When heavy rain hits, city streets can turn into rivers in hours, and Gurugram’s downpour on September 1, 2025, was a perfect example. Over 100 mm of rain fell in just a few hours, leaving roads like NH-48, Rajiv Chowk, and IFFCO Chowk waterlogged and chaotic. Videos of stranded cars, including EVs stuck in knee-deep water, flooded social media. For electric vehicle (EV) owners, these moments aren’t just inconvenient—they’re a financial risk. Without the right insurance, you could be stuck with a massive repair bill. That’s why the EV battery protection add-on is a must-have, and here’s why it matters.
Here’s a crucial detail many EV owners miss: standard car insurance, specifically the own damage (OD) section, covers battery damage only in accidental cases and natural disasters if mentioned. If the government declares an incident a flood, you’re covered. But if it’s classified as waterlogging—like the chaos in Gurugram—insurance companies often reject claims for battery damage. That’s right, even if your EV is submerged in water, without an official “flood” label, you might be left paying out of pocket. And EV battery repairs aren’t cheap.
Take the case of a BYD Seal owner, a news which did rounds on multiple media platforms, faced a jaw-dropping ₹18 lakh bill to replace their EV’s battery after waterlogging damage. The incident wasn’t linked to Gurugram’s rainfall, but it highlights the kind of costs you could face without proper coverage. Standard insurance didn’t help because it wasn’t an officially declared flood. That’s a hard lesson in why you can’t rely on basic policies alone.
The EV battery protection add-on is designed to close this gap. It covers battery damage from water ingress, whether it’s a government-declared flood or just heavy waterlogging like we saw in Gurugram. This add-on could have saved countless EV owners during the September 1 deluge, when roads turned into lakes and vehicles were at risk. It ensures you’re not stuck with a repair bill that could rival the cost of a new car.
EV batteries are the heart of your vehicle, often making up 30-50% of its total cost. Water damage, short circuits, or even minor electrical faults can lead to expensive repairs or replacements. The add-on gives you peace of mind, knowing your battery is protected no matter what the weather throws at you.
Not all battery protection add-ons are the same, so it pays to be thorough. Look for a policy that explicitly covers waterlogging, short circuits, and other EV-specific risks. Read the fine print—some insurers might cap payouts or limit coverage to certain conditions. Ask your provider direct questions: Does this cover waterlogging damage? What about partial battery issues? A solid add-on should feel like a safety net, not a guessing game. I had mentioned this another article which you can read here. I also made a YouTube video regarding the policy wordings of different insures which you can watch here.
Bundling the add-on with your comprehensive insurance plan is often the smartest move. It’s usually more affordable than a standalone policy and ensures your entire vehicle, battery included, is protected. I added this to my own EV policy last year, and it’s been a relief knowing I’m covered during unpredictable monsoons.
Owning an electric vehicle is a smart choice for the environment and your wallet, but it comes with unique risks, especially in a city like Gurugram. The heavy rainfall showed how quickly waterlogging can turn a routine drive into a costly disaster. Standard insurance might cover you in a rare, officially declared flood, but for everyday waterlogging? You’re on your own without the right add-on. The BYD Seal owner’s ₹18 lakh lesson is a reminder of what’s at stake.
Don’t wait for the next monsoon to hit. The EV battery protection add-on is a small investment for major peace of mind. It’s like carrying an umbrella in your car—you hope you won’t need it, but you’ll be glad it’s there when the skies open up.
Protect Your EV Today
Before the next rainstorm strikes, talk to your insurer about adding an EV battery protection add-on. It’s a simple step that could save you from a financial headache. Drive confidently, no matter the weather.
Article Image courtesy Times of India X handle.
Suhail Gulati
Suhail Gulati is the founder of ElecTree and an economist by training, with a passion for electric vehicles that goes far beyond numbers and analysis. A former banker turned EV enthusiast, Suhail writes to share the latest insights, trends, and future possibilities in the world of electric mobility. Through ElecTree, he hopes to connect with fellow enthusiasts and anyone curious about the shift toward sustainable transportation. Outside of his work in the EV space, Suhail has a deep love for music, good food, and the thrill of a football match. Whether he’s analyzing market trends or discovering the newest electric innovations, he’s always excited to bring readers along for the journey.