Flood Damaged Vehicles Concern for Buyers

If you're thinking of buying a vehicle from the United States, SGI is reminding you to do your research.

The company is warning their customers to be cautious of flood-damaged vehicles from areas affected by Hurricane Sandy.

Flood-damaged vehicles pose a number of risks, and in some cases the vehicle may end up being useless.

"Vehicles that are identified as flood damaged originating from anywhere in Canada or the US would be deemed what is called non reparable, meaning that they would not be eligible for registration anywhere in Canada," said Ciaran Downes with SGI. "So you may be stuck with a vehicle you cannot use."

Downes added purchasing vehicles through licensed dealers is one of the only ways for motorists to protect themselves, however if purchasing from a private seller it's important to know the vehicles history, have the seller put everything in writing, look for signs of water damage, and test the vehicle before-hand.