What is Hydrostatic Lock?

Hydrostatic lock, also known as hydrolock, happens when water enters your car's engine, causing it to seize. This usually occurs during heavy rains or floods when you drive through deep water. Water doesn't compress like air, so when it gets into the engine's cylinders, it stops the engine from working and can cause severe damage.

What are the Consequences?

When hydrostatic lock occurs, your car's engine can suffer serious damage. The connecting rods might bend or break, and the engine block can crack. This leads to costly repairs or even the need for a complete engine replacement.

Is it Covered Under Insurance?

Unfortunately, hydrostatic lock is not covered under your standard car insurance policy. Even if you have a zero depreciation cover, this specific issue is not included. So, if your engine gets damaged due to water ingress, you will have to pay for the repairs out of your pocket.

Real-Life Examples

• Kerala Floods in 2018: During the devastating floods in Kerala, many vehicles were submerged in water, leading to widespread cases of hydrostatic lock. The repair costs for many car owners were astronomical.

• Chennai Floods in 2023: Heavy rains in Chennai in 2023 caused severe flooding, with numerous cars getting damaged due to water ingress into engines, resulting in hydrolock.

• Noida Floods Due to Hindon River Rise: The rise of the Hindon River in Noida led to flooding, and several cars faced engine damage due to hydrostatic lock as water entered their engines.

What Should You Do?

To protect yourself from these unexpected expenses, you should opt for an add-on cover called Engine and Gearbox Protection. This cover specifically insures you against hydrostatic lock expenses. By adding this to your car insurance policy, you can avoid hefty repair bills if your engine gets damaged due to water ingress.

Benefits of Add-On Covers

Along with the Engine and Gearbox Protection cover, there are other add-on covers you can consider to further reduce out-of-pocket expenses:

1. Engine Protector Cover: Covers damages to the engine and parts like pistons and connecting rods due to water ingress.

2. Zero Depreciation Cover: Ensures you get the full claim amount without considering the depreciation on parts, thus reducing your expenses on replacements.

3. Consumable Cover: Covers the cost of consumables like engine oil, nuts, bolts, and other items that are typically not covered under standard insurance.

Hydrostatic lock can be an unexpected and costly event, but with the right add-on covers like the Engine and Gearbox Protection, you can protect yourself from high repair costs. Opting for these add-ons along with a car insurance policy ensures that you are well-covered and reduces your out-of-pocket expenses significantly.