WINK NEWS
Many people lost their cars in the flooding caused by Hurricane Ian and are looking for new ones to get around.
When getting a replacement car, you don’t want to be stuck with another one that was damaged by a flood. Not all flood damage is visible.
According to Carfax, Texas and Florida lead the nation in the number of flood-damaged vehicles on the road.
Keep your eyes and nose open for a new ride.
Some cars were completely submerged after the storm. Carfax estimates that flooding caused by Hurricane Ian potentially damaged 358,000 vehicles in Florida and the Carolinas.
That doesn’t mean you won’t see them in parking lots later, seemingly ready to hit the road again.
When you’re ready to buy another car, run a vehicle history report. You can do this for free on Carfax, Experian and the National Insurance Crime Bureau with a vehicle’s VIN number.
You should also test drive the car before buying. Pay attention to the electrical systems on this ride. This includes turn signals, any headlights, air conditioning or heater.
Check the car’s dashboard and carpets, trunk and spare tire compartment for moisture, rust, dirt, sand or musty odors.
You should also look for stains, rust and corrosion in and around the vehicle.
Finally, be suspicious if a price or deal sounds too good to be true, especially when compared to other similar makes and models.
If you had comprehensive auto coverage and suffered hurricane damage, you are covered and should file a claim with your insurance as soon as possible.
If you didn’t, you could be eligible for FEMA assistance to get you back on the road.
