Flood Damaged Car
A flood-damaged vehicle that is declared a total loss receives a Salvage or Flood title brand — permanently. State rules vary on thresholds, disclosure, and whether you can repair and resell.
Check NMVTIS Before Buying
The National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS) tracks Flood and Salvage brands across all 50 states. A free check is available at vehiclehistory.gov — run it on any used vehicle.
Warning Signs of Flood Damage
Musty or mildew smell
Even with air freshener — smell persists in vents and carpet
Rust under carpets
Lift the mats and check floor pans for rust or water lines
Electrical problems
Sticky windows, malfunctioning radio, random warning lights
Foggy instrument cluster
Moisture trapped behind gauges or headlights
Multiple state registrations
Short-interval state changes can indicate title washing
Sand or silt in crevices
Floor console, under seats, in HVAC ducts
Flood Title Thresholds by State
| State | TL Threshold | Title Brand | State Guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | Insurer declares TL | Salvage Certificate | Full guide → |
| Texas | 100% ACV / airbag deploy | Salvage + Flood brand | Full guide → |
| Florida | 80% ACV | Salvage Title | Full guide → |
| New York | 75% ACV | Salvage Title | Full guide → |
| Illinois | Insurer declares TL | Salvage + Flood brand | Full guide → |
| Ohio | 75% ACV | Salvage + Flood brand | Full guide → |