealer since the for a visit by the insurance surveyor on one side and towing by the dealer to the workshop on the other. Hopeful now that surveyor will visit this evening or tomorrow to assess the case. Met and spoke with some of the top service engineers of Skoda and VW at Gurudev Motors, Guindy. Showed them photos of the submerged Yeti. Prognosis for reviving Skoda Yeti appears to be almost nil. Post visit from the surveyor will know the exact situation.

[RGK]

My Ford Figo was almost completely submerged in the flood water. Water came up to 5 feet in my apartment. At the last minute I removed the battery negative terminal and put a polythene cover around the exhaust pipe.
I am not able to locate any Tow vehicle till today. All are having a minimum of 50-100 bookings. I went to the ASC to enquire about the process. As expected the ASC is full of vehicles. They say it will take a minimum of 30-45 days. When I asked for a rough estimate, one SA said, "till floor level the charges would come around 1.5 Lakhs and if it is more then it will be around 2 Lakhs" .
Ford has advised to replace all items viz., wiring harness, airbag units, bearings and bushes etc. When enquired with a local mechanic, he said " it is not necessary to do that. Cleaning the critical parts (fuses, sensor pins etc.,) should be fine and it is mandatory to check if the water is inside the manifold". I am in dilemma now whether to go for a local mechanic or to the ASC and claim Insurance.
I have taken photos of my car and I have removed the water from the floor to avoid rusting.

[satanic_dude]

Read this article dated yesterday. MSIL seems to be well prepared, considering the magnitude and unprecedentedness of the calamity. India's largest car maker sure is expected to have a good BCP (Business Continuity Plan). Hoping for the best. Would be great if other manufacturers also follow suit.

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/auto/st.../1/542087.html

Leading car maker Maruti Suzuki India Ltd (MSIL) said on Tuesday that anticipating huge rush for servicing of its cars post floods in Chennai, it has sent 150 technicians from different parts of the country here.

In a statement, it also said it has sent two truckloads of spare parts now stored outside Chennai to meet the demand for them.

Maruti Suzuki estimates that over 4,000 cars will be in immediate need of servicing.

Curious to know the approximate number of Maruti vehicles in Madras.

Noting most of the vehicles may not have comprehensive insurance, it also announced that it would bear up to 50 per cent of the repair cost generally not allowed by insurers as depreciation/wear and tear.

Would be great if someone could clarify which 50% of expenses will be covered. Anyways, it is a welcome gesture by MSIL, if it provides some degree of monetary relief!

Peace.