Water damage from 1999's Hurricane Floyd ruined approximately 75,000 vehicles and more than half of those ended up back on the road. Tropical Storm Allison damaged another 95,000 in 2001 and Hurricane Ivan left more than 100,000 vehicles water-logged. The numbers for Hurricane Katrina
are expected to skyrocket above a quarter-million and safety experts warn that many of these flood damaged vehicles also will be dried out and offered for sale. Hurricanes and tropical storms, however, are only part of the problem.
Flooding can occur throughout the year and in any part of the country; however, auto industry analysts caution consumers that the risk of buying a water-damaged car is not limited to these flood-ravaged areas. Damaged cars are often repaired cosmetically, and moved to adjacent states or even
across the country where they are sold to unsuspecting consumers. These floodwaters can cause damage to vehicle computer and electrical systems, as well as potentially causing anti-lock braking and airbag systems to malfunction.
To help you avoid cars with water damage, CARFAX offers these tips:
-
Check - Check the trunk, glove compartment, the dashboard and below the seats for signs of water damage such as silt, mud or rust.
- Examine - Examine upholstery and carpeting closely; if it doesn't match the interior or fits loosely, it may have been replaced. Discolored, faded or stained materials could indicate water damage.
- Turn-on - Turn the ignition key and make sure that accessory and warning lights and gauges come on and work properly. Make sure the airbag and ABS lights come on.
- Test - Test lights (interior and exterior), windshield wipers, turn signals, cigarette lighter, radio, heater and air conditioner several times to make sure they work.
- Flex - Flex some of the wires beneath the dashboard. Wet wires will become brittle upon drying and may crack.
- Smell - Take a deep breath and smell for musty odors from mildew.
- Visit - Go to a trusted mechanic for a pre-purchase inspection. Always get vehicles checked BEFORE handing over any money.
- Ask - Ask to see a detailed vehicle history report. CARFAX Vehicle History Reports can reveal many hidden problems from a vehicle's past, including flood titles and will indicate if a
vehicle has been titled/registered in at-risk areas during flood and hurricane seasons. If the seller does not offer a report, use the 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) available on the dashboard to check the car's history at carfax.com.
Facts: Flood Damage from Hurricanes and Tropical Storms
- Hurricane Floyd (1999) damaged 75,000 vehicles and more than half were put back out on the road.
- Tropical Storm Allison (2001) - More than 95,000 vehicles flooded by the most extensive tropical storm in U.S. history.
- Hurricane Ivan (2004) - Left more than 100,000 cars submerged in floodwaters throughout the Southeast.
Title Brand/Designations by State
Most states treat flood vehicle events with either a Flood or Salvage brand or a combination of the both.
| Flood Title Brand |
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Iowa
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Minnesota
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- North Carolina
|
- Ohio
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Virginia
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
|
| Salvage Title Brand on Flood Damaged Vehicles (Will not necessarily be marked as "flood damaged") |
- Arkansas
- Colorado
- Maryland
- Mississippi
- Montana
- New Mexico
- Utah
|
| Salvage Certificate with Flood Brand |
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Massachusetts
|
Considering purchasing a used car? Protect yourself from buying a flood damaged vehicle by doing a little research and by having the vehicle thoroughly checked by a mechanic. Rain, thunderstorms, swelling rivers and seasonal hurricanes
hitting the coastlines all contribute to flooding disasters that can mean serious water damage to vehicles in those areas. 
