[Flooded Car Bomb] "Get Free Repairs for Cars Damaged by Heavy Rain"

Severe Heavy Rain Concentrated in Seoul and the Metropolitan Area Causes Flooded Car Damage
Automotive Industry Actively Joins with Free Support

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo Hyun-seok] As nearly 10,000 vehicles were flooded due to the recent heavy rains that struck Seoul and the metropolitan area, the automotive industry has swiftly responded with compensation measures. Various support programs have been introduced, including free inspections, repair cost discounts, and a one-year free re-inspection service.

According to the property and casualty insurance industry and the automotive industry on the 13th, from the 8th to 10 a.m. on the 12th, a total of 9,986 flooded vehicles were reported to 12 property and casualty insurance companies due to localized heavy rains. The estimated damage amount is 142.21 billion KRW.

With the rapid increase in flooded vehicles, the automotive industry has launched special support services. Hyundai Motor Group is implementing a ‘Special Support Service for Flood-Damaged Vehicles’ until the end of this year. When flood-damaged vehicles are brought in, repair costs are discounted by up to 50%, and after repairs are completed, car wash services are provided free of charge. Additionally, if affected customers bring in their damaged vehicles for repair and rent a car, 50% of the rental car cost will be supported for up to 10 days.

Other automakers such as SsangYong Motor, Korea GM, and Renault Korea Motors have also rolled up their sleeves. SsangYong Motor operates flood-damaged vehicle service teams by region within its nationwide service network until October 31, providing special maintenance services. Vehicles without comprehensive insurance receive a 40% discount on total repair costs. Furthermore, owners of flood-damaged vehicles who purchase a replacement vehicle from SsangYong Motor are offered a 200,000 KRW discount on all models except the SUV Torres.

Renault Korea is similarly conducting a special after-sales service support campaign for customers affected by the recent heavy rains at its direct and partner service centers until next month. Customers whose vehicles were flooded or damaged can receive full coverage of their deductible when repairs are covered by insurance. For paid repairs, depending on the vehicle’s year of manufacture, customers can receive up to a 20% discount on labor costs and up to a 25% discount on parts prices. Additionally, flood victims or their spouses who purchase an SM6 vehicle by the end of this month will receive a special discount of 200,000 KRW.

Korea GM is providing support for Chevrolet vehicles, targeting customers without comprehensive insurance. When flood-damaged vehicles are brought into Chevrolet service networks, repair costs are discounted by up to 50%. Emergency dispatch, free vehicle inspections, and consumable replacement services are also provided through on-site services in flood-affected areas. Moreover, customers purchasing new vehicles due to flooding or damage will receive a cash support of 500,000 KRW.

Imported car manufacturers have also joined the support efforts. Mercedes-Benz offers free inspection services as a basic provision. Additionally, it provides deductible support for insurance repairs, rental cars during repair periods, and free pick-up and delivery services. A one-year free re-inspection service is also included. BMW conducts free inspections of flooded areas only for vehicles damaged by flooding and supports repair costs or deductibles exceeding insurance coverage. To minimize inconvenience during repairs, BMW also offers replacement vehicle services.

Stellantis Korea provides free towing and basic inspection services for vehicles that are inoperable due to flood damage or flood-related traffic accidents. By applying through the Stellantis call center, 24-hour vehicle rescue and transport support is provided to the nearest official service center. Basic inspection services for flood damage accident items will also be offered.

Honda Korea supports flood-damaged vehicles since the 1st of this month by covering a deductible of 500,000 KRW for insurance repairs or providing an additional 500,000 KRW on top of existing repurchase benefits, totaling 1,000,000 KRW for repurchases. Volvo Cars offers up to a 30% discount on labor and parts costs, up to 3 million KRW, for paid repairs due to flooding.