Administering the Laws and Regulations to the Motor Vehicle Dealers of the Commonwealth of Virginia

Detecting Water Damage

While there is no sure method to test for vehicle flood damage, experts offer several inspection tips that may help detect significant water damage.

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To identify vehicles that have flood damage, as well as stolen or salvaged vehicles, check the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) Database. NICB’s VINCheck is a service provided to the public to assist in determining if a vehicle has been reported as stolen, but not recovered, or has been reported as a salvage vehicle by cooperating NICB members. To perform a search a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is required. A maximum of five VINCheck searches can be conducted within a 24 hour period.

The National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) offers 10 Inspection Tips that can be used to detect significant water damage.

1. Check a vehicle’s title history using the National Insurance Crime Bureau’s VinCheck, the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System or a commercially available vehicle history report service, such as Experian or Carfax, etc. Reports may state whether a vehicle has been flood damaged.
 
2. Examine the interior and the engine compartment for evidence of water and grit from suspected submersion.
 
3. Check for recently shampooed carpeting.
 
4. Look under the carpeting for water residue or stain marks from evaporated water not related to air-conditioning pan leaks.
 
5. Inspect for interior rust and under the carpeting, and inspect upholstery and door panels for evidence of fading.
 
6. Check under the dash for dried mud and residue, and note any mold or a musty odor in the upholstery, carpet or trunk.
 
7. Check for rust on screws in the console and in other areas water would normally not reach unless the vehicle was submerged.
 
8. Look for mud or grit in alternator crevices, behind wiring harnesses and around the small recesses of starter motors, power steering pumps and relays.
 
9. Inspect electrical wiring for rusted components, water residue or suspicious corrosion.
 
10. Inspect other components for rust or flaking metal not normally found in late model vehicles.

 

While these inspection suggestions will not detect flood damage in every case, they do provide some information that may help to protect consumers from purchasing a vehicle damaged by water or flood. Mechanics at dealerships or repair shops can also be helpful in inspecting used vehicles.

To identify vehicles that have flood damage, as well as stolen or salvaged vehicles, check the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) Database. NICB’s VINCheck is a service provided to the public to assist in determining if a vehicle has been reported as stolen, but not recovered, or has been reported as a salvage vehicle by cooperating NICB members. To perform a search a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is required. A maximum of five VINCheck searches can be conducted within a 24 hour period.

The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has provided two great articles on protecting yourself and for spotting water damaged vehicles:

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