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Now that hurricane has passed, a new danger has emerged
As Texas residents recover from Hurricane Ike, TxDOT’s Vehicle Titles and Registration Division anticipates a significant number of flood-damaged vehicles.
The insurance industry estimates as many as 100,000 vehicles may have been flood damaged by Hurricane Ike. There is no guarantee that vehicle damage will be reported, and the best way for consumers to protect themselves is by having a reputable mechanic conduct a vehicle inspection, and check for signs of water damage.
How to spot potential flood damage in a vehicle:
• Search under the dashboard with a flashlight for mud, grit, rust or mold.
• Search for mud and grit in the engine compartment; wires, alternator, starter motor, and power steering pump crevices.
• Inspect the undercarriage for rust and flaking.
• Be aware of odors, both musty and recently shampooed.
More warning signs:
• The vehicle’s title history shows it was titled several times over a short period.
• No vehicle title exists.
• Be wary of “curbstone sales” on street corners. TxDOT will verify a dealer’s license at 1-800-687-7846.
• The title is in an insurance company’s name or has a brand such as: flood, salvage, or rebuilt.
• The vehicle was last registered in a flood-affected area.
TxDOT’s Web site includes a link to VTR’s flood damaged motor vehicle database that could be helpful for consumers to use to detect vehicles that have been flood damaged:
www.txdot.gov/services/vehicle_titles_and_registration/flood_damaged.htm. Find out more at www.txdot.gov
The insurance industry estimates as many as 100,000 vehicles may have been flood damaged by Hurricane Ike. There is no guarantee that vehicle damage will be reported, and the best way for consumers to protect themselves is by having a reputable mechanic conduct a vehicle inspection, and check for signs of water damage.
How to spot potential flood damage in a vehicle:
• Search under the dashboard with a flashlight for mud, grit, rust or mold.
• Search for mud and grit in the engine compartment; wires, alternator, starter motor, and power steering pump crevices.
• Inspect the undercarriage for rust and flaking.
• Be aware of odors, both musty and recently shampooed.
More warning signs:
• The vehicle’s title history shows it was titled several times over a short period.
• No vehicle title exists.
• Be wary of “curbstone sales” on street corners. TxDOT will verify a dealer’s license at 1-800-687-7846.
• The title is in an insurance company’s name or has a brand such as: flood, salvage, or rebuilt.
• The vehicle was last registered in a flood-affected area.
TxDOT’s Web site includes a link to VTR’s flood damaged motor vehicle database that could be helpful for consumers to use to detect vehicles that have been flood damaged:
www.txdot.gov/services/vehicle_titles_and_registration/flood_damaged.htm. Find out more at www.txdot.gov
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