What are the assessment standards for water-damaged vehicles?
2 Answers
Assessment standards for water-damaged vehicles are determined based on a comprehensive consideration of factors such as the water submersion level, duration of submersion, water ingress status, and the original purchase price of the vehicle. 1. Key points during the assessment process: Remind customers not to start the vehicle before repairs; the vehicle must be tested and confirmed as operational before test driving after repairs; avoid engine damage caused by water entering the intake system. Water-damaged vehicles require prompt handling—immediately cut off the power supply, perform timely rescue operations, dismantle and clean the vehicle, and contact professional electrical equipment repair services for on-site coordinated treatment. 2. Special component considerations: ABS pumps and ABS sensors are generally not damaged by water and do not need replacement; spark plugs can simply be cleaned; the catalytic converter usually does not require replacement if water enters—after vehicle repairs, start the engine normally to use exhaust gases to dry and expel the internal water.
I've seen plenty of cases of flood-damaged vehicle assessment, and it mainly depends on how high the water reached. If the water only submerged half of the wheels, you can usually repair or replace some interior parts like carpets. But once the water rises above the dashboard or the bottom of the seats, all the electronic modules are ruined, and the car is basically a total loss. The type of water also matters: rainwater is less troublesome to deal with, while seawater contains salt, which is highly corrosive and can severely damage the electrical circuits, leading to frequent malfunctions later on. The duration of submersion is another big factor—if the car sits in water too long, the carpets can become soaked and moldy, creating unhealthy air inside. When insurers assess the damage, they compare the vehicle's market salvage value with the estimated repair costs; if repairs are too expensive, they’ll just pay out the total loss. I recommend owners take photos immediately for evidence, disconnect the battery to prevent short circuits, and tow the car to a professional inspection to avoid secondary damage.
