Those lucky enough to have not been directly affected by the recent flooding in Greater Jakarta and Lebak regency in Banten might not be able to grasp the severity of it all.

However, videos showing dozens of cars drifting in floodwater in Bekasi and people stuck on rooftops waiting for help proves just how serious the events were.

As flooding subsided, people started to collect their belongings, including cars. Some reported them missing, while others found them far from their neighborhood. Despite the heavy damage and poor exterior condition of their cars, car owners flocked to repair shops.

Sapta Klinik Mobil car repair shop in Jatiasih, South Bekasi, was among repair shops with clientele lining up after the flooding.

“Nine mechanics and one chief mechanic are repairing 21 cars, many of which have been waiting to be fixed since Jan. 3. Under these conditions, it takes at least two days to carry out repairs, depending on the gravity of the damage,” the shop’s employee, Ertha, said recently.

However with such high demand and the condition of the cars, repairs could take longer, Ertha said.

A luxury car belonging to Idjan, 46, underwent engine repairs, costing the owner Rp 35 million (US$2510.98).

In addition to the engine, he said the suspension and tires were also badly damaged, which also affected the car’s body and further increased the repair cost.

Idjal said he did not have car insurance and did not plan on purchasing insurance in the future.

“There are not many insurance-backed repair shops [in Jatiasih] and repairs could take months with insurance,” Idjal said.

Idjal is not alone, as many other flood victims said they did not own insurance. As they did not expect such a massive flood to hit, they did not think it was necessary to purchase car insurance.

Meanwhile Sirwan, 39, who has car insurance, said his insurance company rejected his claim because damage by floods was not covered by his policy.

In response to the issue, Indonesian General Insurance Association (AAUI) executive director Dody Achmad Sudiyar Dalmunthe said car owners should be more thorough when reading the terms and conditions of their insurance policies.

The standard insurance policy does not include coverage for flooding, he said.

Furthermore, he advised people whose cars were affected by flooding to not operate them.

“Many times, people think they can still drive through floodwaters. When they do, water and mud could damage the engine piston and cause more damage to the engine, which many insurance policies do not cover,” Dody said. (hpw)