This is my first post on the AZ forums, so please let me know if this belongs elsewhere.

I have a 2000 Acura TL with 230,000 miles on it. Recently, our street flooded (freshwater) and the water was high enough to be slightly above the pedals inside. Bigger vehicles were driving across the road, which caused water to pour over the top of the hood.

The car did start, but white smoke came out of the exhaust, and the engine is running rough. The insurance adjuster came out and started it to check.

The problem I have is this: Insurance is paying $700 (minus $500 deduct.) to repair. My power seats are not working, and I worry that more problems may arise in the future. He didn't include the cost of a new seats, stating "You will need to take it to a mechanic and have them show that the damage was caused due to flooding."

I just want to know, has anyone dealt with insurance on a flooded vehicle before? From the stories I've heard, I would like to have the car totaled, but I'm not sure what it would take.

 

Do you have full coverage?

 

Only $700? Seems a little strange or a crappy insurance company.

 

Could you bring the car to dealer and have it check there? From my experience the insurance company trust dealer more than local shop. What insurance company is that?

 

Yes, I have full coverage.

 

I've scheduled an appointment with the dealer. My concern was that they wouldn't accept the dealer's assessment. When I mentioned that the seats aren't working, the adjuster said, "We can probably pick some up from a salvage lot later if needed." That was, of course, after he said the mechanic would have to prove the damage was related to the flooding.

 

The seats could just be the fuse. I am surprised the electronic control unit (ECU) still works after being submerged so the car starts. One thing to remember is that even if the insurance pays to have the car fixed like new... still carfax will show that there was flood damage so the resale value is next to nothing. So, this is your argument to get more money out of it, the value you lose because of the flood, not for fixing the damage.

 

Why is this in 4G?

 

Note the OP said that the flood water only went up to slightly above the pedals.

The PCM/ECU is sitting much higher up behind the dash, so it shouldn't have incurred any water damage.

 

Im actually going through the same thing. My car was flooded on monday and Im waiting to find out what the damage is they already said my engine is hydro locked and needs to be replaced. I wondering what they didn't uncover?????? Im not sure I want the car back thou.... will it ever be the same?????

 

x6

 

The computer is under the seat I believe, so accumulated water in the passenger compartment is an issue.