Report: Flood damaged cars washing up across the country
Carfax reported today that a wave of flood damaged vehicles have been popping up in areas all across the country. Over the last five years, the number of waterlogged wrecks revealed by Carfax Vehicle History Reports has doubled nationwide. Furthermore, massive increases have occurred in numerous states. With used car sales expected to top 44 million this year, consumers should be on high alert for signs of hidden damage and potential fraud.
Water can fatally damage a car”s most important features ““ like the electrical and safety systems ““ causing airbags and antilock brakes to malfunction.
Flood Damage Growth By State (2002 ““ 2006)
AL”“ 374%
DE”“ 112%
KS”“ 151%
MN”“ 173%
NH”“ 30%
OR”“ 57%
UT”“ 7%
AR”“ 122%
FL”“ 96%
KY”“ 102%
MO”“ 170%
NJ”“ 46%
PA”“ 161%
VA”“ 189%
AZ”“ 84%
GA”“ 159%
LA”“ 343%
MS”“ 633%
NM”“ 27%
RI”“ 40%
VT”“ 39%
CA”“ 25%
IA”“ 28%
MA”“ 26%
MT”“ 172%
NV”“ (-4%)
SC”“ 63%
WA”“ 47%
CO”“ 77%
ID”“ 32%
MD”“ 136%
NC”“ 47%
NY”“ 35%
SD”“ 86%
WI”“ 108%
CT”“ 6%
IL”“ 23%
ME”“ 127%
ND”“ 131%
OH”“ 99%
TN”“ 52%
WV”“ 44%
DC”“ 8%
IN”“ 62%
MI”“ 162%
NE”“ (-12%)
OK”“ 231%
TX”“ 68%
WY”“ 54%
*excludes Alaska and Hawaii
