How to spot a flood-damaged car

The recent Marin floods bring to light the devastating impact flooding can have on homes and businesses.

“Even minor flooding could pose a safety risk, including electrical hazards from water coming in contact with wiring, potential contamination and mold growth, and hidden dangers from sharp objects and debris left behind,” wrote Andrew Mogensen, Larkspur’s community development director, in the city’s “Flooding Event and Electrical Safety Advisory” mailer.

Water exposure can affect electrical systems in ways that may not be immediately visible, he said.

“Flooding can damage electrical outlets, appliances and HVAC systems, which can be particularly vulnerable to even a small amount of water,” he said.

Mogensen recommends having a licensed electrical professional evaluate electrical panels, wiring, outlets, meters and any electrical equipment that was exposed to moisture to avoid potential electrical fires.

Other resources he recommends are publicworks.marincounty.gov/fema-resources; sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance;
and disasterassistance.gov.

The hidden dangers of ‘flood cars’

During the recent flooding, local news reports and people on social media showed photos and videos of cars parked in — or plowing through — high standing water, especially in flood-prone areas of Mill Valley and Larkspur.

Driveways and garages can’t always protect cars, and if your car was caught up in the recent floods, CSAA Insurance Group, part of AAA, says that before you drive it, follow these steps first.

• Avoid starting the engine to prevent major engine damage. Instead, have your car towed to a repair facility for a thorough inspection.

• Contact your insurance agent, especially if you have comprehensive coverage on the car.

• Document the damage with photos and videos, even security camera footage if you have it, of the water level around your car.

Avoid buying a ‘flood car’

If you want to replace that car with a used one, beware of accidentally buying another “flood car.”

A “flood car” is one that has been completely or partially submerged in water to the extent that its body, engine, transmission or other mechanical components have been damaged, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau.

They are typically given a salvaged or flood title, and the parts are used for recycled parts or scrap metal, but some end up on the used car market with hidden costly and potentially dangerous problems that can show up months or a year later for the new owner.

In January 2025, CARFAX estimated that 482,000 “flood cars” were on the used car market nationwide.

It updated that report in August 2025, after severe flooding in Texas, Kentucky, West Virginia and nearby states, estimating that 45,000 additional “flood cars” had entered the market.

“Flood cars” can be cleaned up and sold locally or shipped to and from other states.

Many are bought at auction by scammers to resell with a “clean” or title-washed title, and some cars can avoid scrutiny when sold by uninsured owners who don’t report the damage or by dishonest owners who use them as trade-ins.

According to CARFAX, Florida leads the way with 82,100 “flood cars” reportedly for sale, but California is No. 5 on the list with almost 22,000, and with our recent flooding, that number might climb.

If you think you can spot a “flood car” easily, go to carfax.com/press/video-gallery. It shows how deceptive a “flood car” can appear after being cleaned and detailed.

Concerns can include mechanical failure (corroding metal, exhaust system failure, engine seizure or overheating, or transmission failure), electrical issues (short-circuiting wires, computer malfunctions, inoperative lights and dashboard), safety hazards (warped or rusted brakes and rotors, automatic braking system malfunction and airbag or restraint system failure) or health issues (interior air contamination from muddy seats and fabrics or bacteria in the ventilation system).

Here’s some advice from AAA, CARFAX, Consumer Reports and the National Insurance Crime Bureau.

• Do a thorough title check. Use a free, easy-to-use online search from CARFAX at CARFAX.com/flood or the National Insurance Crime Bureau at nicb.org/vincheck. Use both to see if a car was salvaged or deemed a “flood car,” or if it’s from a known flood area.

• Buy from a reputable car dealer.

• Ask the seller if the car was damaged in a flood, and get the answer in writing. Check that the title doesn’t say “salvaged” or “flood.” Avoid the car if you’re not happy with the results.

• Inspect the car visually. Look for rust on iron parts, green patina on copper parts and white powder or pitting on aluminum or alloy parts. Look for moisture, mud or dirt in unexpected places such as crevices, under parts in the engine bay, in the glove compartment, trunk, spare tire well and seatbelt retractors, and mismatched carpets or seats that may indicate a cover-up of damage. Possible water damage may be indicated by foggy headlights, taillights or instrumental panels. Start the car, and if the oil on the dipstick looks cloudy, it could indicate water in the oil, which may have damaged the engine.

• Smell the interior’s fabrics, flooring and glove compartment, and also the trunk. Try to smell past any air fresheners.

• Take the car for a road test. Test everything electrical multiple times. Roll up and down the windows and any sun or moon roofs. Turn on the heater, seat warmers and air conditioning. Listen for distorted sound on the radio or entertainment center. Switch on the headlights, windshield wipers and turn signals. Make sure the dashboard lights up when the car starts.

• Finally, have a certified mechanic perform a precheck inspection. It doesn’t cost a lot upfront, but it can save you lots of money down the road.

Show off

If you have a beautiful or interesting Marin garden or a newly designed Marin home, I’d love to know about it.

Please send an email describing either one (or both), what you love most about it and a photograph or two. I will post the best ones in upcoming columns. Your name will be published, and you must be over 18 years old and a Marin resident.

Don’t-miss event

• If you want beautiful blooms on your rose bushes this spring, now’s the time to prune them. Jenny Board, Marin Art and Garden Center’s garden manager, will demonstrate her rose pruning tips from 9 to 11 a.m. Jan. 31 at the Marin Art and Garden Center at 30 Sir Francis Drake Blvd. in Ross. The demo is free, and reservations aren’t required. Call 415-455-5260 or go to maringarden.org.

PJ Bremier writes on home, garden, design and entertaining topics every Saturday. She may be contacted at P.O. Box 412, Kentfield 94914, or at pj@pjbremier.com.