Car buyers beware: GEICO says be on the lookout for flood-damaged cars after Hurricane Matthew

WASHINGTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Hurricane Matthew blew in last month with damaging winds, heavy rainfall
and high storm surges, and it may have left behind hundreds of
flood-damaged vehicles on auto sales lots.

GEICO says you definitely don’t want one of those, no matter how good
the price is. If you’re about to start shopping for a used car, GEICO
offers these five tips to help consumers avoid purchasing a
flood-damaged vehicle:

1. Examine the vehicle for obvious signs of flood damage. Check
   the car for strong disinfectant odors used to mask mold. Also, look
   for water stains, standing water, and signs of rust. Brand new
   upholstery or recently shampooed carpets may also be signs of flood
   damage.
2. Obtain a detailed car history report. Visit the National
   Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS) or other online
   sources such as Carfax.com
   to verify car history, past ownership, accident history, liens,
   maintenance and prior water damage. A fee may be associated with some
   history report services, so be sure to shop around for the best option
   to fit your needs.
3. Perform a VIN check. Use the National
   Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) VIN check tool to help determine if
   a vehicle has been reported stolen or salvaged. This feature can be
   accessed for free on the NICB
   website. Compare the VIN found on the car with all documents and
   records for consistency.
4. Review all title and ownership documents. Access the NMVTS
   website to review title documents and other important vehicle
   information. Make sure that the seller’s information matches what is
   listed on the title to confirm ownership.
5. Have a professional mechanic inspect vehicle. Take the vehicle
   to a trusted mechanic to inspect it for any signs of water damage
   before making a purchase.

GEICO
(Government Employees Insurance Company) is a member of the Berkshire
Hathaway family of companies and is the second-largest private passenger
auto insurance company in the United States.

Using GEICO’s online
service center, policyholders can purchase policies, make policy
changes, report claims and print insurance ID cards. Policyholders can
also connect to GEICO through the GEICO
App, reach a representative over
the phone or visit a GEICO
local agent.

For more information, go to www.geico.com.

Contacts

GEICO Communications
gcorpcomm@geico.com
To
view GEICO’s Blog: https://www.geico.com/more/