Avoid Buying or Selling a Flood Vehicle in Error

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Date Posted: September 13, 2017

Hurricane Harvey and Irma have unleashed record levels of rain.  In the aftermath of this devastating personal and economic loss there will be one to two million flood-damaged motor vehicles. 

In time, some of these damaged vehicles will make their way to Canada from those looking to profit from the disasters.  They will be buying from insurance companies at salvage auctions and selling to unsuspecting dealers and consumers.  These unscrupulous sellers often transfer the vehicle title through multiple states to hide the flood history before a final sale.  

Reasons to Avoid Buying or Selling a Flood Vehicle in Error

• Vehicles imported and registered in Canada automatically get a behind-the-scenes check to identify the worst U.S. title.  If a vehicle is determined to be flood damaged, it will get a non-repairable (or D) status.  Salvage vehicles are not insurable in B.C.  
• You are required to know and disclose the history of the vehicles you sell.  They must be road safe.  You will most likely be required to take the vehicle back if you sell a flood vehicle, even if it was unintentional. 

What is a Flood Damaged Vehicle?

A vehicle is classified as flood damaged if the water level reaches the bottom of the dashboard.  Watch a video on spotting flood damage.  Search databases for vehicles from flood areas – U.S. or Canadian vehicles.

The VSA will be reminding consumers that the best protection is to buy from a licensed dealer.  Help us support that claim.