A car that has been flooded is typically a salvaged title, which means it's worth much less should your insurance company need to repair it after an accident.  The problem is, when you are buying from another person, they are not legally require (in most states) to tell you if it has a salvaged title, so it makes sense when you're car shopping, to look for clues.

There are several ways to avoid purchasing flood-damaged cars. The first thing to do is to obtain the vehicle’s history report. All that is needed is the car’s VIN (vehicle identification number) which is normally located on the dashboard or at the bottom of the windshield on the driver side. The VIN number is also located on the title of the car. Carfax is one of the most popular and best ways to obtain valuable information on a vehicle.

Another great way to tell if a car has been damaged is to examine the car’s exterior and interior. The exterior will show signs of water damage such as the headlights and taillights would have water inside of them or will appear foggy. Also if there is rust, mud, dirt, flaking metal or water under the hood, the undercarriage or inside the wheel well, it is very likely the car was in a flood. 

The interior of the car will have a stale musty smell if it has been under water. The carpet, upholstery and floor mats inside of a car that has been in a flood will have a strong musty odor. Also if the car has a heavy smell of cleaning solution or air fresheners that may be a sign that the seller is trying to cover up those musty mildew smells.

Other things to look for in the interior include large brown water stains or rings in the carpet or upholstery. Also if the upholstery is mismatched or brand new in a used car that could be a warning sign that it has been replaced or removed. Other signs of flood damage include mud and/or rust under the seats, in the glove box, in the dashboard or in the trunk. 

Another thing to check is the car’s engine or electrical systems to see if they work properly such as turning on the windshield wipers, turn signals, air-conditioner and the radio. It is also a good idea to check these features while taking the car for a test drive. 

If any of these signs are suspected, it is highly recommended that a certified mechanic make a complete inspection of the car before a purchase is made.