Why is a car considered totaled after being submerged in water?
5 Answers
Cars are considered totaled after being submerged in water for the following reasons: 1. Damage caused: It may lead to engine failure, electrical short circuits, damage to the driving system, and other impacts. 2. Effects: Vehicles submerged in water due to various reasons are affected by the water level and duration of submersion in terms of the extent of damage. Components prone to damage include circuits, electrical devices, precision instruments, thermal and sound insulation materials, and oils. High-value repairs involve the engine, transmission, computer system, audio and electrical equipment, wiring, airbags, steering system, etc. 3. Resale value: Moreover, it affects the car's future resale value. Generally, a water-damaged car sold second-hand will be priced at half the value of a car that hasn't been submerged in water.
The reason water-damaged cars are often totaled is due to irreversible damage to the entire vehicle, especially to the engine and electronic systems. I've seen many flood-damaged car cases where water entering the cylinders causes connecting rods to bend under high-pressure compression, instantly destroying the engine. When electronic control units get soaked, short circuits and rust occur, requiring replacement of entire computer modules at exorbitant costs. Waterlogged interiors lead to mold growth, bacterial proliferation, and foul odors that affect health. Repair costs frequently exceed the vehicle's value, and even after repairs, hidden issues may persist—such as unstable wiring increasing fire risks. From my perspective, it's better to total an unreliable vehicle than spend heavily on repairs, which is often what insurance companies recommend for peace of mind. Saltwater flooding is even worse, accelerating corrosion that completely destroys many components.
One of my cars was submerged in a flood. While driving, it sputtered a few times and then stopped, after which it wouldn't start. The repair shop opened it up and found that the engine and electrical system were flooded, quoting a repair cost of 50,000 to 60,000, which is more than the car's worth. Frequent electronic failures occurred, with windows malfunctioning and the AC emitting strange odors. After assessment, the insurance company declared it a total loss and compensated me. They explained that flood-damaged repairs carry high risks and are prone to accidents. Now I understand that repairing a flood-damaged car is futile and a waste of time and effort. The waterlogged interior deforms, the chassis rusts, and safe driving is compromised. Daily parking should avoid low-lying areas—prevention is better than cure. Some flood-damaged cars end up in the second-hand market, where buyers get scammed, and accumulating repair costs only add to the financial burden.
The primary consideration for water-damaged vehicles being scrapped is safety risks. After water immersion, electrical circuits may short-circuit and catch fire, endangering lives; failed sensors can lead to ineffective brakes or loss of steering control; water entering the engine compromises mechanical stability, increasing the likelihood of accidents while driving. To avoid these risks, scrapping is a reliable choice, reducing road hazards. The corrosion of electronic modules makes quality repairs difficult to guarantee, and in the long run, the costs outweigh the benefits. Chemical cleaning agents used in repairs are harmful to the environment, making recycling a safer and more efficient alternative. Insurance systems reinforce this point, balancing cost-effectiveness.
Economically, it is reasonable to scrap flood-damaged vehicles. The repair costs are too high, with engine or electronic unit replacements potentially exceeding half of the vehicle's residual value; insurance companies often declare them total losses to recover funds. In the used car market, flood-damaged vehicles are prone to fraudulent refurbishment, leading to buyer losses. Corrosion of components after flooding increases maintenance frequency, consuming time and money. Scrapping and recycling resources save materials and reduce waste. The risks of inflated repair quotes are significant, making replacement more economically practical.
