Here’s what you need to know if Harvey took your car
Aweek after Harvey’s flooding wrecked their home, Jose Mendez, 37, father of four, returned to his driveway in Spring to find the family minivan under the murky water.
“The whole situation was pretty devastating, being that this was the only family vehicle we had,” Mendez said. “Now you just aren’t sure how you’re going to get your kids to school.”
Many Texans are suffering like Mendez. It is estimated that Hurricane Harvey damaged at least 500,000 vehicles. “We’re now on the hunt with thousands of others to look for a new vehicle,” Mendez said.
If you are one of those thousands, here are some tips on dealing with your damaged vehicle.
How to deal with insurance
One of the first steps to take is to file a claim with your insurance agent. The insurance company will evaluate how much of your damage is covered. According to the Texas Department of Insurance, insurance companies are obligated to pay those who have comprehensive coverage the market value of a damaged vehicle.
Some insurers and car rental companies are working together to get flood victims back on the road.
“In addition to providing vehicles to assist our partners with recovery efforts, our priority is getting our insurance customers into replacement vehicles,” Enterprise spokeswoman Lisa Martini said. If you have receipts or documents showing that you installed features that boosted the car’s value from its initial price, you can negotiate for a higher settlement.
If the car is a total loss, insurers often pay the owner for their vehicle at a diminished value and take the vehicle title.
Those without insurance coverage can apply through the Federal Emergency Management Agency for small-business loans or a grant to repair the car. (To request help, file an application with FEMA at disasterassistance.gov or call 800-621-3362.)
“After my car flooded, I realized my insurance wouldn’t cover it, so I’d have to pay for any repairs out of pocket,” said Stephen Trippy, 21, who was a delivery driver for Jimmy John’s before the storm.
Once Trippy realized his car was totaled, he sold it for scrap metal and parts.
How and where to go to replace your flooded vehicle
“It’s very simple. The number one thing is to go to a reputable dealer,” AutoNation executive vice president Marc Cannon said. “There are certain standards in place so you can have peace of mind.”
It can be risky to buy directly from a car owner because the same state and federal laws covering dealers do not bind them. There also is more room for mistakes in the logistics of the purchase. A dealership can offer more legal protection but could prove pricier.
Whether you prefer to buy from a dealer or a private party, be scrupulous.
Make sure the vehicle you’re looking to buy is in good condition. The Carfax database online takes information from more than 100,000 reputable sources and offers free flood history checks. “However, the site can take two weeks or more to update with new information,” Vroom CEO Paul Hennessy said. “Some sellers will try to unload flood-damaged vehicles before their histories have been annotated.”
A vehicle may appear to be good condition, but damage can be easily hidden. Electrical damage is not visible on the outside of the vehicle, so make sure to test power locks and windows, along with the electrical control panels.
Use your nose to detect any musty trace that indicates past moisture. Check for rust and look for signs of water in headlights and taillights.
“Mud means flood,” Hennessy said. “It can get stuck in crevices and hard-to-reach spots, even if the seller was careful to clean the vehicle.”
“We are being very cautious on trade-in vehicles to make sure that not one car has been waterlogged,” AutoNation’s Cannon said. “You need to do your homework and ask questions.”
Always take the vehicle for a test drive and never take the seller’s word. It is important to not rush into purchasing anything; the extra time and examination will be worth it.