Flood Cars Are on the Move! Carfax Study Confirms Consumer Warnings

CENTREVILLE, Va.--A new study by Carfax shows that waves of flood damaged cars are washing up in areas all across the country. Over the last five years, the number of waterlogged wrecks revealed by Carfax Vehicle History Reports has doubled nationwide. Furthermore, massive increases have occurred in numerous states. Individual state results can be found in the table below.

“Our data shows a clear pattern of growth for those states within close proximity to the Gulf Coast or that have large populations and sprawling urban areas,” said Larry Gamache, communications director at Carfax. “Flooded cars are indeed on the move and consumers everywhere are at risk. However, using the information gathered in our database, and new resources like Carfax Xpert, used car shoppers can uncover some of the nasty secrets a car may be hiding.”

Water can fatally damage a car’s most important features – like the electrical and safety systems – causing airbags and antilock brakes to malfunction and effectively turning the car into a ticking time bomb. Under the Carfax Buyback Guarantee, cars purchased with Carfax Vehicle History Reports that do not contain DMV-reported incidents (salvage, flood damage, lemon, odometer problems) may be eligible to be bought back from Carfax.

With used car sales expected to top 44 million this year, consumers should be on high alert for signs of hidden damage and potential fraud.

“In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, an unprecedented effort was made by the auto industry to identify, process and report these vehicles, as well as warn consumers about the dangers of flooded cars,” added Gamache. “We are ever-vigilant in making sure our customers have the information they need to protect themselves. We urge anyone buying a used car to get a Carfax Vehicle History Report that qualifies for the Carfax Buyback Guarantee and have a mechanic thoroughly inspect the vehicle prior to purchase.”

Editor’s note: Larry is available for interviews to discuss the impact of the new study on used car shoppers and offer tips for avoiding the purchase of unsafe vehicles. To schedule an interview, please contact Christopher Basso at (703) 934-2664.

Flood Damage Growth By State (2002 – 2006)

AL– 374%

DE– 112%

KS– 151%

MN– 173%

NH– 30%

OR– 57%

UT– 7%

AR– 122%

FL– 96%

KY– 102%

MO– 170%

NJ– 46%

PA– 161%

VA– 189%

AZ– 84%

GA– 159%

LA– 343%

MS– 633%

NM– 27%

RI– 40%

VT– 39%

CA– 25%

IA– 28%

MA– 26%

MT– 172%

NV– (-4%)

SC– 63%

WA– 47%

CO– 77%

ID– 32%

MD– 136%

NC– 47%

NY– 35%

SD– 86%

WI– 108%

CT– 6%

IL– 23%

ME– 127%

ND– 131%

OH– 99%

TN– 52%

WV– 44%

DC– 8%

IN– 62%

MI– 162%

NE– (-12%)

OK– 231%

TX– 68%

WY– 54%

*excludes Alaska and Hawaii

About Carfax

Millions of consumers rely on the most trusted provider of vehicle history information, Carfax, each year. Using the unique 17-character vehicle identification number (VIN) found on vehicle dashboards and title documents, Carfax instantly generates a detailed Vehicle History Report on any used car or light truck. Carfax Vehicle History Reports™ provide information that can impact a consumer's decision about a used car or truck. Carfax is a wholly-owned subsidiary of R.L. Polk & Co. For more information, visit www.carfax.com.