How to Make Sure Your Used Car was Not in a Flood

Many coastal areas most likely see hurricanes at least once a year. With the disaster of Hurricane Katrina in 2005, much of New Orleans, Louisiana was under water. While there were many human victims because of the flooding caused by that storm, cars were also vulnerable. Over a half of million cars were flooded because of that storm. While dealerships were covered by insurance for the flooding damage, some used car dealerships still sold these flooded cars.

Before you shop for a new or used car, you have to understand the risks involved. If you live in an area that has hurricanes, the chances that you buy a vehicle that has been in a flood are highly possible. It is even true if you buy a car that is in an area where hurricanes do not hit.

Once you find the car that you are interested in buying, whether it is new or used, go to http://www.carfax.com. You can check the history of the car and see if it has been in a flood. Do not rely on the title alone, because this will just show flooding if the insurance company states that the vehicle was a total loss.

Even if the car fax shows no information about flooding damage in the car you are looking at, you should take precautionary steps. Just by using your sense of sight, touch and smell, you can tell if the car has seen flood damage. Stick you head in the car and sniff around. See if you can find odors of mold and mildew. Do not sniff the car seat itself; smell in the trunk and the floor. Look at the car seat and check to see if the fabric is discolored. Also, look for signs of mud or a salty residue. Feel around with your hands to find signs of moisture. These would show you that the car had been underwater.

Have a mechanic that does not work at the car dealership check over the car with you.

Finally, ask questions. Ask the dealer if the car has been in a flood, even if you do not find any signs of water damage. Most likely, you can tell if the dealer is lying to you.

By following these tips, you will lessen the likelihood that you will buy a vehicle that has been the victim of a flood.