Cyclone Michaung: Assistance Provided By Manufacturers

The heavy rainfall due to Cyclone Michaung has led to heavy waterlogging in Chennai and neighbouring areas. Footage has appeared showing vehicles being completely submerged and even floating in the flooded regions. Many manufacturers are offering relief to their customers whose cars have been damaged in the floods caused by Cyclone Michaung. 

Mahindra and Mahindra has organised a special support initiative for owners of its vehicles where it will provide complimentary roadside assistance, free-of-cost inspection and damage assessment and financial relief through special discounts on repairs. Mahindra says these initiatives will be available to all its customers till December 31 and also urges owners to not start their cars to prevent further damage. 

Audi India is also providing complimentary roadside assistance for all its customers in Chennai and says this service will be available 24x7 in the city. Balbir Singh Dhillon, Head of Audi India, said, “In light of the unprecedented challenges faced by the city of Chennai, we are making every possible effort to assist our customers in the city. I am optimistic that our Roadside Assistance service will promptly come to the aid of our customers, ensuring their safety and well-being.” Audi’s roadside assistance will include on-site repairs, fuel and spare key delivery, travel or accommodation services as well as custody, transportation, storage and safekeeping of the vehicle. 

Volkswagen India has also announced its extended service support to its customers affected by the Chennai floods. It said it would also provide complimentary roadside assistance and prioritise stranded customers. Furthermore, Volkswagen also said comprehensive service of vehicles on priority to ensure the timely repair of any flood-related issues in the cars. These services will be provided to customers in the affected region till December 31, 2023. 

While Mercedes-Benz India hasn’t released any details about the service support it is extending to its customers, it informed Acko Drive that its dealers and service centres in the area are working to help the customers in need. This story will be updated as and when Mercedes-Benz provides more information. 

Car owners affected by Cyclone Michaung and its subsequent flooding can contact the below-mentioned roadside assistance numbers from their respective manufacturers. 

• Mahindra & Mahindra - 18002096006 or 7208071495 (WhatsApp)

• Audi India - 18001036800 or 18002096800

• Volkswagen India - 18001021155 or 18004191155

Flood damage is typically covered in the comprehensive motor insurance plan. It is advised that people living in coastal areas should opt for a comprehensive plan as these areas are more prone to flooding. 

Animesh Das, Chief Underwriting Officer at ACKO, said, “It is recommended to opt for add-ons to the comprehensive cover such as Zero Depreciation coverage, Engine Protect add-on, Roadside Assistance (RSA), and consumables.” 

Some add-ons one should consider while getting comprehensive insurance should be engine and gearbox protection cover, roadside assistance cover, return to invoice cover, consumables cover, outstation emergency cover and zero depreciation cover.

Image credits: Asian News International (ANI)