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Help for Sue's Sister's Sandy-Soaked Cars

Dear Tom and Ray:

Can you help my sister's family? They were victims of Hurricane Sandy this fall, and although their cars are running, they did get saltwater up to the electrical system in both vehicles. Their mechanic said the cars are totaled, and there's nothing to be done. Is he correct, or can you help? BIG thanks!

-- Sue

TOM: If what you mean by "up to the electrical system" is up to the fuse box at the top of the engine compartment, he probably IS correct.


TOM: Possibly.

RAY: That's why insurance companies often total flooded cars. Replacing all of the waterlogged parts simply costs more than replacing the whole vehicle.

TOM: We wrote an article about dealing with, and avoiding, flooded cars after the hurricane. You can read it at our website,

RAY: Your relatives should call their insurance company and report the incident right away. You want the adjuster to come out and look at the cars while the fish are still swimming in them. If he agrees that the cars are not worth repairing, he'll declare them totaled and offer a settlement. Like $14.


RAY: If they don't have comprehensive insurance, then I suppose they can keep driving the cars for now, as long as the cars' basic mechanical components and safety systems are working. But at some point, they're going to be driven out of the cars by an endless series of electrical failures and the smell. So buy them a crate of Lysol Citrus Meadows Scent and wish them luck for us.
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