How to Avoid Buying a U.S. Flood Damage Vehicle in Canada?

Are you in the market for buying a used car? Well you better watch out! Vehicles are being sold from the U.S. and imported into Canada and may be damaged by floods from Hurricane Sandy. This was a major scam after Hurricane Katrina and it can happen to anyone.

Do not think you are getting a deal by purchasing a car with flood damage. The flooding from Hurricane Sandy was Salt Water which immediately begins to corrode a car. Plus the flood water had oil, sewer and other harmful substances in it which have now soaked into the car’s interior. When buying a car make sure to ask questions and get a CarProof

How to Check for Water Damage;

• Smell for damp or musty odors inside the vehicle and in the trunk
• Signs of rust and mud in the vents, truck, glove box and beneath the seats and dashboard
• Rusty brackets under the seats or carpets, and

• Discolored upholstery or carpet that doesn’t match exactly.

Test Everything

• Lights
• Windshield wipers
• Turn signals
• Break lights
• Cigarette lighter
• Radio
• Heater and air conditioner
• In car navigation

Check for the vehicle’s U.S. registration. When checking the U.S. registration, please be aware that flood damage will only be noted if the vehicle was declared salvaged by the insurance company. In that case, it is best to take the vehicle to an Auto Technician you trust. Ask them to look for flood damage and to check all electrical systems.

If you are not sure if the car you are looking to purchase was a victim of Hurricane Sandy, find out more at the Registrar of Imported Vehicles, or find another vehicle that you are sure has not been part of this Natural Disaster.

Alpine Insurance & Financial Inc – Alberta’s Trusted Advisors