In the past ten years there have been at least 675,000 vehicles destroyed as a result of hurricane flooding. Many of these cars were covered by Auto Insurance in Spring, TX. In most cases the owners received payouts from the insurance companies to replace their flooded vehicles. But, mysteriously many of these vehicles have shown up at car lots around the nation with for sale signs on them. The following are a few things to look for to ensure that you do not wind up with one of these damaged vehicles.
Vehicle History
It is very important to check the history of any used vehicle you are thinking of buying. Generally, if the car has been involved in an accident or totaled it will be listed on the history report. However, if the previous owner never filed a claim, any damage done by an accident will not show up. For this reason, it is imperative that you do a thorough inspection of your prospective vehicle purchase, to look for signs of previous damage.
What to Look For
The most common sign that a vehicle has flood damage is a musty odor throughout the vehicle due to water in the fabric. You should also check under seats and carpet to see if any water or water damage is present in these areas. Checking the headlights for leftover water will also give you an indication of possible damage. Additionally, water in this area can be very dangerous due to the possibility of electrical shorts. Water or mildew around or under the spare tire is also a warning sign that the vehicle has been flooded before.
Other Tips
Using a reputable mechanic to give the vehicle a thorough inspection is also a good idea. The mechanic will check areas that you will not be able to see without a hydraulic lift such as the transmission and CV joints. If a significant amount of rust is found in these areas, there is a good possibility that you are dealing with a previously flooded vehicle. By checking all of these different areas, you will protect yourself from spending a lot of money on a damaged vehicle.
