What to Do if Your Car Floods

The heavy rains and flooding associated with Florida’s massive storms and hurricanes can cause extensive damage, and some of that damage includes flooded cars. In fact, cars can be damaged beyond repair. If your car’s been flooded in a storm, there are certain steps you can take to help mitigate the damage. Further, if your car has been damaged by flooding, protect your insurance claim by working closely with an experienced Panama City flood damage claim attorney.

The High-Water Mark

If your car has been immersed in water that reached higher than the halfway mark on its tires, it likely needs skilled mechanical attention. The same is true if there is evidence that the water did reach or extend that height on your car (if you can see a line of mud or wet debris on your tires, for example).

Best Practices

If you suspect that your car may have been flooded, there are several steps that you should take, including:

• Don’t Start Your Car – Starting your car when there is water in your engine can cause further damage and could leave your car unusable.
• Check the Water Level – if the flooding (or the signs of flooding) don’t go above the bottom of your car doors, your car probably didn’t suffer extensive damage. If, on the other hand, the water rises to the bottom of your dashboard, it’s a good bet that your vehicle will be totaled.
• Check the Oil – When it is safe to do so, check the oil by carefully examining your car’s dipstick. If you see any water droplets on the stick, it means that water may have worked its way into your engine, and you should not start your vehicle. Instead, have it towed to a reputable mechanic who you trust.
• If You’re Comfortable that Your Engine Wasn’t Damaged by Water, Check the Electrical – If you are comfortable starting your car, it’s time to consider electrical damage. Turn your lights on and off; check your blinkers; pump your brakes; try the power locks, fiddle with the controls of your windows and mirrors. In short, give every electrical component a try. If anything seems wonky – or simply isn’t working the same – it’s time to get your vehicle to a mechanic.
• Clean Your Vehicle and Address Odor Issues – As soon as it is safe to do so, open your car’s doors (or windows) to allow the drying process to begin. Saltwater can lead to corrosion and damp can quickly turn to mold and mildew. The sooner you begin the cleaning process, the better.

Car Damaged by Flooding? Call a Skilled Panama City Flood Damage Claim Attorney Today

Flooding often causes extensive car damage – it can even damage your vehicle beyond repair. The Panama City flood damage attorneys at Ged Lawyers, LLP, are committed to ensuring that your insurance company treats you fairly and pays out. We’re here to help, so please don’t hesitate to contact or call us at 850-684-4000 for more information today.