Flooding in Tampa Bay causes problems for car owners and buyers

ST. PETERSBURG, Florida – Heavy rains this week have left streets in Tampa Bay flooded and many cars stranded or stranded.

According to experts, this can have serious consequences for both current owners and future buyers.

Richard Bender, owner of Joyce Automotive & Towing in Lakeland, says if you want to learn about a car's history, you have to look beneath the surface – especially when it comes to flooding.

“Water can ruin anything, whether it’s upholstery or electrical components,” says Bender.

He said anyone looking to buy a used car should look for signs of water damage before purchasing.

“You can see the dirt in the exhaust,” said Bender, referring to a flooded car that was brought into his shop. “You can only see it if you go underneath. With this vehicle, for example, we picked up the leaves and everything else in the underbody.”

Bender suggested asking a trusted mechanic to put the car you're considering purchasing on a skid to check for damage underneath the vehicle and also to inspect areas that would normally be covered.

“I would look under the floor mats. I would look behind the seat belts. I would see if you could fold the back seats down,” Bender said. “I would actually open the air filter and look for moisture underneath. Because often times, the person trying to sell a damaged vehicle doesn't go into those areas to look at the details.”

Used cars are not subject to Florida's Lemon Law, so this is one way for buyers to save money – but not the only one.

When it comes to insurance, Charles Gallagher, managing attorney at the law firm Gallagher & Associates, says many people aren't aware that their policies don't cover flooding. Even for those who do know, there's a difference between a car that was flooded while parked and one that was driven through flooded streets.

“Maybe a carrier will ask questions,” Gallagher said. “You know, 'Why did you do that? Was it urgent or was there a specific purpose? How bad was it?' Whether they would rely on a denial or not, I don't know — but you don't want to give them those options.”

Gallagher said if the damage is severe, the entire value of the car can be lost, and if there is a loan, the bills will keep coming.

“You can be stuck with your car loan even though your car is destroyed, a total loss, and that's not covered by your policy,” he said.

He recommended that people double-check their insurance coverage and avoid driving through floodwaters if possible.