5 Ways to Keep from Buying a Flooded Car
May 9, 2007 by Karen Weideman
Filed under automotive, shopping
Beware of con artists selling flooded cars from Texas, Alabama, Mississippi and other states affected by hurricanes. Several auto insurers are refusing to crush the cars because they don’t want to lose money. Experts estimate that as many as half a million cars submerged in the waters around New Orleans during Hurrican Katrina were declared totaled by insurance companies and then sold at auctions.
To avoid being a victim you can:
1. Have the car checked out by a mechanic.
2. Sniff around the car to see if there is a musty or damp odor.
3. Get a carfax report. All you need is the vehicle identification number (VIN).
4. Inspect the trunk, glove compartment, dashboard for sand, mud, or other signs of water damage. Inspect flooring, seats, and other upholstery for water damage or discoloration.
5. Check windshield wipers, lights, turn signals, heat and air conditioning, and radio to make sure everything is working properly.
Picture from msnbc.msn.com.
wow !!! This is a very nice information. i never knew this situation in the auto insurance community ever existed until i read it from this post of yours.
Thank you very much for giving us this important information.
Ana, You’re welcome. Thanks for commenting.