When buying a used car, there are all kinds of things to watch out for. This is why so many drivers are wary of comprar coches usados and might opt for a brand-new option if possible. Engine problems, cosmetic issues, and transmission trouble can all make a used car purchase more hassle than it is worth. There are, however, some things to watch out for that are worse than all of those, and flood damage is one of them.

Flood damage can be a major problem because it often will not cause actual car troubles until further down the line. It can take a while for the damage to make itself apparent, and the car may seem fine at first glance. Because of this, many insurance companies, manufacturers, and extended warranty providers may not cover a vehicle that has flood damage. Knowing why flood-damaged cars are a warranty nightmare and what you should keep an eye out for will help you save yourself some money and trouble in the long run.

What Qualifies as a Flood-Damaged Vehicle?

For the most part, a flood-damaged vehicle will be any vehicle that has been exposed to a significant amount of water. While this will usually be due to things like hurricanes, flash floods, or storms, it can also happen in less dramatic conditions. Heavy rainstorms or poor drainage can easily cause flood damage, and you might not realize how much damage has been done until it is too late.

Tell-tale signs that a vehicle is usually considered flood-damaged are if the water has reached the cabin or the mechanical systems in the engine compartment. Once this occurs, an extended warranty provider or insurance company will usually deem the vehicle flood-damaged. The extent of the damage will depend on the car and the conditions, but you might be surprised at how many problems can occur simply because of a large amount of water.

How Water Damage Affects Car Components Over Time

Unlike most other forms of vehicle damage, flood damage might not be apparent right away. When you crash your vehicle or it is damaged by fire, the results are fairly obvious. With flood damage, though, once everything is dried out, the vehicle might operate fine and look as good as it did originally. The components, however, could be damaged in such a way that it will come to light later on.

The electrical system is one of the most common systems that will be affected by flood damage. Modern vehicles are controlled by sensitive electronic modules, and all it takes is for one of them to not work properly to have serious issues. Once water penetrates the electrical system, the connections can start to corrode, and you will begin to have electrical problems that can be difficult to locate and repair.

The engine and transmission can also be severely affected by water damage without being obvious. If water gets inside the combustion chamber in your engine, it can mix with the lubricants and the gasoline and create a sludge. It can also cause something called hydrostatic lock, which is when the cylinders can no longer function normally. It may take a while, but these issues can permanently damage your engine and make the vehicle a total loss over time.

Why Flood Damage Can Void Your Warranty

When you buy a new car, it will most likely be covered by a Garantía de Fábrica provided by the manufacturer. This warranty covers any issues that might arise due to problems with the design or manufacturing flaws and will last for anywhere between three years or 36,000 miles and five years or 60,000 miles. Once this warranty is up, you will be financially responsible for any repairs that need to be made. If you want to continue your coverage, a third-party extended warranty, which is more accurately called a vehicle service contract (VSC), is a great option.

Even with an extended warranty, though, flood vehicles can be a deal breaker. Most providers will not cover a vehicle that has flood damage, and if the warranty is already in place, it will most likely be voided. In these cases, it will fall to your car insurance to cover a flood-damaged vehicle. If your auto insurance policy covers floods, you can generally get the coverage you need, though it may end up meaning that your vehicle is deemed a total loss. Because of the hidden nature of flood damage and corrosion and the difficulty that comes with diagnosing it, you will most likely have to total the vehicle instead of repairing it.

How to Spot a Flood-Damaged Car Before You Buy

One of the best ways to avoid dealing with flood damage when buying a car is to get a vehicle history report. A vehicle history report from a reputable company like CARFAX will include any kind of damage that the car has been involved in, including flooding. You can also check the title to see if it has ever been a salvage title. If so, this generally means that the car has been damaged irreparably, and it will be wise to move on to something else. Be aware, though, that title washing can occur, which is when a seller tries to give a faked title to used car buyers, and keep an eye out for any red flags.

You can also do an inspection to check for any physical signs of water damage. Specifically, check for any musty odors or smells that might be an indicator of flooding. Oftentimes, when flood water gets into the engine compartment, it will cause mold or mildew in the Sistema de aire acondicionado, so remember to turn on the air conditioning and heater to make sure you don’t smell anything strange.

Your best option for an inspection is to have a professional automotive technician take a look at the vehicle. A mechanic at a certified shop or dealership will be able to take a look at the sistema eléctrico and all the other components of the car and check for water damage. If you want to be absolutely sure that there is no flood damage, a professional will know what to look for.

How Endurance Auto Protection Plans Handle Water-Damaged Vehicles

Water-damaged vehicles can be difficult to get coverage for due to the unpredictable nature of the damage. Endurance plans generally exclude coverage for flood-damaged vehicles. In limited cases, if a flood-damaged car has been fully repaired and re-titled (e.g., as rebuilt rather than salvage), it may be eligible for coverage, pending a detailed inspection and approval. If a previously flood-damaged vehicle has been fully repaired, re-titled, and passes a vehicle inspection, it may be considered for coverage, depending on the specific plan guidelines and approval criteria.

Dale a tu vehículo la máxima protección con Endurance

When buying a used vehicle, it is important to have top-tier coverage no matter what kind of condition it is in. Endurance Warranty offers plans for all kinds of vehicles, from older high-mileage cars to top-of-the-line exotic and luxury cars. Endurance offers coverage for certain vehicle types that other providers may not, such as Canadian Gray Market cars and select commercial-use vehicles. However, all plans are subject to eligibility requirements, including vehicle condition and history.

In addition to mechanical breakdown coverage, Endurance customers also get a large suite of standard benefits. These include things like Asistencia en carretera 24 horas al día, 7 días a la semana, Cobertura de alquiler de vehículos, y Cobertura de interrupción de viaje. You can also get access to a year of Endurance’s Beneficios de élite for extra perks like tire repair or replacement, key fob replacement, windshield coverage, and more.*

When you are ready for the best protection for yourself and your bank account, get in touch with our plan advisors at (800) 253-8203 para Cotización Gratis. Tú también puedes tienda en linea to see your price right away and make the best choice for your needs.

Para obtener más recursos de expertos en automóviles, consulte Blog de garantía Endurance. There, you will find helpful guides like this one, DIY tips and tricks, provider comparisons, and much more.