Senate Insurance Agency - Car Insurance - Serving the Maryland, Washington, D.C. and Virginia communities

The National Automobile Dealer’s Association (NADA) warns consumers that unscrupulous individuals are refurbishing flood-damaged cars from Louisiana and Mississippi, altering the titles, and selling them to unsuspecting buyers in distant states. These hurricane-battered vehicles may appear normal at first glance, but mechanical and electrical problems can appear long after the seller is gone.

Here are a few tips that may help you recognize a flood-damaged car:

Order a vehicle history report.
Check the spare tire well for standing water.
Be leery if a car smells musty or moldy.
Be suspicious of vehicles with recently shampooed carpets.
Look for grit, dirt or rust on components under the hood.
Be wary of used cars with brand new upholstery.

It always makes sense to have a used vehicle inspected by a trusted mechanic before you purchase it.

Scrubbing flood-damaged cars and reselling them isn’t a new scam -- damaged cars were unloaded after Hurricanes Floyd (1999) and Ivan (2004).

Disclaimer:Please refer to your actual insurance policy to verify your exact insurance coverage. The above is only for informational purpose.