Rain damage not covered? UAE motorists may face repair bills up to Dh25,000

After two days of heavy rains across the UAE, videos and images have surfaced showing cars partially or fully submerged in water, especially in low-lying areas. In some places, vehicles were seen stranded as motorists waited for water levels to go down before attempting to move them.

The situation has also raised concerns among residents about repair costs, and whether such damage is even covered by insurance.

Motorists with third-party insurance may not be able to claim for rain-related damage. Third-party policies cover damage caused to others, not the policyholder’s own vehicle, meaning repair costs may have to be borne entirely by the owner.

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Automobile experts said the extent of damage largely depends on how long the vehicle was submerged and the depth of the water.

Nasir Rasool, automobile expert based in Industrial Area 6 in Sharjah, said: “Even if the engine is safe, water can still damage electrical systems, transmission and interior parts. People should not attempt to start the vehicle and instead get it checked immediately.”

“In some cases, the car can be saved with cleaning and fluid changes, but if the engine or ECU is affected, repairs can become very expensive,” he added.

How much will the repairs cost?

Mechanics said repair costs can vary widely depending on the level of damage. Minor cases, such as drying interiors and changing fluids, may cost a few hundred to a couple of thousand dirhams.

Nabeel Ahmed, an expert from Carzpert Auto Maintenance based in Umm Ramool, said: “If electrical systems, sensors or wiring are affected, costs can rise significantly. In more severe cases where the engine is damaged, especially due to hydrolock, repairs or replacement can exceed Dh15,000 to Dh25,000 or more depending on the vehicle and make.”

He added that insurance coverage depends on the type of policy. “If the car has comprehensive insurance, flood damage may be covered depending on the damage and guidelines are followed. But with third-party insurance, the owner will have to bear the cost,” he said.

Mechanics also said that what happens depends largely on whether water has entered the engine. “If the car was switched off and water level stayed below the air intake, it may start after proper checks. But if water enters the engine, it can cause hydrolock, which can damage internal parts immediately,” said Ahmed.

Why are newer cars more vulnerable to damage?

He warned that newer cars are more vulnerable due to electronics. “Even partial submersion can affect sensors and wiring. The biggest mistake people make is trying to start the car. That can turn a small issue into major engine damage,” he said, advising motorists to tow the vehicle and get it inspected.

Mechanics also said that even motorists with comprehensive insurance may not always be able to claim for rain-related damage. While some policies cover flood damage, claims are not guaranteed in all cases.

“Even with comprehensive insurance, claims can be rejected if the driver is found negligent, like driving into deep water or trying to start the car after it is submerged. In many cases, the damage becomes worse because people try to restart the vehicle,” said Rasool.