Fast Sale of Flood-Damaged Vehicles

If you have a car that has been damaged by flooding and has sustained sufficient damage to its mechanical/electrical impairment or to its structural integrity; an insurance company or state agency in the U.S. ensures that flood damaged vehicles are generally classified as “flooded” or “salvaged” and will be branded as such upon documentation. The source of floodwater could be rainfall, rising rivers or streams, flash flooding conditions, or even a broken pipe inside of the building; what is critical is how high the water rose and whether the vehicle can be relied upon in the future.

We buy flood-damaged vehicles across the U.S. and we make the process easy for the seller. Whether the vehicle has a branded vehicle title, we make a cash offer and handle the pickup.

Although your vehicle runs and drives fine at this time, looks can be deceiving. Water can enter into every system: engine, transmission, electrical wiring, dashboard components, safety components (for example, the airbag light), and upholstery and interior materials. Corrosion or electrical issues typically surface several weeks or months after the vehicle was damaged. The fact that flood damage is invisible is why flood-damaged vehicles sell for much less than vehicles without prior history of damage.

Can I Sell a Flood-Damaged Car?

You can sell a flood-damaged vehicle anywhere in the U.S. if you own the flood-damaged vehicle outright (legally) and hold the title. Flood or salvage brands are required by many states on the vehicle registration once the damage has been listed with the DMV. If you sell to Sell Us Your Car, we can take care of the required paperwork to keep the transaction compliant with state regulations.

Do I have to tell someone about flood damage when I sell?

You must tell the buyer about all water damage to the vehicle. You cannot hide any flood damage from a buyer. If you do, you risk violating consumer protection laws. Disclosing the flood damage will protect you and the buyer and will help prevent disputes about undisclosed defects.

How much is my vehicle with flood damage worth?

What your flooded vehicle is worth depends on the make and model of the vehicle, the extent of the water damage, whether it still runs and the vehicle’s title status. It is safe to assume that the offer from a dealer to buy the vehicle will be much lower than an offer for a comparable vehicle with a clean vehicle history, but it retains some value through resale for parts, repairs or recycling.

Will I be able to sell my vehicle with flood damage if it doesn’t run?

Yes. There are many people who will buy a water damaged vehicle that does not run. Sell Us Your Car routinely makes offers on non-working vehicles. We will send a tow truck to your home or wherever you keep it to pick up the vehicle even if it cannot start.

Can I Trade My Vehicle That Suffered Water Damage?

Trading your vehicle that has suffered water damage for a new one at a dealership is usually not a smart idea. Most dealerships reject vehicles that have been known to have water damage, or the stores offer very little when they accept it. Selling your vehicle directly to a person who wants to buy vehicles for cash such as Sell Us Your Car is usually a better option.

Will My Vehicle That Was Damaged by Water Be Designated as Salvage, Branded Title and/or Flood Title?

Whether or not a vehicle that was damaged by water will be designated as having a salvage title, branded title or flood title depends on what state you live in and whether or not the insurance company has determined that your vehicle is a total loss. If the state DMV has been notified that the vehicle has been damaged by water, the title of the vehicle will likely be branded. Regardless of the title status of the vehicle, Sell Us Your Car will still buy your vehicle.

Should I Fix My Flood-Damaged Vehicle Prior to Selling It?

In almost every case, fixing a flood-damaged vehicle before selling it is not a good investment. There are too many repairs needed for the water damage and the branded title will lower the resale value of the repaired vehicle. We suggest selling the vehicle in its current condition and allowing the new owner of the vehicle to decide whether to repair it.

What Is The Best Way To Sell A Vehicle Damaged By Water?

The best way to sell a water-damaged vehicle is through a reputable “cash-for-cars” buyer, like Sell Us Your Car. Other options include a junk yard or trying to sell it yourself. Selling it yourself is typically the way to get the highest price; however, there is some risk of buyers who do not show up or people that give you extremely low offers. Junk yards pay the least; they only want the scrap metal and some basic components of the vehicle. Most traditional automobile dealerships will not buy water-damaged vehicles. Cash-for-cars buyers provide the best trade-offs of receiving a fair price while providing you with free towing, instant payment, handle all legal paperwork and very fast online offer.