Maryland Attorney General Brian E. Frosh today warned consumers to be cautious of purchasing vehicles that may have been impacted by major flood damage. After hurricanes with large-scale floods like Ian, flood-damaged cars often end up at salvage auctions and bought by rebuilders. While these vehicles should be marked “salvage” or “total loss” on the title, dishonest sellers may “wash” the title, hide the damage, and offer these vehicles for sale.
“Consumers purchasing a used car after a hurricane should always be wary that the vehicle may be irreparably damaged and not the good deal it appears to be,” said Attorney General Frosh. Signs of a flooded vehicle may include:
