Water damage considerations

A list of the types and the extent of water damage on a vehicle.

Types and impacts

The following presents the type and extent of water damage on a vehicle that determines a vehicle’s reparability, or it salvage designation:

Types	Details and impact
Circumstances of Water Contact	The circumstances of water contact can affect claim-related damage. Circumstances include Vehicle-to-water impact, and Rising water (e.g. due to flood).
Water Type	The following types of water may cause serious damage: water contaminated with chemicals petroleum products fertilizers, or other biological products, or salt water. Potential impacts of these types of water include damage to upholstery metal corrosion in inaccessible areas of a vehicle, and damage to electronic components and connections.
Immersing vs. Traversing	Immersion is the complete or partial submersion of a vehicle, and results in almost certain water ingress and damage. Traversing is driving through low levels of water, and usually presents no hazard, though the vehicle should be carefully examined if water ingress or damage is suspected. Note: Most vehicles are intended to be driven through shallow water and can lead long and productive service lives in wet climates.
Depth of Immersion	A vehicle is considered flood-damaged when it is or has been immersed in a liquid to the bottom of the dashboard, or to a level affecting any of the major electrical system components.
Length of Time between Recovery and Estimate / Repair	The longer it takes to estimate the vehicle and assess the damage, the greater the likelihood the water (and its contaminants) will migrate into the vehicle components and assemblies. This could result in contaminated lubricants upholstery, and compromised safety and electrical components.
Vehicle Running at Time of Immersion	If enough water is introduced (e.g. when the vehicle is immersed, or it impacts the water surface), water can be sucked into the engine and cause immediate damage to expensive internal components of the engine.
Additional damage resulting from recovery/extraction	Recovery or extraction of the vehicle can create further claim-related damage to the suspension running gear, and vehicle structure. Water in the vehicle may enter into previously undamaged areas when the vehicle is raised or is in transit.