How to tell if your car has been damaged in a flood
If a fraudulent dealer does a good job of cleaning the car and title, it’s hard to find a flood damaged car. Many flood-damaged cars have arrived in cities you least expect, such as Chicago, Detroit, New York, and Philadelphia.
If you are buying a used car, here are some ways to avoid buying a used car.
Buy from a reputable seller
If you buy a used car, whether from an established dealer or a private sale, there are several ways you can determine whether the car was damaged.
Ask more. Ask the seller if the car was damaged in a flood or car accident. The buyer should understand the history of the car. Request a Carfax Vehicle History Report. If the customer is shy, that’s a bad sign.
Check the vehicle title. Look at the car’s title and look for a heading that says “Flood” or “Salvage.” You should also look at the title and look for signs that it has been physically altered.
Do your own title search. You can use the free Carfax Flood Check tool to see if your brand title has been flagged. You can also use the National Insurance Crime Bureau’s free VINCeck to determine if the car has been reported as a used vehicle. Keep in mind that if the previous owner did not report the flood damage to the insurance company, it may not appear on the vehicle history report.