Following hurricanes Ian and Nicole, the Federal Commerce Fee is warning potential consumers of easy methods to avoid a flood-damaged automotive.

In line with the FTC, after a hurricane or flood, storm-damaged vehicles are typically cleaned up and brought out of state on the market, and it is perhaps tough to inform {that a} car has harm till you examine it carefully.

Listed below are some tips from the FTC if you’re looking to buy a used car within the wake of the storms that battered Florida and different areas:

  • Examine for indicators and smells of flood harm. Is there mud or sand beneath the seats or dashboard? Is there rust across the doorways? Is the carpet unfastened, stained or mismatched? Do you odor mould or decay or an odor of robust cleansing merchandise within the automotive or trunk?

  • Examine for a historical past of flood harm. The Nationwide Insurance coverage Crime Bureau’s (NCIB) free database will present if a automotive was flood-damaged, stolen however not recovered, or in any other case declared as salvaged — however provided that the automotive was insured when it was broken.
  • Get a car historical past report. Begin at vehiclehistory.gov to get free details about a car’s title, most up-to-date odometer studying and situation. For a price, you will get different stories with further info, like accident and restore historical past. The FTC doesn’t endorse any particular providers. Study extra at ftc.gov/usedcars.

  • Get assist from an impartial mechanic. A mechanic can examine the automotive for water harm that may slowly destroy mechanical and electrical programs and trigger rust and corrosion.

  • Report fraud. If you happen to suspect a vendor is knowingly promoting a storm-damaged automotive or a salvaged car as a good-condition used automotive, contact the NICB. Additionally, inform the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and inform your state attorney general.