Hurricane Dorian Will Bring More Flood-Damaged Cars to Used Market

An increasing number of flood-damaged vehicles are returning to the used market across the country, and increasingly in states where flooding might not be top of mind, according to new data from Carfax.

A current estimate from Carfax puts the total amount flood-damaged vehicles on the road at 408,280 nationwide. Following Hurricane Dorian, that number is expected to rise this month, as historical data has shown that roughly half of vehicles damaged by floods end up back in the used market.

To offer some assistance in identifying a flood-damaged vehicle, Carfax has seven telltale signs of flood damage:

1. A musty odor in the interior, which can sometimes be covered with a strong air-freshener
2. Upholstery or carpeting which is loose, new, stained or doesn't match
3. Damp carpets
4. Rust around doors, under the dashboard, on the pedals or inside the hood and trunk latches
5. Mud or silt in the glove compartment or under the seats
6. Brittle wires under the dashboard
7. Fog or moisture beads in the interior lights, exterior lights or instrument panel

Currently, the bulk of flood damaged vehicle in the U.S. are in Texas — totaling 87,400. States such as Florida, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Illinois, New Jersey, Louisiana, California, and New York round out the top 10 states with flood damaged vehicles.

Originally posted on Vehicle Remarketing