PSAs for Consumers Buying Used Cars – Avoid Flood Damage

The National Insurance Crime Bureau is warning consumers that flooded vehicles can be put up for sale across the United States. It’s important for consumers to know some criminals will attempt to sell these flood-damaged vehicles to unsuspecting buyers. Unfortunately, some flooded vehicles are purchased at bargain prices, cleaned up, and then taken out of state, where the VIN may be switched, and the car is retitled with no indication it has been submerged in water.

Before you buy any used vehicle, NICB recommends doing your due diligence. This includes a vehicle history and using NICB’s VINCheck®, a free lookup service provided to the public to assist in determining whether a vehicle may have a record of an insurance theft claim, has not been recovered, or has ever been reported as a salvage vehicle by participating NICB member insurance companies.

We are asking for your help in informing your audience about post-disaster fraud, including the resale of flooded vehicles. These PSAs, both English and Spanish, are intended to raise awareness and inform consumers on how to stay vigilant when purchasing a used vehicle.

Chris Stroisch
Vice President, Public Affairs and Communications
847-450-9814
cstroisch@nicb.org