NEED ADVISE: Vehicle/Engine submerged in flood water [MERGED]

**XTO** · November 4th, 2009 10:02 AM

Originally Posted by number001

Broken driver's side window? That's what I initially thought when I saw the flood damaged vehicles in our village. But I read it in one of the threads somewhere that it *might* be a safety feature. I noticed this on the 1st gen Vios, Civic FD, '07 Kia Sportage, MB B-class,etc..

Originally Posted by lazyfoot

Hindi nabasag yung mga side window noon, most modern cars roll down their windows once it detects water up to the dash level. It's a safety feature to let you escape just in case you fall into deep water.

Well, hope ganun nga nangyari and hindi ninakawan ng mga loko. Because some (rear left/right window) had tapes as it was smashed.

**mrwordplay** · November 4th, 2009 11:12 AM

Originally Posted by lazyfoot

I have a question. One of our cars was totally submerged during ondoy. We initially had it towed to the shop and it was estimated by the shop. Since we have AOG insurance, the insurance company gave the LOA already. Now as work is progressing with it, we're finding out that the damage is worse than initally estimated. I'm planning to declare it a total loss instead. Any idea on how i should approach the insurance company and try to convince them that it is better off to write it off as total loss than continue repairs?

thanks

We also have a similar case here. Our car (2008 Altis G) was already towed in Toyota Marikina last Oct 1, 2009. After 2 weeks the car was already appraised by the insurance company. Initial appraisal was 20k only (this includes, change oil, interior detail etc. etc.), this does not include the ECU, ABS-ECU, the engine and other mechanical and electrical findings.

Yesterday, the insurance company called. They already declared it a "total loss". The damage was really worse since the car was submerged in flood water and mud.

I suggest that you make a follow up on your insurance company. Don't wait for them to call you.

Right now, we're just waiting for the P.O. from our insurance so that we can have the brand new replacement in 2 to 3 weeks time.

**hammerhead2** · November 9th, 2009 08:32 AM

Originally Posted by mrwordplay

We also have a similar case here. Our car (2008 Altis G) was already towed in Toyota Marikina last Oct 1, 2009. After 2 weeks the car was already appraised by the insurance company. Initial appraisal was 20k only (this includes, change oil, interior detail etc. etc.), this does not include the ECU, ABS-ECU, the engine and other mechanical and electrical findings.

Yesterday, the insurance company called. They already declared it a "total loss". The damage was really worse since the car was submerged in flood water and mud.

I suggest that you make a follow up on your insurance company. Don't wait for them to call you.

Right now, we're just waiting for the P.O. from our insurance so that we can have the brand new replacement in 2 to 3 weeks time.

the replacement will be brand new? what is your insurance? Pahirapan kasi sa iba.

**garci** · November 10th, 2009 11:22 AM

Regarding our Nissan Urvan Ecu. May nahanap na ako na brand new box. Kailangan ko pa ba itong ipa-reprogram? Sabi kasi ng casa dapat pa daw? Akala ko isasalpak na lang. Meron bang pwedeng gumawa nito sa labas?

**mqavila** · November 10th, 2009 11:46 AM

My Carens was also flooded but the water level didnt go up that high (probably around a third up the door frame - enough for the water to seep into the cabin). The car wouldnt start anymore so I had it towed to the casa.

My insurance thankfully has Acts of God. Kaso, ang tagal magbigay ng LOA yung insurance. I'm assuming this is because Kia quoted a whopping P560K as its repair estimate (recommending the replacement of a bunch of parts). Anyhow, our insurance manager (I got the car through my company's car plan) already told the insurance company to advise us asap if it will issue a LOA for the repairs or if it will declare the car as a total loss in view of the huge repair estimate.

My problem is this: since I got the car through a company car plan, I got a good discount on the car. And, we had it insured for my acquisition cost. Since then, however, the SRP of the Carens has risen considerably. So, even if the insurance company does declare a total loss and I get the face value of my policy, the proceeds won't be nearly enough to be able to buy me a new Carens...

**di3g0** · November 10th, 2009 12:05 PM

Hi,

Would like to ask the forum if somebody here is claimant of Paramount Insurance.

My 13 month old Altis1.6V was totally submerge with AOG coverage from Paramount. The car is at Toyota Pasong Tamo with initial assessment of 1.374Million in parts replacement and labor. I knew the assessment was incorrect (based on water level sila mag-assess at that time), and of course the insurance dis-approved the claim.

Now, we have a new assessment (at the request of the insurance) totalling 530K minimum (as there are other parts that are not yet verified working), so tataas pa daw ito sabi ng Toyota. We are hoping the ma-reach namin ang 75% ng insured value para makapag-insist kami na madeclare na total loss.

Right now, binaklas lahat ng electric/electronic parts at kukunin ng insurance para i-test daw. Ang tanong ko, is this really an SOP ng insurance? Hindi ba sila naniniwala sa Toyota na sira na itong mga parts at kelangan mapalitan? When infact, in-house insurance sila na Toyota Pasong Tamo (and one of the reason why got them instead of my previous Chinabank insurance). -- OR they are doing this as a delaying tactic hanggang sa mainis ang owner and would settle for less???

It's been 5 weeks and still no clear direction on what will happen to the car's repair. It's been frustrating talking to Paramount as they are insisting that they DO NOT declare 'Total Loss' but instead they want to repair the car to its previous condition.

If anyone of you out there in the same plight as we are, kindly reply and we can exchange notes, feedbacks or even just talked about our experience with Paramount Insurance, of which i will never, never renew my contract next year, and would never recommend to anyone.

Thanks a lot for this space to share my frustration.

Diego

**lazyfoot** · November 10th, 2009 03:48 PM

Not sure but i think Insurance companies are required to settle within 30 days from the day of filing of claim.

Related
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakin...nce-complaints

http://www.insurance.gov.ph/

**di3g0** · November 11th, 2009 12:24 PM

*LazyFoot,

Thank you for the links. It's reassuring to know that there is a Commission we can go to if our claim will be further delayed unreasonably.

**di3g0** · November 11th, 2009 12:31 PM

*LazyFoot,

Thank you for the links. It's reassuring to know that there is a Commission we can go to if our claim will be further delayed unreasonably.

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Sorry double post - my internet sucks!

*Admin, kindly delete... TY.

**ehnriko** · November 11th, 2009 07:29 PM

Aside from MEGA Squirt ECU alternative- for flooded cars -

You may also want to consider putting an Electronic Rust Control Device.

I have these attached to my cars for some 20 years already.... seems to work fine.

The reason is - Capacitive Coupling _google it.

It prevents oxidation of metal which is the main cause of rusting - by making it behave like a cathode. This allows electrons to pass from the cars body sheet metal to an electrode which is insulated to the cars body.

Since there is enough moisture in your car already - this will help the travel of electrons faster or better since the body is more conductive.

Hopefully it can help for those who wish their cares to serve them longer.