How to Find Out if On-Sale Cars are Flood-Damaged?

Here are some tips for buyers wanting to buy vehicles from the second-hand market.

Publish date: Tuesday، 07 May 2024

How to Find Out if On-Sale Cars are Flood-Damaged?

Many people in the UAE are concerned that the used car market will have an influx of flood-damaged cars after the heavy rainfall in the country a few weeks ago.

People assume that many insurance companies are unlikely to cover all the damage repairs if the owner does not have a comprehensive policy, leading to car owners selling their damaged cars to other people.

The minimal legal requirement for car insurance in the UAE is that the car owner needs to have a third-party policy, which includes damage caused to others including their cars and property.

However, these insurance policies do not cover the policyholder's vehicle if they have caused an accident or in case of natural disasters and floods.

This leaves the policyholder to pay for the damages to their vehicle by themselves instead of receiving compensation.

When the insurance claim has been denied, these vehicle owners are more likely to sell their cars in the used market without repairing the vehicle.

Here is how buyers can check for flood damage before purchasing a car from a used market.

Look for Rusty Parts

How to Find Out if On-Sale Cars are Flood-Damaged?

Buyers are advised to take the vehicle to a garage and have it hoisted to check if the underside of the body is rusty.

Buyers are advised to check around the suspension components and around the wheels for rust.

Check the Smell of the Vehicle

Buyers are also advised to check if there is a damp and musky smell because that will indicate water damage.

If the vehicle has an overpowering smell of freshness, that means the owner might be trying to hide some problem with the vehicle.

Take the Vehicle to a Garage

How to Find Out if On-Sale Cars are Flood-Damaged?

Buyers are advised to take the vehicle they want to buy to a garage for an independent assessment.

This way the vehicle will be thoroughly checked before the buyer can make any final decisions.

Water Marks

How to Find Out if On-Sale Cars are Flood-Damaged?

The potential buyer must also check the vehicle for watermarks and tide marks.

Lights and Windows

How to Find Out if On-Sale Cars are Flood-Damaged?

Potential buyers must thoroughly check the vehicle's electricals before they decide to buy it, which includes the lights, windows, radio, and speakers.

If you're looking to buy a car from the used market, get it thoroughly checked before making any decision.

How to Find Out if On-Sale Cars are Flood-Damaged?

Look for Rusty Parts

Check the Smell of the Vehicle

Take the Vehicle to a Garage

Water Marks

Lights and Windows

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