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Don't Get Soaked Purchasing a Flood-Damaged Car

Major Flooding Throughout Western Washington Leaves Car Buyers Vulnerable

SEATTLE, Nov. 15 -- As Western Washington residents brace for another spate of storm-induced flooding, one of Washington's largest auto insurers is warning of another form of saturation that could cost consumers -- a wave of used cars on the market with hidden water damage caused by flooding.

According to Jon Osterberg, spokesperson for PEMCO Insurance, local consumers are especially vulnerable since Washington state -- unlike many other states -- does not require cars deemed total losses by insurance companies to note the flood damage on the title reports.

PEMCO voluntarily reports cars totaled with flood damage to auto databases available to consumers.

Storms this month have produced 11 totaled cars from PEMCO, Osterberg said, with more on the way as insurance adjusters continue to assess flood-damaged cars.

"Once a car has been submerged by flood water, the damage can be severe," said Osterberg. "For example, even a small amount of water can ruin a car's increasingly complex electronic system.

"You would never consider dunking your home computer in a bathtub and then expect it to work. Cars contain computers that are just as complex," Osterberg added.

Osterberg noted that water can cause widespread damage to a car, including corroding air-bag controllers and electronics, contaminate lubricants, and threaten mechanical systems, making the car dangerous to drive.

But what's most troubling is that the damage is often invisible.

"Because flood damage is not always apparent to the untrained eye, consumers first must learn what to look for, and then do a careful examination."

Unlike some insurers, PEMCO voluntarily reports each flood-damaged car that's declared a total loss to CARFAX, a service that provides detailed vehicle history reports using the vehicle identification number (VIN).

"We're taking this preventive measure to keep people safe and keep flood-damaged cars off the roads," says Osterberg.

How can consumers identify a flood-damaged vehicle? In addition to purchasing a CARFAX Vehicle History Report, PEMCO recommends consumers take the following steps to protect themselves:

  -- Review the title carefully.  Some states, not including Washington,
     require totaled vehicles to be designated as flood damaged on the
     title.
  -- Take the vehicle to a trusted mechanic for a pre-purchase inspection.
     Professionals know how to spot signs of water damage that are invisible
     to the untrained eye.
  -- Smell for any musty odors.
  -- Look for a well-defined line or watermark on the interior and exterior
     of the car. You might want to remove a door panel to see if there is a
     watermark.
  -- Look for mud or debris on the bottom edges of brackets or panels where
     it couldn't naturally settle.
  -- Inspect the car in difficult-to-clean places, like the gaps between
     panels in the trunk and under the hood, where water-borne mud and
     debris might still cling.
  -- Check the seat-mounting screws to see if there is any evidence they
     have been removed. If the carpeting doesn't match the interior or if it
     fits loosely, it might have been replaced.
  -- Check the rubber drain plugs under the car and on the bottoms of doors.
     Look for any signs they might have been removed recently.
  -- Flex a few wires under the dashboard to see if they bend or crack. Wet
     wires become brittle after drying and can crack or fail at any time.
  -- Look at the heads of any unpainted, exposed screws under the dashboard.
     Any unpainted metal in cars might show signs of rust.
  -- Test lights (interior and exterior). Any water lines might still show
     on lenses or reflectors. Start the ignition and make sure all accessory
     lights, warning lights, and gauges work. Specifically look at the ABS
     and airbag lights.
  -- Test windshield wipers, turn signals, cigarette lighter, radio, heater
     and air-conditioner several times to make sure they work.

"While you can never be 100 percent sure of a vehicle's history, a little knowledge and a sharp eye can help you protect yourself and your family," said Osterberg.