Check Vehicles for Flood Damage Before You Buy

October 7, 2005

Water-damaged vehicles from New Orleans and other flood-affected areas may find their way to Alberta

Edmonton... Albertans are reminded to check for flood damage before they purchase their next vehicle. Vehicles from hurricane and other flood-affected areas are finding their way onto the market, so it is essential for potential buyers to take steps to find out a vehicle's history.

"Flood-damaged cars and trucks are already showing up in U.S. states near hurricane-affected areas," said Ty Lund, Minister of Government Services. "Hundreds of used cars move across the US border and from other provinces every day and damaged goods could easily show up on local lots or for sale online and in classified ads."

Some flood-damaged vehicles can be salvaged, but can have long-lasting mechanical problems. Problems linked to flood damage can include the malfunction of brakes, engine control modules, airbags, headlights, windshield wipers, power accessories and stereo equipment. However, flood damage may not always be obvious and car-buyers must rely on good inspection reports and learn how to spot unusual problems.

Water-damaged vehicles are declared as "salvage" or "non-repairable" depending upon the depth of the water intrusion. Any vehicle registered as salvage in another jurisdiction, including the U.S., must undergo an inspection, by a licensed inspection technician, after repairs are completed before it can be re-registered. Used vehicles also require a certificate of mechanical fitness.

Alberta keeps records of all vehicles declared salvage, non-repairable or flood-damaged. If the car dealer or private owner does not have a vehicle's history, potential buyers can order a Vehicle Information Report from one of Alberta's many Registry Agents. The report shows the type of vehicle, existing liens, as well as whether the vehicle has been declared salvage or non-repairable.

To find a Registry Agent near you or for more information on Vehicle Information Reports visit www.gov.ab.ca/gs under "Motor Vehicles".

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Media enquiries may be directed to:

Wilson Smith, Communications
Government Services
Phone: (780) 415-6051
Fax: (780) 422-8621

To call toll free within Alberta dial 310-0000.

Backgrounder

October 7, 2005

Tips on checking vehicles for flood damage:

     
  • Seek information on the vehicle's history from a Registry Agent.      
  • Before you buy any used car, have it inspected by an automotive technician you trust;      
  • A technician specializing in electrical and electronic diagnosis should be consulted if you suspect the vehicle has suffered flood damage.      
  • Buy only from a licensed automotive business;      
  • Ask the seller directly whether the car has been damaged by water or anything else and ask for the answer in writing;      
  • Check for damp or musty odors inside the vehicle and in the trunk;      
  • Check for signs of rust and mud in the trunk, glove box and beneath the seats and dashboard. Look for rusty brackets underneath the seats or on the carpet. Also look for discolored upholstery or carpet that fits poorly or doesn't match exactly;      
  • Make sure that all gauges are in working condition;      
  • Check underneath the hood. Look for a water line that was marked by mud or silt or for evidence of a recent engine shampoo;      
  • Test everything: the lights, windshield wipers, turn signals, cigarette lighter and radio;      
  • Check the heater and air conditioner several times. Look in the vents for signs of water or mud;      
  • Have a certified automotive service technician check for signs of water or silt in the fuel tank. Also have the technician check for signs of water or silt in the vehicles' fuse box and electrical junction boxes;      
  • Ask to see the registration of the car. Keep in mind that the registration will only indicate flood damage if the insurance company officially declared the car to have been salvaged.

    Albertans can also contact the Alberta Motor Vehicle Industry Council (AMVIC) or visit http://www.amvic.org/ for additional information and tips on buying a car. AMVIC provides consumer protection in the Alberta motor vehicle industry through mandatory licensing of businesses and investigation of consumer complaints under Alberta's Fair Trading Act.

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    Media enquiries may be directed to:
    Wilson Smith, Communications
    Government Services
    Phone: (780) 415-6051
    Fax: (780) 422-8621

    To call toll free within Alberta dial 310-0000.

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