HOW TO AVOID FLOOD CARS

Check the vehicle history report. After insurers cover flood damage on a vehicle, the vehicle history report will notate its status as a salvaged car. AAA’s car-buying expert David Bennett recommends owners check Carfax for those records at Carfax.com/flood.

Ask a mechanic to conduct a prepurchase

inspection. “It’s really that one-two punch of the vehicle history information and the trained eye of a mechanic to best protect you,” Carfax spokesman Christopher Basso said.

Use your nose. Check closely for musty smells inside the vehicle, which could indicate the past presence of moisture.

Pull back the carpet to check for signs of water or mud. Walk away if you see new carpeting or upholstery.

Make sure power locks and windows work.

If they don’t, it could indicate electrical damage.

Check headlights and taillights for water,

which may indicate past submersion.

Look for corrosion anywhere on the vehicle,

although it may take time for rust to show up.

Don’t take the seller’s word for it. “We encourage people to take the car for a full test drive,” Basso said.