Car Flood Damage: Everything You Need to Know
Car water damage can happen to the best of us. Simply parking in the wrong place, at the wrong time, can result in a flooded vehicle. But is your flooded car doomed to be added to the salvage yard’s heap as a “total loss”? Or is there a way to recondition your vehicle after a flood?
Here are a few tips to help you diagnose the extent of your car’s water damage, find the right fixes, and get back on the road as if the floods never happened.
Here are a few tips to help you diagnose the extent of your car’s water damage, find the right fixes, and get back on the road as if the floods never happened.
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Common Signs of a Flood-Damaged Car
So, your vehicle wasn’t completely submerged in flood water – good, you’re in a better position than most. However, even a slightly submerged vehicle could have contracted some nasty flood-damage issues that require immediate attention. As you inspect your vehicle, be on the lookout for these common, telltale signs of water damage that may require you to get a salvage title.
- Water in the oil – Check your oil dipsticks for any sign of water. Water inside your oil reservoir will turn the oil milky, cloudy, or filmy. In most instances, flood damage to the oil reservoir will necessitate the complete replacement of the engine, though most car owners will opt to salvage their vehicle instead. In any event, don’t attempt to drive your vehicle; instead, get it towed to your auto body shop or service center for an inspection.
- Hydro-locking – It’s important that you don’t attempt to start a car that shows signs of flood damage. Turning over a hydro-locked engine can cause irreparable damage in seconds, as the vehicle will attempt to run undoubtedly contaminated oil, fuel, and fluid throughout the engine components. (If you must check the status of your engine, remove the spark plugs beforehand.)
- Wet air filters – Water flooding in through your vents will soak the air filters. If this has occurred, expect the entire HVAC system to be nonfunctional.
- Water in the headlamps – Flood water that has collected in your headlight housing normally indicates your vehicle was submerged up to its hood in water. If this is the case, you can expect to find problems with everything from your engine to the electrical system to the airbag controllers. (Airbag deployment system damage is a very serious and potentially deadly problem that usually makes it impossible to recondition your vehicle.)
- Water in the fuel tank – While it’s possible to drain a fuel tank, any water collected inside the fuel reservoir could have been forcibly pushed in through the fuel lines during a flood.
Is it possible to get car flood damage repairs?
While it’s unlikely that you can repair a severely water-damaged car in any capacity, there are some instances in which auto body or vehicle reconditioning services may be a solution.
- Freshwater flooding – Salt water causes the severe, unrepairable damage to vehicles; freshwater floods, like those that occurred in Kansas City in 2019, are less likely to come with a terminal prognosis.
- Carpets – If your vehicle was only partially submerged in a fresh-water flood for a short length of time, the damage may be limited to your carpets. In this instance, you may be able to replace the carpets inside the cabin and in your cargo or trunk area, as well as any upholstery. Ask your auto body center for advice.
- Brakes – Be sure to check for brake damage due to a flood; brake lines, rotors, and pads may become water-logged, making them more susceptible to corrosion, rust, and premature failure.
- Suspension – Flooded cars will usually damage the suspension in some way, either by causing components to rust or removing lubricants. A suspension inspection is recommended to determine if your vehicle’s water-damaged suspension system can be repaired.
- Peeling paint – If left submerged for too long, a flooded car may begin to show signs of paint peeling. This is particularly evident along the wheel wells. Paintless Dent Repair service may be an option, so long as no other vehicle flood damage is evident.
Does your insurance cover flood damage?
You're most likely covered for flood damage if you have comprehensive auto insurance, though you’ll need to speak with your auto insurance agent for details.
Here are the common steps you need to take to file a flood-damaged vehicle claim:
Here are the common steps you need to take to file a flood-damaged vehicle claim:
- Contact your insurance company right away. You’ll treat this just like any other claim; if the car damage came from a large-scale event like the 2019 Kansas City floods, expect things to move a little slower. It’s likely the insurance companies will be busy with hundreds if not thousands of claims just like yours.
- Take as many pictures of the damage as you can. Since auto water damage can worsen over time, you’ll want to start cleaning your car as soon as possible. This means, in order to capture the worst of the damage, you’ll need to record it yourself before taking a scrub brush to its carpet.
- If your vehicle flood damage isn’t severe, you may be able to get it repaired. Should our Kansas City auto body experts deem your vehicle fit for reconditioning, we’ll help you with any auto insurance claims related to a flood.
- Begin looking for a replacement car as you wait for your claim. Depending on the age of your flooded vehicle, your pay-out may allow you to buy a new or quality used car. (Check out the available vehicles for sale at McCarthy.)
Need More Help?
If you need more advice about repairing your flood-damaged vehicle in Kansas City, seek out the professionals at our Missouri and Kansas collision centers. Although it may not be possible for us to handle your car flood damage repairs, we may be able to point you in the right direction. Dial 800-NEW-AGAIN to speak with one of our specialists today.
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