Purchasing a car is a milestone in any driver’s life. Whether it’s your first or an upgrade, a new car is exciting. With interest rates going down, many are considering purchasing a new car, either new or used. However, the amount of natural disasters this past year and rampant vehicle theft have made buying a used vehicle far more complicated. Flood-damaged cars have become increasingly more common among unsuspected buyers, and according to Carfax, the hurricane season in the United States has damaged roughly 347,000 vehicles. Thousands of these could, or already have, made their way to Canada. But how are these cars getting here? How can you tell if the vehicle you’re interested in buying has flood damage? Let’s take a look at the facts.
Flood-damaged cars: Where are they coming from?
Due to recent natural disasters, the problem of secretly selling flood-damaged vehicles is more significant than ever. This past October, Hurricane Milton damaged 120,000 vehicles in Florida. Before that, Hurricane Helene affected 138,000 vehicles across several states. During the summer months, an extra 89,000 vehicles were destroyed by smaller storms. So, where do these cars go? The issue is that many of them become overhauled and redistributed across North America, specifically Canada.
Buying a used car is never as simple as it seems. In many cases, sellers are transparent about the car’s history. However, a few bad apples may attempt to hide the history of the car’s claims. It is easy for these shadier characters to get away with this since, in general, vehicles with flood damage can be hard to spot. With this being said, it is becoming a serious issue.
Always obtain documentation
Unfortunately, there isn’t a strict requirement for figuring out a vehicle’s claims history. This is why it is so essential to obtain documentation. The process in Ontario usually involves a UVIP, a Used Vehicle Information Package. This can be done by getting a safety inspection when purchasing your vehicle. In addition, checking the vehicle’s Carfax report is highly recommended. These reports will provide accident details, mileage verification, or recall checks for a car.
How to avoid purchasing a flood-damaged vehicle
Fortunately, there is a lot that can be done to avoid purchasing a flood-damaged vehicle. It is important to do this before purchasing the vehicle since very little can be done once it has been purchased. Let’s take a look at a few tips on how to avoid purchasing a flood-damaged car.
1. View the car’s claims history
One of the most critical steps you should take before purchasing a new vehicle is checking the vehicle identification number (VIN) with multiple sources. You must also ask the seller for a comprehensive vehicle report history.
2. Physical inspections
There are many red flags when it comes to flood-damaged vehicles; some examples include:
- Damp or musty carpets
- New or mismatched upholstery
- Rusty door frames or rust in areas inside the car, including dashboard, seat rails, or pedals
- Mud under compartments and seats, glovebox, or around the engine
- Foggy headlamps or taillights
Sometimes, these red flags can be easily missed. So, having a trusted car mechanic thoroughly inspect the vehicle is recommended. You should also request a professional to check the signs of VIN tampering. You must take the time to carefully examine all ownership documents of the car and the seller’s identity and address. The VINs and insurance claims history should be the first things you look at before purchasing a vehicle. A good rule of thumb is that if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.
The dangers of car flood damage
What exactly is so dangerous about purchasing and driving a flood-damaged vehicle? Issues such as engine failure and electrical problems from water damage pose a considerable threat. On top of this, health risks, like mold and bacteria in hidden spaces, can pose a massive threat in the long term. Rust and corrosion also pose a considerable danger. From an insurance perspective, it is essential to note that a claim made to repair a pre-existing issue will likely not be taken in by an insurer if you haven’t done your due diligence before the sale.
Car Flood Damage: Conclusion
With the increased frequency of natural disasters and car theft on the rise, buyers will have to do their due diligence before making any commitments to a used vehicle. Though ensuring your vehicle is safe may seem tedious, it is far less of a hassle than repairing a damaged vehicle out of pocket. It is crucial always to use your instincts! Remember, if you are in the market for a new insurance provider for a new vehicle, be sure to check out isure. Contact us or request a quote today.
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