Reckless driving in rain or attempting to cross flooded wadis can get insurance claims rejected

Aside from risking injury or death, attempting to drive through flooded areas can result in a rejected claim from insurance companies as policies vary and can sometimes be ambiguous.

Speaking to Muscat Daily, Abdullah Saeed al Adwani, motor claims manager, Oman United Insurance, said, “We have sent SMSes to our customers requesting them to take necessary precautions while driving during the rain. We have asked them not to cross flooded wadis and ensure adequate protection of their property. “We urge motorists to be vigilant and avoid taking risks. There is a distinction between vehicles damaged by flash floods and those damaged because of reckless driving. Claims could be rejected if motorists were found flouting safety regulations by attempting to cross flooded wadis.”

Adwani said that the company has urged car owners to exercise caution even while parking. “Park vehicles on high ground if possible. Avoid parking under trees or structures which could fall and damage vehicles, and avoid crossing flooded wadis.”

An official from another leading insurance company said, “In case of damage, motorists should contact the police in order to get a report. The company should be notified for claiming insurance. The price of towing the vehicle to the dealer, or insurance company yard is usually covered by the policy. The next step is vehicle inspection, which is part of the insurance survey that will determine whether the claim has been accepted or rejected.

“I would say a majority of motorists are exercising caution during rainy days. In that respect, things are improving as compared to a few years ago. Improved infrastructure has also played a big part in reducing flood-related accidents. One such example is the work done on raising the level of the Amerat-Hamriya highway.”

The official said that the issue with flood damage is “it comes down to interpretation of varying ROP laws and company policies”. “This can, in the worst case scenario, result in a lengthy process or even a rejected claim.”

An official from another insurance company, said, “The ROP accident report is key in identifying whether accidents were caused by recklessness or not. Also, the authorities are doing a good job of warning people about the dangers. So far we haven’t had many claims, but we expect a majority of them to come after the rainy spell.”

Source: MuscatDaily