20 to 40,000 cars damaged by Florence floods

Floods continuing in the Carolinas after the torrential rains of Hurricane Florence, experts say that high water will damage thousands of vehicles.

But auto industry analysts say the number of vehicles destroyed will be well below the 700,000 or so vehicles damaged by hurricanes Harvey and Irma in Texas and Florida last year.

In addition, Florence followed the expected path, making the evacuations more successful and now more vehicles out of danger. Still, Florence is responsible for at least 37 deaths in three states.

According to Kelley Blue Book chief economist Jonathan Smoke, 20,000 to 40,000 vehicles will be total losses in Florence, while Anil Goyal, vice president of operations at Black Book, tracks sales and used values. Both are waiting to make final estimates as inflated rivers crumble Wednesday and Thursday.

State Farm, one of the largest US auto insurers, said Wednesday it has received 1,630 car claims from the Carolinas. This will certainly increase as floods recede and people return home.

Smoke and Goyal say the damage from the storm will push up the prices of used vehicles at least on the East Coast as people replace damaged cars.

"We already have a strong demand for used vehicles, especially for used sedans," Goyal said.

Here are answers to questions about what will happen to damaged vehicles and how to handle your car after the storm.

Q: Do I have to start my car if it has appeared?

A: No, in almost all cases. If the car was only a few inches of water, it was not above the lower body, so maybe. Water greater than this can enter the wires, transmission parts, exhaust gases or other places. Deeper water could enter the cylinders surrounding the pistons. Trying to start the car could bend the parts that connect the pistons to the rest of the transmission, experts say. Oil, gasoline, antifreeze, brake fluid and other liquids may contain water that could cause damage if not replaced. Experts recommend towing a car to a mechanic for inspection.

Q: IF IT IS REPAIRED, IS MY CAR SAFE?

A: Probably not. The water could have damaged the sensors, electrical connectors, computer chips and wiring under the carpet, behind the dashboard or in the engine compartment. This could disable lights, airbags, ignition, sensors or other essential systems. Corrosion can form under the insulation of the wiring. The damage may not appear for years.

Q: Will the insurance cover a flooded car?

A: depends on your coverage. If you are financing or leasing, your lender probably needs full insurance, which usually covers the damage caused by floods. But if you own a car or if it is old and its repair would be more expensive, you can choose not to benefit from full coverage. According to the Insurance Information Institute, in 2013, 78% of insured drivers in the United States had full coverage.

Q: How do insurers handle flooded cars?

A: Once an owner has filed a claim, the insurer will assess the damage. Many states have guidelines for a vehicle to be considered a total loss, including the extent and type of damage and the cost of the repair. If the insurer determines that the vehicle is a total loss, it will pay the owner – less a deductible that is usually between $ 500 and $ 1,000 – and will take the vehicle and title.

Q: Where do floating cars go?

A: Insurers will pass cars to auction or salvage yards. Undamaged parts will be recovered and many vehicles will be scrapped. Some will go to the auction, says Goyal of Black Book. Anything that has been considered a total loss by an insurance company should have a recovery title. But consumers have to be careful. A vehicle considered a total loss in one state might not require a salvage title in another state, according to experts.

Q: HOW TO AVOID BUYING A DAMAGED VEHICLE?

A: Flooded cars could be shipped to other parts of the country or even to other countries. To find out where the car is coming from and if it has a salvage title, experts suggest entering the vehicle identification number into services to search the car's history, as Autocheck or Carfax. The National Insurance Crime Bureau and Carfax offer free car checks. Buyers may ask to take the car to a mechanic for inspection. They may also look for signs of flooding, including musty or mildew odors or the rash use of an air freshener, a discolored carpet or a new rug in an old car, water pipes in the engine compartment or trunk, rust or flaking. metal under the car, and dirt accumulation in unusual areas such as seat rails. If you see any signs, do not buy the car, experts say.