Is a hydrolocked engine covered by car insurance?

A hydrolocked (also called hydrostatic lock) engine occurs when water gets in your engine, specifically the combustion chamber, and causes it to seize. If this happens to your vehicle, it won’t run, and the cost of repairs can be quite expensive. At this point, you’ll need to figure out how to fix a hydrolocked engine and whether your insurance will provide you with any help for that.

So is a hydrolocked engine covered by car insurance? Is car water damage covered by insurance? Does Geico cover hydrolock?

Hydrolocked engine repair costs can be high, but whether or not those costs will be covered by insurance depends on what kind of coverage you have. It’s important to understand the different types of car insurance coverage to make sure you’re protected. Read this article to find out everything you need to know about coverage for a hydrolocked engine.

Start shopping for affordable car insurance for a hydrolocked engine by using your ZIP code in our tool to get a free quote right now.

Is a hydrolocked engine covered by car insurance?

Car insurance may or may not cover a hydrolocked engine, depending on how the damage occurred. To be protected, you’ll need more than just liability or collision coverage, because these don’t cover water damage to your engine; you’ll need car insurance for a hydrolocked engine.

Specifically, you’ll need comprehensive insurance coverage, which provides financial protection when your vehicle is damaged by something other than a collision (this can include weather and fire damage, vandalism, and even theft).

If the damage occurred due to poor vehicle maintenance or irresponsible driving (i.e., intentionally driving through deep puddles, etc.), your insurance won’t cover the cost of damages.

Keep reading about average car insurance rates for a hydrolocked engine, how to save, and more.

How much does car insurance coverage for a hydrolocked engine cost?

The average rate for comprehensive coverage is $12 per month, or $148 per year, according to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, but you’ll need more than just comprehensive. Take a look at this table to see average rates for various core coverage options.

Average National Car Insurance Rates: Comprehensive, Collision, and Liability

Keep in mind these rates are an average, and what you pay may vary based on several factors, including where you live, your age, driving record, and more.

You can save on your insurance coverage by asking about discounts and comparing car insurance quotes for a hydrolocked engine from multiple companies.

When and how should you file a hydrolocked engine insurance claim?

If you find yourself with a hydrolocked engine, you’ll need to call your insurance company (or follow your insurer’s preferred method for claim filing) to file a hydrolocked engine insurance claim. You might wonder, “is hydrolock covered by insurance?” or “will insurance cover a hydrolocked engine?” or even “does car insurance cover hydrolock?”

The insurance company will be looking for clues as to how the hydrolock occurred, and what they find will determine whether your hydrolocked engine insurance claim will be accepted (recall the difference between acceptable damage and damage that results from negligence or abuse/misuse of your vehicle).

The company will also consider how long you’ve carried comprehensive coverage. If your insurer can prove that you bought a comprehensive policy after the damage occurred, your claim will be denied (and you might even be accused of fraud).

So how much does a hydrolocked engine repair cost? If you choose not to use your insurance coverage (or your policy doesn’t cover your situation), you’ll have to pay out of pocket, and repair costs for a hydrolocked engine can average between $3,000 and $8,000.

How do you know if your engine is hydrolocked?

When attempting to start the engine, there will be a loud thump. A sudden stalling of the engine, sputtering unremarkable, engine failure. Engine failure causes the vehicle to stall. 

Does hydrolock happen immediately?

Why is this important? Depending on the exact situation, hydrolocks can occur in engine types running both on the run-flat but also on rest-flat. If a hydrolock occurs suddenly, it can cause the engine to stall, particularly in diesel engines, where various internal components are at risk. 

Understanding Hydrolocked Engines and Insurance Coverage

Experiencing a hydrolocked engine can be a significant concern for any vehicle owner. When an engine is hydrolocked, it means water has entered the engine cylinders, preventing the pistons from functioning properly. This can happen when driving through deep water, making hydrolock car incidents common during floods. Hydrolocked engine symptoms include a sudden engine stall, unusual noises, and the inability to restart the engine. It’s crucial to recognize these signs of a hydrolocked engine early to prevent further damage. If you suspect water in engine or water inside the engine oil, it’s essential to have your vehicle inspected by a professional immediately.

Insurance and Repair Costs for Flood-Damaged Vehicles

Driving through flooded areas can lead to severe engine damage, but insurance may cover driving through flood water if you have comprehensive coverage. This type of insurance often includes protection for flood loss vehicle scenarios, where the vehicle is considered a total loss due to extensive water damage. If your car is damaged, you may need to file a flooded car insurance claim to receive compensation. The engine locked up repair cost can be substantial, often ranging from $3,000 to $8,000, depending on the extent of the damage. If your vehicle is damaged by rising water, your flooded car insurance can help cover the costs of repairs or even replacement, depending on the extent of the damage.

However, a seized engine covered by insurance could alleviate some of these expenses. In cases of water damage in a diesel engine, the repairs can be even more complex and costly. If the damage is too extensive, your car may be declared total loss due to the water damage and can be considered a write off, and your insurance should provide a payout based on the vehicle’s value before the incident.

Is a hydrolocked engine covered by car insurance?: The Bottom Line

Depending on when and how the damage occurred, a hydrolocked engine may or may not be covered by your comprehensive insurance policy.

Most insurance companies will accept your claim if the damage is weather-related, but if it results from poor maintenance, foolish driving, or misuse, your claim will be denied.

You should always comparison shop before deciding on the best car insurance company for a hydrolocked engine to meet your needs.

You can reduce your chances of experiencing a hydrolocked engine by listening to and adhering to all storm and severe weather warnings and evacuations, not purchasing a vehicle that has been in a flood, and avoiding puddles, particularly if you can’t determine the depth.

Are you ready to buy car insurance for a hydrolocked engine? If so, enter your ZIP code in our rate comparison tool to get your first free quote and start shopping today.