Parked at the Dock, Floated Away in Water... Accident Occurred Due to Overlapping High Tide Time

Fortunately, No Casualties Reported
Insurance Processing for the Vehicle Expected to Be Difficult

A vehicle parked at the pier was submerged as the seawater rose during high tide.

According to Pyeongtaek Coast Guard on the 29th, an SUV parked at the pier of Dobido Port, Seokmun-myeon, Dangjin-si, Chungnam, was submerged in seawater around 2:07 PM the previous day.

A vehicle parked at the dock was submerged as the seawater rose during high tide.
[Photo by Online Community]

It was determined that the vehicle was submerged and swept away due to the overlapping high tide. There were no casualties as no one was inside the vehicle at the time.

The Coast Guard connected the submerged vehicle and a tow truck using a rope and pulled the vehicle back to land. Photos and eyewitness accounts from the scene spread on online communities, with some criticizing the owner, saying, "There is a parking lot nearby, so I don't understand why they parked on the pier slope."

Insurance coverage is only available if the vehicle was parked properly when submerged

Meanwhile, in case a vehicle is submerged, insurance coverage is possible under certain conditions. First, to receive compensation for vehicle submersion, it is essential to have comprehensive car insurance (hereafter referred to as "comprehensive insurance"). Specifically, you must have the 'Comprehensive Vehicle Damage Coverage' included in the comprehensive insurance. Sometimes, people only purchase liability insurance to reduce premiums, but in such cases, compensation is not available. Even if you did not subscribe at the time of the insurance contract, you can add it later.

Of course, even if you have insurance, not all damages are covered. Insurance payouts are only available if your vehicle is submerged due to suddenly rising water during normal operation or if a properly parked vehicle is flooded.
[Photo by Online Community]

The insurance coverage takes effect from midnight on the day of subscription. To prevent subscribing after damage occurs, detailed photos of the vehicle are required, so if the vehicle has already been submerged, subscription is not possible.

If you have insurance, you will be compensated for vehicle repair costs (excluding a deductible of 20-30%). Also, if repairs are impossible or the repair cost exceeds the insured value, you will be compensated for the insured value. Some insurers offer a 'Limited Coverage for Flood Damage' rider, so if you live in an area prone to flooding, it is advisable to consider subscribing.

Of course, even if you have insurance, not all damages are covered. Insurance payouts are only available if the vehicle was submerged due to suddenly rising water during normal operation or if the vehicle was properly parked when submerged.

Damage is not covered if water entered the vehicle because doors, windows, or sunroof were left open. Also, no compensation is provided if the vehicle was parked in police-controlled areas, expected flood zones, or no-parking zones and then submerged. Damage is also excluded if the vehicle was driven into an already flooded area and became submerged.