Press Release  RMV Cautions Consumers About Buying Flood-Damaged Vehicles

BOSTON — With recent tropical storms and hurricanes devastating parts of the United States, the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) is reminding buyers to beware of flood-damaged vehicles when making a purchase. Between June and August 2024, tropical storms damaged 89,000 cars, according to Carfax,  and may be sold without disclosure.  

“We are encouraging used car buyers to know the signs of a flood-damaged vehicle, and to take caution when making a vehicle purchase from another state,” said Registrar of Motor Vehicles Colleen Ogilvie. “With recent storms across the country, thousands of vehicles have been damaged by floods, which can cause long-term damage that is not immediately visible. Potential buyers should do their due diligence on a purchase, inspect vehicles for damage, and know the signs of a fraudulent or misleading title.” 

When researching a vehicle, buyers should use the following steps to identify a flood-damaged vehicle: 

Check for a Salvage or “Branded” Title

• When a vehicle is declared a total loss due to flooding, the insurance company issues a salvage title, often labeled with a “brand” indicating the nature of the damage.
• States vary in how they label these titles; some clearly mark them as “flood,” while others use less obvious codes.
• Vehicles with a salvage title cannot be registered until repairs are made and they pass a state inspection, at which point they receive a “rebuilt” or “reconstructed” title.

Always Check the Vehicle’s History

• Use the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS)to access vehicle history reports from approved providers. This system helps combat “title washing,” where totaled cars get new titles in states with lax regulations.
• Carfax offers free flood damage checks, highlighting flood risk based on location history and title records.
• The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) provides VINCheck, a free service that checks for signs of theft or salvage. 

Be Wary of “Clean” or Fraudulent Titles

• Flood-damaged vehicles are sometimes sold with falsified or misleading titles. Always verify a title’s authenticity through reliable resources like NMVTIS. 

Inspect for Warning Signs

• Musty smells or excessive deodorizers: These could indicate efforts to mask flood damage.
• Inspect carpets for signs of waterlogging or caked-on mud.
• Check seat screws, as removed screws may suggest attempts to dry out interiors.
• Examine lights and reflectors for visible waterlines.
• Inspect hard-to-clean areas, like under the hood or trunk gaps, for mud or debris.
• Look for rust on unpainted metal under the dashboard.
• Inspect the engine oil for a milky appearance and the air filter for sogginess.
• Unusual Rust or Corrosion: Rust in unusual places or excessive rust for the vehicle’s age can indicate flooding.

Additionally, buyers can protect themselves from fraudulent purchases with the following tips:

• Buy from a Licensed Dealer: Massachusetts requires dealers to disclose information that might impact your purchase decision. If the vehicle’s history is unclear and you discover flood damage during the warranty period, you may be protected under the state’s Lemon Law.
• Avoid Risky Transactions: Be cautious of private sellers on social media platforms like Craigslist or Marketplace, especially if they cannot provide a clear title or offer only a bill of sale.
• Verify the Title: Always ensure the seller provides a valid title and be wary of vehicles listed as “lost title” — this could be a red flag for hidden damage.

For more information, please visit https://www.nhtsa.gov/hurricane-and-flood-damaged-vehicles  

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