Author
Bowtie Team
Updated on
2025-07-21
Disclaimer: This article is translated with the assistance of AI.
During black rain or severe storms, flooding can hit parts of Hong Kong hard. Whether your car is parked on the street or in a lot, it could end up totaled in the worst scenarios. But if you’ve got car insurance, will it cover the damages and provide compensation?
Typhoon Damage: Does Car Insurance Cover Flooded or Tree-Damaged Cars?
Comprehensive Car Insurance Covers Black Rainstorms
Comprehensive car insurance is a voluntary purchase for vehicle owners, and it generally covers car damage caused by natural disasters , such as black rainstorm warnings or typhoon signal No. 8, whether the vehicle is parked in a covered or open-air car park, or on the roadside.
Insurance companies will determine the compensation amount based on the extent of the car damage , for example, based on repair costs or the depreciated market value of the vehicle. However, policyholders usually need to pay an excess. Factors considered for depreciation typically include the car’s age, condition, and mileage.
That said, only 37% of car owners in Hong Kong currently have comprehensive car insurance.
Most comprehensive policies stipulate that owners must “ take all reasonable steps to prevent loss or damage to the insured vehicle ” to qualify for compensation. So, if you knowingly drive on flooded roads, it could affect your claim—unless you can prove it was necessary and reasonable, like rushing an emergency patient to the hospital.
Third-Party Car Insurance Won’t Cover Your Own Car Damage
Under Hong Kong law, road users must purchase third-party liability insurance. However, third-party liability insurance does not cover damage to your own vehicle or property , so you can’t claim from the insurer.
That said, if you can prove negligence by others—such as a car park management company failing to notify you to move your car—you might pursue a civil claim to recover your losses.
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