Should a Flooded Car Be Scrapped or Repaired?

[VanAlessandra]

Make the choice based on the extent of water damage. If the car is damaged by more than 70%, it should be scrapped; if the flooding is relatively minor with minimal damage, opt for repairs. Generally, flooded cars are categorized into three levels: a waterlogged car refers to water levels exceeding the chassis; if water surpasses the oil dipstick, it's called a semi-submerged car; and if water rises above the engine cover or dashboard, it's termed a fully submerged car. All three scenarios can be repaired, but they carry certain risks—the longer the soaking time, the higher the likelihood of malfunctions. Whether a damaged vehicle should be scrapped is determined by professional insurance assessors. If the vehicle's loss exceeds 70% of its actual value, it is generally considered a total loss, and you can file a claim with the insurance company. However, note that full compensation does not equate to the price of a new car; it only covers the car's actual value, not its new-car value.

[AlexisLee]

I've repaired over a dozen flood-damaged vehicles. My advice is to first have the repair shop remove the seats and carpets to assess the water level. If the water rose above the dashboard, don't bother repairing - the circuit boards are thoroughly soaked, and any fix would just be a ticking time bomb. If it didn't reach the center console, check how long it was submerged. If over half a day, don't waste your effort; the sand and mud trapped in engine corners can never be fully cleaned. Always check your insurance policy - if the repair costs for a flood-damaged car approach half the price of a new one, you're better off taking the salvage payout and adding funds for a replacement. I've done this math for clients countless times.

[OMaci]

Last year, my own car was flooded up to the wheel hubs, and I struggled for a long time deciding whether to repair it. I asked several repair shops, and they all said the sound insulation material under the carpet is the hardest to dry, and even after drying, it would still have a musty smell. Replacing the wiring harness would cost five to six thousand, and key electronic components might develop issues only after six months, such as erratic wiper movements or uncontrolled windows. If it's a new car, go ahead with the repairs; if it's an old car, just scrap it. Don't let the ten thousand yuan repair cost bring you more troubles down the road.

[Douglas]

My neighbor mentioned his experience with repairing a flood-damaged car. After spending 23,000 yuan on repairs, the car suddenly stalled on the highway. The biggest fear with flood-damaged vehicles is circuit corrosion—surface repairs are easy, but hidden issues can take over half a year to surface. If the water level exceeds the engine intake, it's better to declare it a total loss. Otherwise, the cost of three repairs could buy you a used car. Especially with frequent heavy rains these days, remember to pull the fuses in advance to minimize damage.

[OWilliam]

I tend to look at things from a cost-benefit perspective. First, have the insurance company assess the damage. If the repair costs exceed 60% of the car's value, it's better to declare it a total loss. For example, if a 100,000-yuan car is water-damaged and the repair quote is 70,000 yuan, it's wiser to give up on repairs. Check the used car market—flood-damaged cars depreciate by at least half. It's more hassle-free to take the insurance payout. If you insist on repairing, sign an agreement requiring the repair shop to warranty core components for six months—this is standard practice in the industry.