The Bahamas General Insurance Association urges Bahamians buying used cars or trucks to be vigilant in view of the many flood-damaged vehicles on the market following the recent hurricanes.
Last year, Hurricane Ivan left more than 100,000 vehicles water-logged. The numbers following Hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma this year are expected to top the quarter-million mark. Water can seriously compromise vehicles that may otherwise look spotless on the surface.
The risk is not limited to flood-ravaged areas, as damaged cars are often repaired cosmetically and moved to other parts of the country or the world. They can come from America, Japan or other parts of The Bahamas.
Water damage can cause electrical and computer failure as well as potentially causing anti-lock brakes and airbag systems to fail.
The BGIA, who represent the majority of the local general insurance industry, warns that many flood-damaged vehicles from the above-mentioned hurricanes, and other floods, will be dried out and offered for sale to unsuspecting buyers.
“In many cases you can protect yourself from buying a flood-damaged vehicle by doing a little research and having the vehicle checked by a mechanic,” according to BGIA Coordinator Robin Hardy.
“Before buying you should get the 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number and contact your insurance representative for advice. It may be very difficult or impossible to insurer a flood damaged vehicle.”
The VIN may also be used to track a vehicles history at online sites like carfax.com.
The BGIA offer the following tips on inspecting for potential flood damage:
Search under the dash with a flashlight for mud, grit, rust or mould.
Search for mud in the engine compartment.
Inspect the vehicle undercarriage for rust and flaking.
Be aware of odours, both musty and recent cleaning.
Inspect the U.S. title, if it has come from that country, and be wary if it has been retitled several times over a short period.
Check the U.S. title to see that the vehicle did not come from a flooded area.
Know whom you are buying from and make sure your money will be returned if it turns out the vehicle was flood damaged.
Source: The Bahama Journal
