Beware flooded cars being sold on the open market after Hurricane Irene

Unfortunately it is bound to happen. Someone who didn't have comprehensive insurance on their flooded car is going to sell their car on the open market and try to deceive the buyer.

What might they do? Well, the first thing they'll do is put their car through a car wash and spray some perfume or odor cover-up to hide the smell of flood water and mold.

They might go to the extremes of shampooing the rugs or even replacing rugs and seats. But the damage has been done as flood waters destroy electronics and electrical components.

So be careful buying a used car from a "flood region" and I would be especially cautious about buying a car now "unseen" on any website or online auction.

Before buying a car look for signs that the carpeting or seats have been changed. Check the carpet and trunk and glove box for dampness. Look for dirt and residue left by flood water. Give it the "sniff test" for another indication it was in a flood. Look for residue of water lines.

Floods are covered by the "comprehensive part" of auto insurance, but some consumers have skipped payments on comprehensive to save money because of the economy or because cars are older. Unfortunately when flooded a car is usually headed for big problems and these uninsured flooded-out owners hope to pass along the problem to someone else.