Indiana residents should be on guard when shopping for a used car. The Indiana Attorney General’s Office, together with vehicle‑history provider Carfax, issued a warning that many flood‑damaged vehicles are re‑entering the market after being repaired or “title‑washed.”
Why flood‑damaged cars are a risk
According to Em Nguyen, a spokesperson for Carfax, the images of cars submerged in recent high‑water events show the type of vehicles that may be bought cheaply by scammers, cleaned up, and then sold elsewhere. “While it may look showroom fresh, it is literally rotting from the inside out,” Nguyen said. Flood damage can infiltrate a vehicle’s electronics, upholstery, and structural components, leading to costly repairs and potential safety hazards.
How many are already on Indiana roads?
Carfax estimates that about half a million flood‑damaged vehicles are currently operating on U.S. roads. Their data indicates that Indiana alone has thousands of such cars already in use, not counting the most recent flooding events. This means that many drivers in the Hoosier State could be sharing the road with vehicles that are unsafe and may fail unexpectedly.
Legal safeguards and loopholes
Indiana law requires that a flood‑damaged vehicle’s title disclose the damage. However, some sellers may conceal this information through a process known as “title washing,” which removes the flood‑damage designation from the title before the car is resold. This practice makes it harder for buyers to identify a vehicle’s true condition.
What consumers can do
Attorney General Todd Rokita advises anyone considering a used‑car purchase to take the vehicle to a reputable mechanic for a thorough inspection. “Any reputable car salesman is going to allow you to do that, especially on the used car market. If they’re not going to do that, just walk away,” Rokita said.
Buyers should also run a VIN check through services such as Carfax, AutoCheck, or the Indiana Secretary of State’s online portal. A VIN report can reveal whether a vehicle has a history of flood exposure.
Steps to protect yourself
- Ask the seller for a full title history and any flood‑damage disclosures.
- Obtain an independent VIN report before finalizing the purchase.
- Insist on a pre‑purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic.
- Be wary of unusually low prices that seem too good to be true.
By following these precautions, Indiana motorists can avoid the hidden costs and safety risks associated with flood‑damaged vehicles. The Attorney General’s office and Carfax will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as more data becomes available.
Original reporting: Mirror Indy — read the source article.
