Hurricanes have produced record breaking and devastating rain and floodwaters in recent years, and destroyed homes and cars. Whether you’re a victim of the hurricane or someone hundreds of miles away looking to buy a car, you need to protect yourself from being sold a flood damaged vehicle. Arm yourself with information, and use NHTSA.gov to answer your questions.
Q&A
My vehicle was totaled during a hurricane. What should I do first?
We recommend that you first contact your insurance company. Once you file a claim, they will be able to help guide you through the process of purchasing a replacement vehicle. If you are looking to purchase a new vehicle, search NHTSA’s 5-Star Safety Ratings which measure the crashworthiness and rollover safety of vehicles. Five stars is the highest rating, and one star is the lowest.
If the insurance company pays your claim as a total loss, help protect future buyers by making sure that the damaged vehicle’s title is transferred to the insurance company and includes the information required by federal odometer disclosure law.
If you have a policy with the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP Direct), call 800-638-6620.
I’ll need to provide a copy of my vehicle title to my insurance company, but it was lost during the storm. What should I do?
Please contact your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to determine whether you can obtain a copy of your title in person at a regional office, or by applying for a certified copy online or through the mail. State DMV offices may vary slightly in requirements for obtaining vehicle paperwork.
I’m considering purchasing a used vehicle. What should I keep in mind?
Hurricane Scam Market: According to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC), scams often follow the news, and they hit hardest after a natural disaster. Sadly, many scammers are looking to profit off the post hurricane flood market.
Stay smart and alert. If you get a robocall regarding your vehicle, do not respond; hang up the phone and contact your insurance company. If you suspect fraud, call the FEMA Disaster Fraud Hotline toll-free at 866-720-5721. You may also report the call to the FTC.
Understanding a Used Vehicle’s History: If a vehicle is declared “totaled,” it will receive a new title, called a “salvage” or “flood” title. The vehicle will typically then be sold at a salvage auction to junkyards or vehicle rebuilders. It is legal to resell to consumers if the defect is noted on the title, the vehicle has been rebuilt, and the vehicle has received a “rebuilt” title. Beware of flood damaged vehicles with clean or “lost” titles. The National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS) can help you trace a vehicle’s title history. (https://www.vehiclehistory.gov/)
Odometer Fraud: In the United States, it is a crime to alter a vehicle’s odometer. NHTSA estimates that more than 450,000 vehicles are sold each year with false odometer readings, costing Americans more than $1 billion annually. Be prepared to see altered odometers on the market. Learn more about what odometer fraud is, how to spot it, and whom to contact if you think you’re a victim.
How do I determine whether a vehicle has been damaged in a flood?
Scammers looking to make a buck know how to clean up a damaged vehicle. On first appearance, the vehicle may look fine. If the seller is using a fraudulent title, it may be even more difficult to determine whether the vehicle is flood damaged.
Sniff Test: If the car smells musty, there is a high likelihood it has been exposed to water. If it has a strong smell of deodorizer or air freshener, it is possible the seller is trying to mask the smell of mildew.
Dirt and Grime: Mud, dirt, or waterlines inside the vehicle are possible signs of flood damage. Don’t forget to check hidden spots for dirt and watermarks, like the trunk, glove box, and under the dashboard.
Rust and Corrosion: Check under the vehicle to see if there is an unusual amount of rust or corrosion for the vehicle’s age and location.
My vehicle contained one or more of the following items which was damaged or destroyed during the storm. What should I do?
Car Seat: If your car seat or booster seat was destroyed, review NHTSA’s guide for purchasing the right car seat for your child’s age and size. We know car seats can be expensive, so if you’re thinking of purchasing a used car seat, use NHTSA’s used car seat safety checklist. When it comes time to installing a seat, you can take it to a local inspection station.
Equipment for Drivers with Disabilities: For drivers with disabilities, finding the right vehicle to meet your needs can take time. If the equipment in your vehicle was damaged by flooding, you may be faced with this process all over again. Review NHTSA’s recommendations for finding a qualified mobility dealer to help make safe, legal modifications to your new vehicle.
Tires: Rubber tires should hold up well in water, so the main culprit here may be road debris. Flood waters often drudge up bits of material that can be harmful to your tires. If you are driving around flood affected areas, frequently inspect your tires for air leaks. When buying new tires, review NHTSA’s tire buying guide for information on treadwear, traction, temperature, and more.
Battery in My Hybrid or Electric Vehicle: The batteries in hybrid and electric vehicles are highly corrosive and should not be exposed to standing water. If you suspect your battery has been damaged, contact your dealer to see whether they have a replacement item in stock.
Be sure to mention any of these damaged vehicle components to your insurance company.
