The passage of a storm or hurricane often poses a risk to vehicles, either from flooding or wind-blown debris. It is possible that your car has been under water and doubts may arise as to whether you can use it again.
With hurricane season coming up, it’s important to know what you should do in case you face this situation:
1. EXAMINE THE DAMAGE
It is important that before attempting to start the car, you perform a vehicle evaluation. Some of the damage may not be visible.
It is very important that you consider the depth of the water when trying to move it. If the car is completely under water, don’t try to start it, as it will cause more damage to the engine. In this case, it is necessary that -through a towing service- the car is moved to higher ground.
Even, as specified by a article of Consumer Reports“water in the electrical system could cause a fire.”
The World Meteorological Organization details that these names will no longer be used after 2028.
2. PREVENT WATER FROM ENTERING THE CAR
If a window was broken during the passage of the phenomenon, it is important to cover the hole to prevent water from entering and causing further damage.
In addition, salt water would increase the chances of corrosion, so it is recommended to dry the car as quickly as possible, he explains. StateFarm.
3. GO TO A WORKSHOP
Consumer Reports also recommends that the car be taken to a shop where it can be fully inspected. In this way, possible damage, water intrusions could be identified and it would be ensured that electronic systems and the airbag work in their entirety.
4. ORIENT YOURSELF WITH YOUR INSURANCE POLICY
After a mechanic has assessed the damage, contact your insurance company and inform them of the situation.
“Your insurance company, along with a trained mechanic, will discover the possible extent of the problems caused by the flood. If your car is considered a total loss by the insurance company, be sure to check what that means with your insurance agent.” , indicates StateFarm.
BE CAREFUL WITH THE BUY OF CARS THAT SUFFERED FLOODING
You may have to buy a new car if you lost one in a storm, hurricane, or even heavy rain, so caution is urged when purchasing a used one, as several will end up in your inventory. used cars that will be available on the market.
“There are going to be many declarations of total loss and nobody is going to take notice of them,” warns the consumer rights expert, attorney Ignacio García.
If you are buying a used car, ask the seller to include in the contract if the car was flooded, only then will you have a solid claim and a better chance of getting your money back.
What should you inspect before making the purchase? Look the following video:
With the recent rains, many cars were damaged and could end up for sale | Telemundo Responds
CONSIDER PURCHASING A FLOOD POLICY
Given the destruction that a hurricane can cause, it is important that you find out about a flood policy for your property.
What should the policy you buy for your property cover?
- Physic structure
- personal property
With that in mind, it is important that you keep an inventory of the contents of your home and other items such as household items, jewelry, lamps, among others.
With the start of the hurricane season, you must protect your home and your belongings | Telemundo Responds
