Precautions for Assessing Water-Damaged Vehicles

[RileyFitz]

Precautions for assessing water-damaged vehicles: 1. No-start reminder: Remind customers that starting the vehicle is strictly prohibited before repairs, and test drives can only be conducted after inspection and confirmation post-repair to avoid engine damage due to water ingress in the intake system. Create no-start warning signs, print them, place them in plastic bags, and affix them to the front and rear windshields, as well as the left and right rear door windows of the damaged vehicle. 2. Timely handling: Water-damaged vehicles require prompt attention. Immediately cut off the power supply, perform timely rescue operations, disassemble and clean the vehicle, and contact professional electrical equipment repair services for on-site coordinated handling. 3. Accurately determine water ingress status: Differentiate between static water immersion and dynamic water immersion. Before disassembly, check if the engine has water ingress and confirm with the repair facility whether the engine is affected. 4. Confirm water immersion level: Determine the water immersion height based on the watermarks on the exterior of the vehicle body and inside the cabin to establish the scope of damage and assessment standards. 5. Verify the authenticity of high-value parts: Confirm the installation location of high-value electrical components reported by the repair facility, photograph the restored electrical components, or provide a diagram of the parts' installation positions. 6. Special part considerations: ABS pumps and ABS sensors are generally not damaged by water immersion and do not need replacement; spark plugs can be cleaned; catalytic converters usually do not require replacement if water has entered—simply start the engine normally after repairs to dry and expel internal water through exhaust gases.

[Mitch]

I've repaired many flood-damaged cars before. First, ensure safety and don't tamper with it yourself, as there might be electricity in the water that could harm you—disconnect the battery's negative terminal to cut the power. Then quickly use your phone to take pictures of the flood marks inside and outside the car, recording the time and water depth position, which helps the insurance company assess the damage. Never attempt to start the engine; if water has entered the engine and you try to ignite it, the consequences could be worse. Call a tow truck immediately to take it to a reliable repair shop. Professional mechanics can disassemble and clean components like circuits and the dashboard; otherwise, they may corrode or grow mold after drying. The extent of flooding is crucial—for example, water reaching the seats versus the engine makes a big difference in repair costs. Finally, communicate well with the insurance company about policy details; sometimes, flood coverage needs to be purchased separately, and delayed handling might affect next year's premiums.

[Anna]

After my car was flooded last time, I learned my lesson to immediately contact the insurance company to report the incident and provide the policy number for easier coordination. It's best to take photos or videos on-site as evidence, including the flooded condition of the car and the surrounding environment. Avoid moving the car yourself to prevent secondary damage, especially do not start the engine or use electrical equipment. When the loss adjuster arrives for inspection, pay attention to the water level—if water entered the engine compartment, major repairs or even scrapping might be necessary. During the process, the car should be towed to a professional repair shop for thorough cleaning and drying, otherwise, internal parts may rust faster. The subsequent claims process can be quite tedious, so make sure to keep all repair invoices and communication records, as this can speed up the insurance payout.

[StephanieFitz]

I've experienced a car flood situation before, and the key is to stay calm and avoid panic. First, ensure your own safety and stay away from deep water areas—don't touch any electrical circuits in the car. Take multiple photos of the water damage as evidence, including watermarks both inside and outside the vehicle to show the flood level. Then, contact a rescue tow truck to have the car professionally handled at a repair shop. The mechanics will disassemble and clean areas prone to mold, such as carpets and seats, and inspect the electronic systems to prevent short-circuit risks. During cleaning, focus on dehumidification and odor removal, as lingering mold can affect health. During the damage assessment process, verify with your insurance company whether you have flood coverage, and evaluate the loss based on the extent of water damage—flooded cars may suffer severe depreciation. Be thorough throughout the process to avoid future issues.