Nature is unpredictable and to add more stars to it, the monsoon that brings cool breezes, lush greenery also acts hazardous at times. Every year, as heavy rains pour down, news reports of waterlogged streets, cars stranded in knee-deep water, vehicles damaged by falling trees, landslides or hill debris, become all too familiar. So, the vehicle owners usually have this question— Does your insurance policy cover vehicle damage during natural disasters like landslide, cloudburst, etc? The answer to this is “Yes” but only if you have the right type of insurance. While exclusively talking to Times Now (Auto), Paras Pasricha, Head of Motor Insurance, Policybazaar, explained thoroughly about the situation and the type of insurance suitable for this. He said, “The financial impact of natural disasters on vehicle owners can be substantial, especially during the monsoon season, when we routinely see a spike in claims related to floodwater damage, landslides, cloudbursts, and falling trees.On average, repairs for flood-affected vehicles can range anywhere from ₹25,000 to over ₹2 lakh depending on the severity of the damage, particularly if the engine or electrical systems are compromised. In more serious cases involving total loss or irreparable damage, vehicle owners could be looking at losses of ₹5–10 lakh or more, depending on the make and model of the car.” Natural Calamity Insurance: Comprehensive vs Third-Party InsuranceIn easy terms, third-party insurance is like a basic ticket which is legally required, but it only covers damage you cause to someone else’s vehicle or property. If your own car is damaged in a flood or landslide, you’ll have to pay from your own pocket. However, mentioning about the third party insurance which somewhere does not cover this type of damage, Pasricha further stated, “Unfortunately, many vehicle owners still rely only on third-party insurance, which is legally mandatory but does not cover any damage to the insured’s own vehicle. To be protected against natural calamities, it is absolutely essential to have a Comprehensive Motor Insurance policy, which includes Own Damage (OD) cover. This component specifically compensates for damages caused by natural disasters like floods, cloudbursts, landslides, hailstorms, and lightning strikes.” Comprehensive insurance, on the other hand, is like an all in one access pass but with right add-ons. It covers your car against natural disasters (floods, earthquakes, storms), man-made disasters (theft, vandalism), fire, and accidents, in addition to the mandatory third-party cover. Natural Calamity Insurance: Extra Protection with Add-OnsPasricha informed about the add-ons on insurance policy and explained, “Moreover, even within comprehensive insurance, it’s the right add-ons that can make a major difference at claim time. For instance, 'Engine Protection Cover' is critical during floods. Water ingress can severely damage the engine and lead to repairs costing ₹50,000 to ₹1.5 lakh or more - which are typically not covered unless this add-on is opted for. 'Zero Depreciation Cover' ensures that policyholders receive the full cost of replacing damaged car parts without accounting for depreciation - a benefit that can save up to 30–40% of the claim amount. 'Return to Invoice' cover is another useful add-on, especially for new or high-value cars, as it pays the difference between the car’s insured declared value (IDV) and its actual invoice value in case of total loss. In today’s climate-reality, where weather events are becoming increasingly unpredictable and intense, comprehensive insurance combined with the right add-ons is vital.” According to Policy Bazar, even with comprehensive insurance, some types of damage may not be fully covered unless you have the right add-ons. Consider this as “power-ups” for your insurance. Engine Protection Cover is essential in flood-prone areas; repairs for water-damaged engines can cost ₹50,000 to ₹1.5 lakh or more. Zero Depreciation Cover ensures that you get the full cost of parts replaced without depreciation cuts (saves up to 30–40% of the claim amount). Return to Invoice Cover is just perfect for new or luxury cars, it pays the difference between your car’s market value and its original invoice value if it’s completely damaged. Natural Calamity Insurance: Why Acting Early Is Actually ImportantIf you live in a place like Mumbai, Assam, Himachal Pradesh or Uttarakhand where areas are prone to heavy rains, floods, or landslides, then don’t wait until the damage is done. Insurance companies usually won’t allow you to buy or upgrade your cover when a disaster warning has already been issued. Natural Calamity Insurance: How to Claim if Disaster StrikesIf your car gets damaged in a natural calamity you should immediately take photos and videos of the damage from all angles, keep proof of the disaster (like news articles or weather alerts), do not move your car before the surveyor’s inspection, contact your insurer immediately and follow their claim process. Nature can be harsh at any point of time, which is not in your control, but protecting your vehicle surely is. A comprehensive vehicle insurance policy with suitable add-ons can save you from hefty bill. So, make sure to get your suitable insurance done before hand.