No matter how much you secure your car for a hurricane or severe storm, sometimes Mother Nature has other plans. Recent hurricanes have been raising havoc and increasing the number of flooded cars. With the strong winds blowing around debris, causing trees and power lines to fall, and with severe flooding, it is a huge mess to have to clean up. If you have a flood damaged car from the recent hurricane that hit Texas and Louisiana, here are four easy steps to help:
Step One: Inspect Your Flooded Car
You’ll need to make a list of all the damage that your car has sustained. If you have a flood damaged car, the water may have caused severe engine damage, and can even cause a fire. Do Not Try to Start Your Car. If water has entered the wiring or electronic components of your vehicle, turning the ignition on may cause an unwanted spark creating a fire in your car. Take photos of your car at this state for your insurance company.
Step Two: Stop Further Water Damage to Your Car
You’ll want to prevent further water damaged to your car by sealing any of the outside elements. Make sure all your windows, sunroof and doors are sealed. If any windows were broken, you should cover and seal the windows to prevent more water from getting in and damaging more of the car’s interior.
Step Three: Call Your Insurance Company
You’ll want to report any damage to your car to your insurance provider as soon as possible. You should be covered if you have comprehensive coverage, but your agent will be able to tell you with certainty. If you only have collision or liability coverage, any storm damage to your car will not be covered. However, the sooner you know if your car is covered or not, the sooner you can make a decision about your next steps.
Step Four: Assess Your Flooded Car Repair Cost
Your next steps will vary depending on the level of damage to your car. Your insurance provider may assess your flooded car repair cost to be minimal. Even if your flooded car is still repairable, you may want to consider selling it because flood damaged cars have problems that may not show up right away, like mold or damage to the catalytic converter.
Living through a hurricane or severe storm the first time around was bad enough, and selling a flood damaged car can be a total headache. Fortunately, CashForCars.com is the easiest way to sell a water damaged car. We know that cars, trucks, SUVs, and boats still have value, even after a hurricane. Call us today at 1-800-227-2893 and get a risk-free cash offer.
