In light of recent hurricanes causing significant flooding in Tennessee and the southeastern United States, the Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance (TDCI) and the Tennessee Motor Vehicle Commission are urging consumers to be vigilant against purchasing flood-damaged vehicles. There are reports of unscrupulous sellers trying to offload these damaged vehicles to unsuspecting buyers in Tennessee.
Vehicles that have been declared total losses by insurance companies due to flooding, such as those affected by Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton, may sometimes remain in the possession of their owners. Instead of scrapping these vehicles, some dishonest sellers may attempt to sell them across state lines, falsely claiming they are in good condition.
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Denise Lawrence, Executive Director of the Tennessee Motor Vehicle Commission, stated, “After every out-of-state severe weather event, Tennessee experiences an influx of flood-damaged vehicles from scammers who are looking to unload their flooded cars and trucks. You should ask hard questions and conduct your due diligence if you are approached by someone who is offering a supposedly great deal on a vehicle that was last used in a state that recently sustained flooding.”
To assist consumers in avoiding such scams, the Commission offers the following recommendations:
– Purchase vehicles from licensed dealers. Verification of a dealer’s license status can be done at verify.tn.gov.
– Utilize the National Insurance Crime Bureau’s free service, VINCheck, to identify potential red flags such as theft, accident damage, or total loss status.
– Use a reputable title check service like the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS) to review a vehicle’s title history.
– Inspect vehicles for signs of flood damage, including musty odors, damp carpets, or mud and silt under the seats or engine. A trusted mechanic can help assess the vehicle’s condition.
– Sellers must disclose any flood damage history before selling a vehicle. Buyers will receive a branded title indicating the vehicle’s salvage history, which affects its resale value.
Consumers should be aware of the legal distinction between “freshwater flood” vehicles, which can be rebuilt, and “saltwater damaged” vehicles, which cannot, as outlined in the Motor Vehicle Anti-Theft Act of 1996. Tennessee laws differentiate between “non-repairable” and “salvage” vehicles based on damage type and severity, as determined by insurance companies.
For questions or more information, consumers can contact the Commission at (615) 741-2711 or via email at motor.vehicle@tn.gov.
Source: Read Original Release
Tennessee Offers Aid After Hurricane Helene
The Tennessee Department of Human Services is providing a one-time emergency cash assistance program for families affected by Hurricane Helene in certain counties, with payments between $500 to $1,000 based on family size. Families already enrolled in TANF or SNAP will automatically receive benefits, while others may apply online if they meet specific criteria. Further details can be found on the TDHS website.