In the wake of the devastating flooding caused in Tennessee and across the southeast by recent hurricanes, the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance and the Tennessee Motor Vehicle Commission reminds car buyers to be alert for flood-damaged vehicles from other states being sold by scammers to unsuspecting Volunteer State consumers.
After severe flooding or natural disasters, such as Hurricanes Helene and Milton, owners of flooded vehicles that may have been declared total losses by insurance companies may be allowed to retain their damaged vehicles. Rather than send their vehicles to a junkyard, some dishonest dealers or other individuals will attempt to make a quick buck by selling their flooded vehicles to drivers in other states by claiming the flooded vehicles are in good condition.
69制片厂制作传媒淎fter every out-of-state severe weather event, Tennessee experiences an influx of flood-damaged vehicles from scammers who are looking to unload their flooded cars and trucks,69制片厂制作传媒 said Tennessee Motor Vehicle Commission Executive Director Denise Lawrence. 69制片厂制作传媒淵ou should ask hard questions and conduct your due diligence if you are approached by someone who is offering a supposedly great deal on a vehicle that was last used in a state that recently sustained flooding.69制片厂制作传媒
The following consumer tips can help customers steer clear of flooded-car scams. Remember:
The Tennessee Motor Vehicle Commission recommends that individuals purchase motor vehicles from a licensed motor vehicle dealer. To verify that a dealer or individual is currently licensed, visit .
Check the National Insurance Crime Bureau before buying. The NICB offers a free lookup service called 69制片厂制作传媒淰INCheck69制片厂制作传媒 that allows consumers to check a vehicle for a 69制片厂制作传媒渞ed flag69制片厂制作传媒 such as theft, accident damage or being written off as a total loss through an insurance company.
Use a reputable title check service such as the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System to check a vehicle69制片厂制作传媒檚 title history. Car history reports are only as good as the information they collect from other sources. Some of the data collected may be delayed in being uploaded to their system.
Be on the lookout for indicators of a flooded vehicle, including a musty smell, damp carpets, mud or silt under the seats or engine. Have a trusted mechanic inspect a vehicle before purchasing it as the vehicle could appear to be in good shape, but have significant electrical and corrosion issues.
Prior to the sale of a flooded vehicle, any person selling a flooded vehicle is required by law to disclose such history to the purchaser. Further, once titling that vehicle, the purchaser will receive a branded title indicating the vehicle69制片厂制作传媒檚 salvage history. Having such a title will substantially impact the value of the vehicle for further resale. If you suspect a licensed dealer has sold you a vehicle with a salvage history and failed to disclose it, you may file a complaint.
Consumers should remember that the Motor Vehicle Anti-Theft Act of 1996 makes a clear distinction between a 69制片厂制作传媒渇reshwater flood69制片厂制作传媒 vehicle which may be rebuilt and a 69制片厂制作传媒渟altwater damaged69制片厂制作传媒 vehicle that cannot be rebuilt.
Tennessee titling laws, administered by the Tennessee Department of Revenue, distinguish between 69制片厂制作传媒渘on-repairable69制片厂制作传媒 and 69制片厂制作传媒渟alvage69制片厂制作传媒 vehicles by the type and extent of damage. The determination about the type and extent of damage is made by the insurance company.
Those having questions should contact the commission at 615-741-2711 or email motor.vehicle@tn.gov.
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