Are You Looking To Buy A Vehicle Within The Next Year?







Using caution when buying an automobile is always important.  But now it is more important than ever and I will tell you why. 


 


Personal Experience!!!


 


Let me start off with a personal story.  A number of years ago I was searching for a vehicle to replace one that was just totaled out because of being rear-ended.  I was looking for a specific kind of car and went to many places to try and find one at the right price.  I found what I was looking for at a good price from a private seller.  I went and met with him to look at the vehicle.  As my wife and I were driving we noticed a couple weird little thinks that didn’t seem normal.  For one the CD player was flashing an error code.  The seats were leather but they didn’t have a normal leather feel to it.  So when I got back to the house I talked to the seller a bit more.  He told me that he owns a mechanic shop and this was a vehicle he got for his wife and she wanted something newer.  Then I asked him if it was a clean title or a salvage-restored title.  He then said it was a salvaged restored title.  Then I asked why it was originally salvaged.  He said he didn’t know.  I walked away and didn’t buy the vehicle.  After thinking about it I assume it might have been a car that was salvaged out because of a flooded area like a huge hurricane or something similar. 


 


What affects would a flooded out car have?


 


With all the flooding in Texas from hurricane Harvey you are sure to see a lot more vehicles for sale that have been flooded out.  There are an estimated 500,000 vehicles that will be totaled out.  Some of those cars will make their way to Arizona.  Water can do a number of things to a vehicle.  Some of those areas affected by the water are the electronics, lubricants, and the mechanical systems.  This could cause mold to develop in areas that are hard to reach.  It can cause rust as well.  If the price is right on the car it might be a bargain for you.  But there is the downside as well. 


 


How will a flooded care effect my automobile insurance?


 


Some insurance carriers won’t insure a car that has a salvage-restored title on it.  Another issue could be that some insurance companies will give you less of a payout for a vehicle compared to a regular titled vehicle.  Of course if you have a salvage-restored title when you go to sell the vehicle, you will not get full value of the vehicle. 


 


How to know if the vehicle I’m buying is a flooded out vehicle?


 


First thing to do is ask the person selling the vehicle is if it’s a salvaged or restored-salvaged title.  Then inspect the vehicle.  Smell the inside of the vehicle and try to smell any moldy or musty smell.  Check the carpet for signs of water damage, mud areas, or if it’s the original carpet or a replacement carpet.  Check any compartments like the glove box, center counsel or door compartments for signs of water damage or mud.  Check the lights to see if there might be signs of a water line in them.  Look at areas that are hard to clean in the engine compartment or trunk to see if there might be some signs of water damage or mud there.  Look around for any sign of rust.  If there is unpainted areas like a screw head could tell if there was water exposure. 


 


After your inspection then you should do a little research to make sure you are comfortable with vehicle not being a flooded out vehicle.  You can do a car fax to see the history of the vehicle.  If the vehicle was totaled out by an insurance company that should show up there.  Look at the title to make sure it doesn’t have the word(s) salvage or restored on it.  Sometimes if the person didn’t file a claim because they didn’t have comprehensive coverage on the vehicle it won’t be a totaled vehicle and can be sold as a regular titled vehicle.  That’s why it’s important to do your inspection.  Of course it’s always wise to have your mechanic take a quick look at the vehicle to make sure there are no huge issues with the vehicle.       


#HurricaneHarvey
#AutoInsurance
#BuyACar

 
Raymond E. Grim is an insurance agent with American Family Insurance.  He has been serving the Surprise, AZ area since 2001.  Raymond specializes in auto insurance, home insurance, life insurance, and business insurance.  Raymond is also an active member of the Surprise Regional Chamber of Commerce and is the chairperson for the Government Affairs Committee.  Raymond along with his wife are also associate pastors for CFTN Surprise. 





12213 W. Bell Rd. #212


Surprise, AZ 85378


623-876-1793


rgrim@amfam.com


#SurpriseInsuranceAgent



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