Why is a car considered totaled when submerged in water?

[LeAdalynn]

It's not necessarily true that a car is totaled when submerged in water. Here's the relevant information: Water-wading car: Water reaches the wheels but doesn't enter the interior, commonly referred to as a water-wading car. This situation is quite common and generally causes no damage to the vehicle. Water-damaged car: Water reaches halfway up the wheels and enters the interior, submerging below the dashboard (generally called a water-damaged car). This situation causes damage to the vehicle's performance, but with professional treatment, it can still be used. Flooded car: Water level exceeds the wheels, enters the interior, and submerges the dashboard (generally called a flooded car). For such vehicles, the water level has already caused severe damage to the engine, transmission, and electrical systems, and it's not recommended to continue using them even after repairs.