Pune: As heavy rainfall, flooding, and chronic waterlogging continue to lash the region, insurance companies are reporting a significant surge in motor insurance claims.In flood-prone areas, claim frequency has spiked by 15–20% this monsoon season, Paras Pasricha, head of motor insurance at Policybazaar, said. “Waterlogging, vehicle submergence, falling trees, flying debris, and deteriorating road conditions are the primary drivers behind the higher claim volumes we are seeing,” he said.Local residents are already feeling the impact. Nikhil Sachdev, a resident of Kondhwa, said, “The roads are riddled with potholes. Earlier this week, a small skid caused by the poor road surface damaged my bike, and I’ve had to file an insurance claim for the repairs.”In Pashan, another resident narrowly avoided a massive repair bill. “I parked my car in a lane near my office, and a tree fell on it during a heavy downpour. Fortunately, I have a comprehensive insurance policy that covers the costs,” they said.While two-wheelers are frequently affected by skidding and minor accidents, four-wheelers often face more severe damage. Narayan Rao, head of Motor Claims at Digit General Insurance, said, “During the monsoon, we generally see a higher volume of claims from four-wheelers. This is largely because they are more susceptible to engine damage from waterlogging and total submersion during heavy floods.”Insurers report that the most common damages this season include bent alloy wheels, broken shock absorbers, damaged front forks, and punctured tires. More technical issues, such as water ingress leading to engine failure and damaged electrical systems, are also on the rise.This spike in damage has led to a shift in consumer behaviour. Many vehicle owners are now opting for “engine protection” add-on covers, as standard comprehensive policies typically do not cover engine damage caused by water entry.“Awareness regarding engine protection is increasing, particularly in areas prone to flooding,” said Amarnath Saxena, chief technical officer – commercial, Bajaj General Insurance Limited. “It is increasingly viewed as a practical and essential add-on to comprehensive motor insurance during purchase of policy or renewal.”
