What to Do If Your Car Is Damaged in a Storm
Take these steps if your car has been damaged, flooded, or rendered inoperable
By Jon Linkov
The aftermath of a hurricane can leave you with a number of crises to deal with, including power outages and property damage. If your car has been damaged by water or wind-blown debris, you’ll need to take care of those situations immediately and avoid future headaches like mold or electrical problems.
Assess the damage. According to Myles Mitchom, a spokesman for State Farm Insurance, don’t start a flooded vehicle until it has received a thorough inspection by a qualified mechanic. If the car is parked in a flooded situation or stalled in deep water, turning it on can do serious engine damage.
In addition, water in the electrical system could cause a fire. Take photos of the vehicle and the area around it. Having visual evidence of how the damage occurred may help with processing a claim.
Button it up. If a window was cracked or knocked out in the storm, be sure to cover and seal it tightly to prevent further water intrusion and damage. A tarp and packing tape should do the job.
Read up on your insurance policy. “Contact your agent or insurance company and advise them that your vehicle has been flooded,” Mitchom says.
If you have comprehensive coverage, your vehicle is covered for a variety of accidents and natural occurrences. But if you only have liability insurance, then damage to your car isn’t covered. When in doubt, call your insurance company to get the details and start the claim process.
Determine whether you can salvage your car or need to trash it. If the vehicle isn’t operable, you’ll need to have it assessed. You might find a local, certified mechanic who can give the car a quick driveway inspection and advise on the next steps. Otherwise, you might need to have it towed to a repair shop where the vehicle can be inspected top to bottom, looking for potential damage and water intrusion, and making sure the electronics and airbags are functional.
Avoid stinky-car syndrome. Flooded cars eventually smell moldy and musty, especially if water soaked the carpet and fabrics. Removing those odors is a tall task without replacing the saturated materials. Another concern for trapped moisture is that parts may begin to rust, which could compromise the structure and cause significant damage. It’s key to dry out the car quickly, clean it thoroughly, and potentially replace the carpet or other materials.
A truly flooded car can be repaired, but at a high price. You’ll need to weigh the cost of fixing it and future dependability with the price of buying a new or used car. Of course, your insurance coverage may guide this decision.
If you need to take the car to the junkyard, make sure the next car you buy performed well in Consumer Reports tests and is reliable and safe. See our vehicle model pages for more.
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