In light of recent tropical storms that wreaked havoc across the country, the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles cautions people buying a car to watch out for signs of flood damage.
“With recent storms across the country, thousands of vehicles have been damaged by floods, which can cause long-term damage that is not immediately visible,” Registrar of Motor Vehicles Colleen Ogilvie said in a release.
“Potential buyers should do their due diligence on a purchase, inspect vehicles for damage, and know the signs of a fraudulent or misleading title.”
Between June and August, tropical storms damaged 89,000 cars, according to Carfax.
The RMV cautions buyers that many water-damaged vehicles may be sold without including information of the vehicle’s flood history.
Customers are encouraged to know and look for signs of water damage — such as musty smells, salvaged titles and hard water lines — before finalizing their purchase.
How to ID a flood-damaged vehicle
Check the title
If a vehicle is deemed a total loss after a flood, an insurance agency issues a salvage title which is often labeled with a “brand,” to mark the extent of the damage.
The RMV notes that how states label vehicle titles can vary.
While some may explicitly mark them with “flood,” others may use less-obvious codes.
In Massachusetts, vehicles with salvage titles cannot get registered unless repairs are made and the vehicle is able to pass inspection.
Once those requirements are met, they receive a “rebuilt,” or “reconstructed” title.
Know the car’s history
Buyers are strongly advised to check a vehicle’s history to avoid falling victim to “title washing,” which allows totaled cars to get new titles in states with more lax regulations.
The RMV suggests using the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System to view the vehicle’s history. Carfax offers a free flood damage check service based on location history and title records.
The National Insurance Crime Bureau also provides a free VINCheck to see any history of theft or salvage.
Double check the title
The RMV warns flood-damaged vehicles can sometimes be sold with false or misleading titles and buyers should always verify a title’s authenticity using sources like National Motor Vehicle Title Information System.
Know the warning signs
Signs of a flood-damaged vehicle can include musty smells or excessive odors used to try and coverup the smells associated with water damage, the RMV cautions.
Some signs are a little less obvious than a weird odor.
The RMV suggests inspecting the carpets for water logging, mud and rust in unusual or hard-to-reach areas.
Buyers can also examine lights and reflectors for waterlines and inspect the engine oil for a milky appearance or the air filter for sogginess.
Always proceed with caution
Buyers can protect themselves from getting scammed by purchasing from a licensed dealer and verifying the title.
Massachusetts requires dealers to disclose any information that could impact their decision making, including vehicle history.
The RMV recommends taking caution when purchasing from private sellers from online platforms like Craiglist or Facebook Marketplace — “especially if they cannot provide a clear title or offer only a bill of sale.”
