What Happens If Your Car Floods in a Hurricane?

Water is a major enemy to vehicles of all kinds. Whether your car or SUV encountered saltwater spray or went completely underwater, you need to evaluate and respond to the damage as soon as possible. Our team at Lokey Volkswagen can help you understand the next steps to recover from a hurricane and get back on the roads in a safe, dry vehicle.

Understanding the Impact of Hurricane Flooding on Your Car

Driving through floodwaters can cause severe water damage to your vehicle. This is especially true in coastal areas, such as Clearwater, where you encounter corrosive saltwater. Seawater can corrode brake lines and fuel lines, causing serious leaks. Saltwater also breaks down nearly any aluminum part of your vehicle. Salt in the air can travel up to 60 miles in heavy winds, making this a serious concern throughout Florida.

Rainwater presents its own hazard due to its acid content, which can damage paint. Moisture of any kind wreaks havoc on electrical components, which control an increasing number of systems in modern vehicles. If the electrical components of your vehicle get wet, it could compromise your entire car, truck, or SUV.

The price to repair a flood-damaged car can range from $5,000 to $10,000, even for relatively minor conditions. If the automobile is underwater for an extended period, the vehicle may be a total loss. Insurance companies consider a car totaled if repair costs exceed 75% of the vehicle’s current value.

Evaluating the Damage: How To Check Cars for Flood Damage

If you were with your car during the hurricane, you may have a fairly clear idea of what happened. Rain and wet roads can cause minor damage but shouldn’t seriously impact your vehicle. If you were in an area of Florida areas that evacuated and you had to leave a vehicle behind, you may need to complete a more thorough evaluation for signs of flood damage to determine how much water exposure the vehicle had. Signs of water damage to your vehicle include:

• Waterlogged headlights or taillights
• Dirt and debris in crevices around the starter motor, alternator, wiring harnesses, and power steering pump
• Corrosion in the electrical components
• Corrosion on screws, bolts, brake discs, and other metal components
• Flaking metal or premature rusting
• Evidence of a water line on the engine block or radiator or around the spare tire in the trunk
• Moisture in the rugs, upholstery, or trunk lining

While some of these indicators will show up immediately, others may develop over time. A professional assessment is the best way to evaluate the car’s condition thoroughly. You have a limited amount of time to file an insurance claim after a hurricane, so you should seek an inspection as soon as possible.

The Recovery Process: Salvaging a Hurricane-Damaged Car

If you have a flooded vehicle, disconnect the battery and take all possible measures to dry out the vehicle. This includes:

• Cleaning out mud, water, and anything damp
• Removing rugs for separate cleaning
• Cleaning the upholstery and carpet with a wet-dry vacuum

If you can dry and clean the vehicle promptly, you may avoid hazards such as mold and mildew growth. If you notice discolored spots or a musty smell, contact a mold remediation professional to address the microbial growth.

Contact your insurance company immediately to evaluate your coverage and review your options. If you don’t have sufficient insurance coverage, you may choose to invest more time and effort into restoring your vehicle. If your insurance company deems the car a total loss, you don’t need to spend your time meticulously cleaning and drying it out.

When To Consider Repairing vs. Replacing Your Car

The mechanical system of the car can successfully dry out. If the water damage is brief and minor, you may be able to salvage it. Tow the vehicle to a professional to have the engine, transmission, and fuel system flushed, inspected, and restored. If the flooding entered the electrical system, however, you’ll likely need to scrap the vehicle and start looking into a replacement.

Navigating Insurance Claims for Flood-Damaged Vehicles

After your vehicle sustains water damage, you have just 60 days to file an insurance claim. Document the damage to your vehicle extensively. Take photos of the car while submerged, if possible. Clearly mark the water level on your vehicle so you can tell your insurance company exactly which components sustained damage. Photograph and document any other water-damaged belongings as well.

Preventing Future Flooding Damage: Precautionary Measures

With a continual line of storms expected through Florida in the coming months and years, it’s important to know how to prevent future flood damage as much as possible. When a hurricane is on the way, remove anything delicate or sensitive from the vehicle, such as insurance cards, your registration, removable electronics, and small car accessories.

A waterproof car cover can protect the top of the vehicle from sea spray, but this won’t protect you from flooding. A flood protection bag can keep your car safe. Drive the vehicle into it, secure the zipper once you’re out, and anchor the bag to a permanent structure. Secure the vehicle away from utility poles, streetlights, trees, and other structures that could fall on it.

Get Professional Assistance With Your Recovery

If you’ve experienced a hurricane-damaged car, our team at Lokey Volkswagen can help you get a replacement as soon as possible. If you have a payoff verification for your vehicle, we’ll make sure you drive off the lot in a replacement, even if the finer points of your insurance aren’t finished yet. We can also recommend the best cars for flood-prone areas. Contact us today to learn more.

South Beach flood by maxstrz is licensed with CC BY 2.0