At What Level of Flooding is a Car Considered Totaled?
1 Answers
A car is presumed to be a total loss when the repair cost exceeds 80% of the vehicle's current value. Below are the specific classifications of flood-damaged vehicles: 1. Not Considered a Flood-Damaged Vehicle: Water levels that do not reach the chassis do not qualify as flood damage. 2. Waterlogged Vehicle: When water reaches the chassis, it is classified as a waterlogged vehicle, which is the mildest form of flood damage. Water entering the cabin only wets the carpets and floor mats. The carpets, floor wiring harnesses, and air conditioning ducts need to be cleaned or replaced. 3. Partially Submerged Vehicle: When water nearly reaches the wheel level, it is considered a partially submerged vehicle. In this case, water enters the cabin and soaks the seat cushions and lower parts. Besides the carpets, wiring harnesses, and air conditioning ducts, electronic components inside the seats, such as heating wires and adjustment motors, may be submerged. Additionally, the airbag control module and seatbelts may also be affected. Other electrical devices, such as the cigarette lighter socket and USB ports in the center console, may also suffer water damage. 4. Fully Submerged Vehicle: When water rises above the dashboard, it is classified as a fully submerged vehicle. If the water level exceeds the dashboard or even submerges the roof, it indicates that nearly 90% of the vehicle's electrical equipment has been submerged, and the engine has also been flooded.
