Texas Insurance Department Issues Warning About Imelda-Soaked Vehicles

The Texas Department of Insurance has issued a warning to consumers to be on the lookout for flood-damaged vehicles hitting the resale market, one month after Tropical Storm Imelda drenched Southeast Texas with historic rainfall amounts.

Unscrupulous sellers will buy salvage cars at auction and resell them to unsuspecting buyers across the state and nation. Once an engine gets waterlogged, it’s almost impossible to ever make it right.

“If you’re shopping for a used car, make sure to look for signs of water damage,” Insurance Commissioner Kent Sullivan said in a media release. “There’s often a reason when the deal looks too good to be true.”

TDI noted that stains, mildew, rust, and discoloration are signs of water damage. Look for dirt or debris under the floor mats, carpet, or where the spare tire is located. Mold or mildew will give off a musty odor; if you notice a strong smell of cleaner or disinfectant, it could be an attempt to cover up those odors.

Regulators also said that when a vehicle is declared a total loss, the title must be changed to a salvage or non-repairable title. You can ask to see the title, and a vehicle history report will list the status of the title.

The National Insurance Crime Bureau offers a free service on its website called VINCheck. Enter the vehicle identification number, and NICB’s database will show if that vehicle has been stolen or listed as a total loss.

Flood damage isn’t always obvious. Try to have a trusted mechanic inspect the vehicle and buy from a reputable dealer.

Be aware that boats, RVs, and campers damaged by floodwaters also may appear on the resell market. It’s a good idea to follow these same tips when buying any used vehicle or boat.

Source: TDI

Topics Texas Auto