Car Stopped in Floodwater? Why You Should Not Start the Engine Again

In a flooded underpass, water can reach your engine and get sucked in, and the car stops. Don't start it again: with water inside, starting the engine can break its parts and turn a flood repair into a big engine repair. Leave the key, get out safely and call your insurance company. If the water is moving or too deep, stay where you are and call for help. Comprehensive car insurance pays for flood damage, but may not pay for damage inside the engine. Some insurance companies offer engine protection, an add-on at an extra premium, that can pay for this damage. Ask your advisor before the next rains to check if your policy has engine protection, and whether it suits you.