How to Avoid Buying a Flood-Damaged Vehicle
Scammers push waterlogged cars onto the market. Here’s how to protect yourself and your wallet
Hurricanes and heavy rains have caused flooding throughout the US this year. While clean up can take months or sometimes years, unscrupulous scammers are busy shipping flood-damaged vehicles to your neighborhood.
A “flood vehicle” is one that has been completely or partially submerged in water to the extent that its body, engine, transmission or other mechanical component parts have been damaged, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB).
“Flood-damaged vehicles are typically given a salvage or flood title (depending on the state) and recycled for parts or crushed for scrap, but some end up on the used car market—and could end up in your driveway,” says Morgan Dean, AAA spokesperson.
“The seller may have made some repairs to get the vehicle running and looking nice, but there could be hidden problems that will eventually catch up with the new buyer.”
Use these tips to check for signs of flood damage before buying a used car:
- Smell for mold or mildew.
- Check the upholstery, door panels, seatbelts, trunk and under the carpets for dirt, water stains, mud, rusted screws and components, new or mismatched fabric/carpeting or other signs of water damage.
- Test electrical components, including window and seat controllers, turn signals, radio and A/C.
- Look for rust inside the hood and around doors, hinges and screws.
- Check for fog or moisture inside headlights, taillights and turn-signal lights.
- Have a qualified mechanic do a thorough inspection.
It’s best to start your search for a used car with a reputable car dealer. Then go a step further by locating the vehicle’s records with NICB’s VINCheck or purchase a CARFAX report for the vehicle.
If your own vehicle winds up in a flood, contact your insurance company (provided you have comprehensive coverage) for guidance on how to proceed. Don’t try to start the vehicle—if the engine compartment was underwater, it will have taken in water that will damage the engine even more.
Have a qualified mechanic inspect all readily accessible mechanical and electrical components as well as systems that contain fluids for water contamination. The mechanic should drain floodwater from contaminated components and systems, flush with clean water or an appropriate solvent, and refill with new clean fluids of the proper type. Then they should inspect, clean, and dry electrical system components and connections.