Motorists could be risking an estimated £17.3 billion in repair costs by attempting to drive through floodwater, according to new research. While only 17% of motorists admit they would risk crossing a flooded road, this equates to 5.8 million vehicles across the UK. This means that as well as putting themselves in significant danger, these drivers could face big financial consequences of their decision.
The research, by Go.Compare car insurance, asked the public whether they would drive through floodwater and what depth they would risk before turning around. It then applied the percentage who would take this gamble to the average claim for storm and flood damage, giving an indication of the total repair costs that drivers could cause by navigating flooded roads.
The comparison site says the median claim for storm and flood-related car damage in 2023 was £3,000, meaning there are large costs involved in this risky behaviour.
Experts at Cover My warn that driving through floodwater can lead to severe damage, from hydro-locked engines to electrical failures, as well as the danger posed by hidden hazards beneath the water’s surface. Many drivers underestimate the dangers of even shallow floodwater, with attitudes towards water depth varying widely.
The increase in extreme weather events appears to be affecting car insurance. Sales of policies for those who have previously claimed for storm and flood damage have risen by 18% since 2020, and the cost of this coverage has jumped up by 27% in the same period. This suggests that more drivers have been claiming for flood or storm damage over recent years.
In 2023, the median price for these policies was £493, up from £388 in 2020. This is also £24 more than the amount paid by those who haven’t claimed for storm or flood damage.
Tom Banks, car insurance expert at Go.Compare, said: “The potential costs of driving through floodwater go beyond immediate repair bills. Floodwaters as shallow as 10 to 15cm can severely damage a car’s engine and electrical systems. When the water gets deeper, the risks increase significantly – vehicles can lose traction, start floating, or, in extreme cases, be swept away by the current.
“If you’re ever faced with floodwater on the road, the safest option is to turn around and find an alternative route. Driving through water might seem like a shortcut, but the risks far outweigh the benefits. If it’s unavoidable, assess the depth carefully – water should ideally be no deeper than 10cm.
“Keep your speed low and steady to avoid creating waves that could damage your car or surrounding property, and never attempt crossing fast-moving water, as the current could sweep you away.
“Having the right insurance can also provide a safety net for drivers, covering the often steep costs of flood-related damage. But it’s important to remember that not all policies include protection against floods or storms as standard.
“Drivers need to read their policy carefully to make sure they understand what is covered, especially if they’re willing to risk driving through floodwater. If their car is damaged as a result, they might have to cover the costs themselves.
