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Johannesburg - Engines damaged after driving through pools of water on the road during the rainy season might not be covered by certain insurance policies, the ombudsman for short-term insurance said on Wednesday.
"Driving through pools of standing water which may span across the road could lead to the potential exclusion of damage to an engine, if water is ingested into the engine," a statement from ombud Brian Martin said.
He said motorists often move through the pools, particularly if they see other vehicles doing so.
"Consequently, if your engine is damaged through water getting into the engine without other damage to the vehicle, your insurer may decline liability for any claim for damage to the engine itself.
"This could leave you facing a very hefty bill", said Martin.
Owners of bakkies and sports utility vehicles may not have the problem, but many modern cars have air intake systems low in the engine bay and are at risk of having water sucked in to them.
Martin advises motorists to check their insurance policies to check if they are covered for such damage and to avoid driving through pools on the road where possible, or to be careful when doing so.
"Driving through pools of standing water which may span across the road could lead to the potential exclusion of damage to an engine, if water is ingested into the engine," a statement from ombud Brian Martin said.
He said motorists often move through the pools, particularly if they see other vehicles doing so.
"Consequently, if your engine is damaged through water getting into the engine without other damage to the vehicle, your insurer may decline liability for any claim for damage to the engine itself.
"This could leave you facing a very hefty bill", said Martin.
Owners of bakkies and sports utility vehicles may not have the problem, but many modern cars have air intake systems low in the engine bay and are at risk of having water sucked in to them.
Martin advises motorists to check their insurance policies to check if they are covered for such damage and to avoid driving through pools on the road where possible, or to be careful when doing so.
