Having a flood-damaged car can be a devastating situation. You might be asking yourself how to fix it, if and when you will receive proper compensation, and what the long-term repair costs may be. These are just some of the questions that may come up when faced with flood-damaged cars.
It’s important to understand every step of the process and potential issues that could arise along the way, as well as develop an action plan for repairs and further investigation. This article is here to help walk you through this entire process so that you ensure your health and safety remain in check while restoring your vehicle back to its pre-flood condition.
Call Your Insurance Company
If you've been unfortunate enough to experience flood damage on your car, the next step should be to contact your insurance company. It's important to call them right away, as they can provide guidance on how best to address the damage in the most cost-effective way. Furthermore, they will also submit a claim and help with any paperwork associated with assessing and repairing the resulting damage.
If the car is damaged beyond repair or the insurance company cannot cover the cost of the damage there are ways to sell your junk car fast. You can look for a reputable junk car-buying company so you can get a good price on your damaged car. However, taking immediate action is key in order to ensure that you are properly taking care of your vehicle and securing the right kind of coverage going forward.
Take Pictures of the Damage and Get an Estimate of the Repairs
It is important to document the damage caused by the flood to your car before attempting any repairs. Taking pictures of the affected parts of your car can help with both insurance processing and repair estimates. Make sure that all of the pertinent parts, such as electronics and upholstery, are part of the picture collection.
Call a Few Different Repair Shops to Get a Quote
When you schedule an appointment with an auto restoration service professional, they will usually provide you with an estimate of the cost of repairs. This estimate is based on the type of repairs needed and the estimated time required to complete them. Comparing the estimated cost between different professionals can help you find the best deal for your repairs. It’s important to keep in mind that the estimate doesn’t include additional services, such as paint or upholstery work, that may be needed.
Decide Whether It Is Worth Repairing the Car
Once you have determined the extent of the damage to your car and collected all the documents and quotes needed for repairs, as recommended by workflow background information, it is time to make a decision about your flood-damaged car.
You must weigh whether or not the cost of having repairs completed on the vehicle will be worth what you can get for it if sold as is. Consider if the damage is purely cosmetic or if there is an issue with any of the major components that could lead to additional repair needs down the road. Investigate the market value of repaired versus sold as-is cars in order to determine which option may be more cost-effective.
What Steps to Take if You Decide to Keep the Car
If you decide to keep the car and repair it, taking one step at a time can help to lessen any stress. The first step is to make sure all the water and mud are taken out of the exterior and interior of the car. This process of removal can be tricky depending on the severity of the damage, but it’s an important one in order to protect vital car parts from corroding.
The next step is to dry out the interior of your car. This can be done with powerful fans or dehumidifiers, both of which aim to eliminate moisture that can have damaging effects on the car's upholstery, electrical systems, and other components. If possible, make sure your car is parked in an area where it can get direct sunlight as this will speed up the drying process. After a few days, you should feel comfortable knowing that all water damage has been addressed and your car is ready for repair moving forward.
Bottom Line
If you have a flood-damaged car, the first thing you need to do is call the insurance company straight away. Make sure you take pictures of the damage from different angles. Next, you’ll have a tough decision in front of you—whether to keep or sell the car. If you decide to keep it, make sure you take out as much of the moisture as possible and find a good quote from a car repair shop to bring the life back to your car.
