Beware of Flood Damaged Cars
Katrina. Rita. It might seem like a long time ago, but these are names to keep in mind if you’re in the market for a used vehicle. Water-damaged vehicles from such storms are often salvaged, cleaned up and passed off as good buys. Unsuspecting buyers usually aren’t informed about a vehicle’s waterlogged history But these vehicles never run the same again after water has permeated their parts.
Before you purchase a pre-owned vehicle, be sure to:
- Go to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) Web site at www.nicb.org, which lists water-damaged vehicles from recent storms, and check the vehicle identification number (VIN). Farmers is working with the NICB to create this database and help reduce the chances that customers like you will fall victim to fraud.
- Examine the vehicle’s interior and trunk for signs of water residue and be alert for musty odors from mildew. Look under the floorboard carpet for residue, stain marks or rusting. Recently shampooed carpeting or carpeting that doesn’t match the interior could be a red flag.
- Check the engine compartment and look for mud or grit in alternator crevices, fuses and behind wiring harnesses. Inspect the wiring system for rusted components or suspicious corrosion. Flex the wires under the dashboard wet wires turn brittle when they dry and may crack.
Contact me if you’re in the market for a vehicle. I can help with more than just providing insurance coverage.
