Car insurance claims pile up after B.C.’s atmospheric river [Video]

An automotive expert is warning about the dangers of driving during floods after ICBC reported it has received more than 300 claims for damaged vehicles following an atmospheric river that hit B.C. last weekend.

The claims, tallied as of Thursday morning, are specifically related to water damage, and were made between Oct. 18 and 24, according to ICBC.

Josh Smythe, a customer care manager and vehicle expert at BCAA, said water can damage a car in multiple ways.

Beyond a couple of inches, there is no amount of water that’s safe to drive through, he said.

Smythe said flood water can lead to engine failure, computer failure and mould, and can cause poor traction.

Engines normally draw in air as part of their mechanical process, but when water reaches the height of the intake point, the engine will start pulling in water instead, which then bends certain parts out of …