| With the recent hurricanes in the southern United | | | | So how can you protect yourself from buying such a |
| States the number of flood vehicles entering the | | | | car? One of the easiest ways is to obtain a vehicle |
| market has skyrocketed. Many of these vehicles have | | | | history report from a firm like CARFAX which tracks |
| been declared as salvage by insurance companies | | | | flooded vehicles and other types of damage. You can |
| who have paid off the original owner of the car under | | | | also do some detective work yourself on the vehicle if |
| a claim. There are steps you can take to protect | | | | you have doubts. Look inside the engine compartment |
| yourself from buying these salvaged vehicles that | | | | and see if there are any tell-tale water mark signs that |
| have extensive water damage. | | | | might indicate high water levels. Next, check under |
| Many people may not realize they have bought a | | | | carpeting to see if there is mold or any presence of |
| flooded car until they take it to get insured. They then | | | | water staining. Finally, inspect the electrical system |
| find out that their agent can't even issue them an | | | | thoroughly. This is where most water problems show |
| insurance rate quote because of the salvage title on | | | | up first as electricity and water are not exactly the |
| the vehicle. Since used cars are usually sold "as is" | | | | best of friends. |
| there is very little recourse the buyer has at this point | | | | You can protect yourself from purchasing a flooded |
| other than to try and get the vehicle road-worthy and | | | | vehicle by being a diligent consumer. If you suspect a |
| go through a length inspection process with the state | | | | car or truck has been water damaged just walk away |
| motor vehicle bureau that is required for a vehicle with | | | | from the deal. |
| a salvaged title. | | | | |