A Florida driver nearing the end of a car lease faced an uncertain repair bill after heavy storms flooded a parking lot.
An attempt to move the vehicle ended with a stalled engine, raising concerns about the extent of the damage.
Here's what to know
The driver shared the ordeal on Reddit, explaining that the car initially started before shutting off and refusing to restart. To get the exhaust out of the floodwater, the driver pushed the car to a shallower spot.
Water had also entered the vehicle's interior. The driver filed a claim with their insurance company and reported a $1,000 deductible, though they were unsure whether they had GAP coverage. In a reply, they revealed that only one month remained on the lease.
"Just hoping this don't get me a big financial loss besides deductible," the driver wrote.
Commenters worried they had made poor choices in their bid to get the car running quickly after the damage.
TCD Picks » Quince Spotlight
💡These best-sellers from Quince deliver affordable, sustainable luxury for all
"Starting the car was the worst thing you could do," one wrote. "Likely you hydrolocked the engine and it will need to be replaced or rebuilt."
More background
Florida's warm climate raised the risk of mold growth, one commenter noted, adding that insurers might declare a flooded vehicle a total loss because electrical problems can emerge later.
Another Florida driver described a similar experience. Their vehicle was at a Honda dealership awaiting a decision on whether it would be repaired or declared a total loss.
"It's currently having electrical issues and the mats in the vehicle are soaked but the water didn't reach that high," they wrote.
For the original poster, an emotional attachment to the car added to the financial uncertainty.
"I had my best intentions in not ruining it," the driver explained. "Water was inside the car so possibly the car would be f***** regardless, I pushed it out of the water. I'm sad bc i loved my car."
What can be done?
The relationship between the car's residual value and its actual cash value became another question. A commenter asked how those figures compared after learning the lease was nearly over.
Other commenters emphasized that a total loss was not yet certain, and they encouraged the driver to wait for answers.
"Flooded isn't an immediate death knell for a car unless it's saltwater or mixed," one wrote. "Take a breath and give your insurance time to figure it out."
Where can I learn more?
Elsewhere in Florida, flooding has threatened cars and damaged homes.
• In Fort Lauderdale, king tides shut down part of A1A, with saltwater threatening cars.
• Indiantown residents demanded answers after four inches of rain flooded homes, cars, and streets.
• A Dania Beach condo president said drivers worsened flood damage, contributing to $6 million in losses.
Get TCD's free newsletters for easy tips, smart advice, and a chance to earn $5,000 toward home upgrades. To see more stories like this one, change your Google preferences here.
