{"id":196185,"date":"2025-08-23T00:35:06","date_gmt":"2025-08-23T05:35:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thevwindependent.com\/news\/?p=196185"},"modified":"2025-08-23T00:35:08","modified_gmt":"2025-08-23T05:35:08","slug":"aaa-beware-of-flood-damaged-cars","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thevwindependent.com\/news\/2025\/08\/23\/aaa-beware-of-flood-damaged-cars\/","title":{"rendered":"AAA: beware of flood damaged cars"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

VW independent staff\/submitted information<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

During the month of July, 1,434 flash flood warnings were issued, the second-highest July total in 40 years. Flood warnings have been issued in communities across the United States at a record rate since the modern alert system went into effect 40 years ago. This week, Hurricane Erin caused high water flooding problems along much of the eastern seaboard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Vehicles across the country have been trapped in rising and rushing flood waters this year.  Even partially submerged cars can be unsafe to drive and nearly impossible to identify and now, AAA is warning car buyers to be on the lookout for flooded out vehicles that may have made their way to the used car market.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Summer floods and the impact of Hurricane Erin could result in a “flood” of damaged cars on the market. Photo submitted<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

\u201cModern vehicles have much more technology on board than ever before,\u201d AAA spokesperson Kara Hitchens said. \u201cMany cars have safety features in the wiring systems, sensors and electronic modules running throughout the vehicles, including behind the bumpers and fenders. Water intrusion into those systems can cause serious, costly and potentially unrepairable damage.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The engine and many other mechanical components can be heavily damaged or inoperable due to water as well.  The cost of repairing flood damage is often more than the value of the vehicle itself and insurance will declare it a total loss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Flood-damaged vehicles are typically given a salvage or flood title (depending on the state) and recycled for parts or crushed for scrap, but some end up on the used car market \u2013 and could end up in your driveway. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe seller may have made some repairs to get the vehicle running and looking nice, but there could be hidden problems that will eventually catch up with the new buyer,\u201d Hitchens said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Follow these steps to avoid a flood-damaged car:<\/p>\n\n\n\n