How Hard Is It to Fix a Flooded Car?
When natural disasters like hurricanes and severe storms strike, flooding becomes a widespread issue, affecting thousands of vehicles across the USA. If your car has been submerged in floodwater, you’re likely wondering about the extent of the damage and whether it’s fixable. While it’s often possible to repair a flooded car, the real question is, how hard is it to fix a flood-damaged car and is it worth the investment? Before you jump to conclusions, a thorough assessment of the water damage is crucial to understand the road ahead.
Initial Steps to Assess Flood Damage in Your Car
After the floodwaters recede and it’s safe to approach your vehicle, the first step is to carefully evaluate the damage. The height the water reached inside your car is a key indicator of potential problems. Ground clearance varies among vehicles, meaning a sedan might flood in water levels that a truck or SUV could navigate.
Document Everything with Photos and Videos: Before you do anything else, meticulously document the damage. Take comprehensive photos and videos of both the interior and exterior of your flooded vehicle. Capture every angle to provide a clear picture of the situation. This documentation is essential, especially if you plan to file a water damage car insurance claim. Gather this evidence as quickly as possible after the event.
File an Insurance Claim Promptly: Reach out to your car insurance agent without delay. If you have comprehensive coverage, you can typically claim for water damage to your car. An insurance adjuster will need to inspect your vehicle to assess the flood damage repair costs before approving your claim. Even if you’re unsure about your coverage, it’s wise to open a claim. In the aftermath of a major flood, many others will be filing claims, so early submission can expedite the process.
Let Your Car Dry Out (If Engine is Running): If you managed to drive through floodwaters and your car is still running, allow it to air dry. It can be difficult to immediately determine if water has entered the engine or electrical system. Driving with water in the engine or a compromised electrical system can lead to further, more severe damage. Subsequently, take your vehicle to a certified service center, like Flemington Car & Truck Country, for a professional damage evaluation.
Do Not Restart a Submerged Engine: If floodwater stalled your engine and your car is submerged, resist the urge to restart it. Water intrusion can cause significant damage to various critical components, including the engine, electrical systems, fuel lines, and filters. Instead, arrange for a towing service to transport your car to a reputable dealership service center, such as Flemington Car & Truck Country, for a proper inspection.
Schedule a Professional Inspection: Contact a certified automotive service center to schedule a detailed inspection. Technicians can thoroughly assess the damage to mechanical components like the engine, transmission, axles, brakes, and fuel system for water contamination. Keep in mind that some water damage, particularly to computer and electrical components, may not surface immediately and can take up to 90 days to become apparent due to corrosion.
Understanding the Difficulty of Fixing Flood Damage
Repairing a flooded car is not always straightforward. Water damage can be insidious and not immediately visible to the untrained eye. This is why a professional inspection by a factory-trained mechanic is crucial as soon as possible. One of the first things a technician will check for are obvious signs of engine damage, often found in the engine oil and transmission fluid. A simple check with a dipstick can reveal water contamination. Water contamination will make transmission fluid appear milky, and water in the oil pan will dilute the engine oil.
Saltwater or muddy water exposure complicates repairs significantly. Corrosion from these contaminants can cause internal rust within components, leading to future, potentially extensive repair issues. Engines and electronics in vehicles are not designed to withstand these conditions, and corrosion can lead to premature failure. Rectifying this level of damage can be exceptionally expensive. In many cases, this is why insurance companies often declare a flood-damaged car a total loss. Therefore, taking your vehicle to an authorized dealership for a comprehensive evaluation is always the best course of action.
Once a professional determines the full extent of the flood damage, your insurance company will compare the repair costs against the car’s actual cash value. If the estimated repair costs are close to or exceed the vehicle’s value, the insurance company may declare it a total loss. If your car is totaled, it’s important to thoroughly understand the implications with your insurance agent.
Whether your flooded vehicle is repairable or declared a total loss by your insurance provider, professional assistance is vital. Contact Flemington Car & Truck Country, serving NJ, PA, and NY, for expert help in repairing your flooded vehicle or finding a suitable replacement.
