My car flooded in the rain — what should I do?
If your car flooded or took on water: never try to start it — if water reached the engine, the first start can wreck it. Get out safely, photograph the car and the spot for insurance, and move it on a flatbed — not a tow by the wheels — to the nearest workshop to check the oil and electrics. Open Wire, write "car flooded" in the request, and nearby drivers send offers.
Step by step
Safety first
If the water is rising or flowing around you, leave the car for higher ground immediately. Cars are replaceable; you are not. In an emergency call 911 or Civil Defense on 998.
Don't start the engine
If the car stalled in water or the water rose above the door sills, don't try to start it. Water drawn into the cylinders breaks the engine on the first attempt, turning a small problem into a whole engine.
Photograph everything
Capture the water level on the car, the interior and the location (underpass or street). You will need these for an insurance claim.
Request a flatbed — not a wheel tow
A flooded car should travel on a flatbed with all wheels off the ground so the transmission isn't damaged. Open Wire and write "car flooded" in the request; for a low or luxury car choose a hydraulic flatbed.
Workshop before any restart
The workshop checks the oil (milky means water), the air filter and the electrics, and dries the car before starting it. Starting it first can void your insurance and multiply the damage.
Things to watch
- Never drive into a flooded underpass or dip even if other cars made it — you can't judge depth by eye.
- Tow demand jumps when it rains, so request early rather than waiting for the water to drop.
- If you can do it safely, disconnect the battery to protect the electrics — never touch anything while the car is in water.
- Third-party insurance doesn't cover damage to your own car. Comprehensive cover often includes floods depending on your policy — call them before repairs.
Common questions
Can I start my car after water got in?
Not before a workshop checks it. If water reached the air intake, the first start can break the engine (hydrolock). Move it on a flatbed to a workshop, which checks the oil, filter and electrics before any restart.
Does insurance cover a car flooded by rain?
Third-party insurance doesn't cover damage to your own car. Comprehensive insurance often covers natural disasters such as floods, depending on your policy terms. Photograph the car and location, and contact your insurer before starting any repair.
How much is a flatbed for a flooded car in Riyadh?
Like any tow, it depends on distance and truck type. Inside Riyadh the median completed Wire tow is 140 SAR, and 150 SAR for a hydraulic flatbed. Demand rises in the rain, so compare offers and pick the closest.
What to do if…
Need a tow right now?
Request a tow