What to Do If Your Car Has Flood Damage

Here in Pensacola, Crestview, and Fort Walton Beach, we know a thing or two about inclement weather. Thunderstorms and hurricanes can bring flood waters with them, and drivers across the coast need to be prepared to respond. We at World Ford Pensacola want to help.

Wondering what to do if your car has flood damage? If it was partially submerged in water, use this guide to assess the damage and plan your repairs. Contact our team if you want to learn more.

Survey Vehicle Damage Visually

Car Flood DamageThe first action you should take is to note how high the floodwaters rose in relation to your car. Be sure to avoid starting a flooded car. If there’s any water in the engine, this can cause even more damage.

Note sure if your vehicle has flood damage? Learn the signs here!

Act Quickly to Minimize Damage

Here in the Florida Panhandle, we border the Gulf of Mexico. When this area floods, saltwater tends to creep in. Saltwater can cause far more damage than freshwater. Basically, saltwater puts your car at risk of corrosion. Start drying out your vehicle as soon as possible.

If needed, contact a towing service to have your car moved to higher ground. You may need to drain the oil and transmission fluid before towing the vehicle.

File a Claim with Your Insurance Company

Filing a claim with your insurance company takes no more than a few minutes. Most insurance providers use apps that make it easier than ever to file online. However, you can always call to file a claim too.

Ford Service Tech Showing Vehicle ReportSome good news—you won’t have to determine the extent of the car’s damage yourself! Your insurance company and a certified auto technician will handle all the necessary inspections. They will check the:

  • Oil dipstick—Water droplets on the dipstick indicate water in your engine and that the cylinders are broken.
  • Interior—If the floodwaters were more than a few feet deep, water probably found its way into your cabin and caused damage.
  • Electrical components—Many may need to be replaced.
  • Fuel tank and line—Fuel may be siphoned from your tank to see if water is present. If it is, the fuel tank will be emptied completely.

The technicians will also remove moisture from your vehicle to help prevent further damage. They may use a wet/dry vacuum, towels, and/or fans and dehumidifiers to speed up the drying process.

Choose Us for Your Flood Damage Repair

We hope this guide helps Pensacola, Crestview, and Fort Walton Beach drivers handle the process after their cars are flooded. Now that you know what to do when your car has flood damage, you’ll be ready to streamline the process and get your car back to the roads.

If your Ford needs flood damage repair, turn to our team at World Ford Pensacola. We’ll work with you and your insurance company to have your car looking like new again! Schedule a time to meet with our auto repair professionals to learn more and get the ball rolling.