This year’s flooding across Texas damaged up to 10,000 vehicles, according to estimates from the National Insurance Crime Bureau. When buying a used car, the first thing to do is get it inspected by someone you trust. Order a CarFax or other report based on the VIN of the vehicle you are looking at.
28This year’s flooding across Texas damaged up to 10,000 vehicles, according to estimates from the National Insurance Crime Bureau.
When buying a used car, the first thing to do is get it inspected by someone you trust.
Order a CarFax or other report based on the VIN of the vehicle you are looking at.
Check the status of the title. A “flood title” means the car has damage from sitting in water deep enough to fill the engine compartment.
Other tips:
When car shopping, watch for:
- New upholstery in a used vehicle or upholstery that doesn’t match the carpeting
- Rust in high places like door hinges and trunk latches
- Rust under the gas and brake pedals
- Silt or mud under the seats or in the glove compartment
- Beads of water in the dome light
- Damp floor carpeting
To prevent yourself from purchasing a flood-damaged vehicle:
- Smell inside the vehicle. A musty or moldy smell indicates trouble.
- Bend wires underneath the dashboard. After drying, wet wires become brittle like twigs.
- Turn on the ignition and make sure all dashboard warning and accessory lights properly illuminate.
- Test the air conditioning, heater, windshield wipers, radio, and turn signals several times.
- Make sure the vehicle identification number (VIN) on the dashboard matches the VIN on the door jamb.
The Agent Insurance Services
330-758-3339