The first step following a flood is to call the insurance company and determine if the vehicle is covered against flood damage.
Cleveland OH (PRWEB) September 30, 2013
Restoration Local, one of the leading providers of water and flood damage repair and restoration in the United States, is offering recommendations to vehicle owners on how to salvage their car or truck in the wake of flooding. The recent Colorado floods have damaged thousands of vehicles which may or may not be salvageable.
The first step following a flood is to call the insurance company and determine if the vehicle is covered against flood damage, and if there is provision for towing and rental car services. The vehicle should be towed to a trusted mechanic for repairs.
There should be no attempt to start a flood damaged car, since water in the transmission, engine, or electrical system may cause additional damage if not properly repaired first. Repair bills are routinely doubled due to owners trying to see if their vehicle will start after a flood.
Repair costs should be balanced against the value of the vehicle. If it is going to cost more to repair than the vehicle is worth, then the more prudent option would be to simply sell the car as a salvage title and use whatever proceeds are generated to place a down payment on a new vehicle.
A good rule of thumb is to examine the car for the high water mark, which indicates how much of the car was submerged in flood waters. If the water level has risen above the level of the bottom edge of the doors, then there is a good likelihood that the interior has been soaked and the car should be considered a loss.
While an adjuster will be dispatched to look at the car, it is not necessary for them to arrive before drying the vehicle. Photo and video coverage of the vehicle will suffice for insurance purposes, and the owner can begin removing water from the car. This will avoid the threat of mold moving into your car and setting up shop. In the case of salt water, it eliminates the corrosive damage that can be done to metal by the salt.
Based in Cleveland OH, RestorationLocal.com is one of the leading water damage restoration companies in the country, with contractors in 30 states. They are available 24/7 and all work is guaranteed. More information on water damage prevention and treatment can be found at their website.