Every rainy season, thousands of cars in Metro Manila and the provinces take on water. Some are written off; many quietly return to the used market. Whether you own a car or are shopping for one, here is what to know.
Before the storm
- Know your area's flood history. If your street has flooded before, plan a high-ground parking spot in advance (a mall car park or an elevated garage).
- Keep your comprehensive insurance current and check whether it includes Acts of Nature coverage; standard policies often do not.
- Photograph the car and its odometer before the storm as a record for any claim.
If the car floods
- Do not start the engine. Water in the cylinders can destroy it on the first crank.
- Disconnect the battery if you can do so safely.
- Call your insurer before moving the car and document the water line on the doors.
- Have it towed to a shop for a full drain, flush and electrical inspection.
Spotting a flood car when buying
Look for silt or a water line under the carpets and in the spare-tire well, rust on unpainted metal under the seats, foggy headlamps, corroded wiring connectors under the dashboard and a musty smell. Test every electrical function; flood damage shows up as intermittent faults months later. When in doubt, walk away or have a trusted mechanic inspect it.
Selling a car with flood history
Disclose it. A properly repaired flood car with receipts can still sell, at a lower price, to the right buyer. Hiding it invites disputes and, in some cases, legal liability. MABcars inspections flag flood indicators, and our dealers price transparently on what they find.
