Flood and fire damaged cars

Storm water and fire do the same thing to a car’s value: they move it from “repairable” toward “parts and metal” faster than almost anything else. Water gets into wiring, seats and the engine. Fire takes out wiring, plastics and glass. In both cases the car is usually done.

What water does

A car that sat in water deep enough to reach the floor or the engine can look fine a week later. The damage shows up over time as electrical faults, corrosion and a smell that doesn’t leave. That’s why flood cars are priced cautiously even when they still start. If the water reached the dashboard, expect the offer to be based mostly on metal and the parts above the waterline.

What fire does

Fire damage depends on where it started. An engine fire might leave the rear half of the car and the body panels usable. A fire inside the cabin usually ruins everything that isn’t steel. Fully burned cars are bought for scrap value. Our scrap car page explains how that’s set.

Check with your insurer first

With comprehensive coverage, the insurer may total the car and take ownership, and then the sale is the insurer’s to make. If the insurer pays out and lets you keep the car, you may end up with a salvage certificate rather than a regular title. Tell us which document you hold. A car with an open claim should stay put until the claim is settled.

Pickup after a flood or fire

• Flooded cars are often still in a garage or a low spot in a lot. Tell us if the water has gone down and whether the car rolls.
• Burned cars may have melted tires or a seized wheel. Mention it so the driver can plan.
• Keep it simple. Don’t try to drain, dry or clean it. That doesn’t add to the offer.

After the sale, fluids, the battery and any refrigerant are handled under their own rules before the metal is recycled. How car recycling helps the environment explains what happens.

We pick up storm and fire damaged cars across Flossmoor, Homewood, Harvey and the rest of our service area. Collision damage is covered on the wrecked car page.