1. Record what happened before cleaning
“Flooded” alone is not enough. Give the water type, approximate height, exposure time and how soon drying began. Photograph any water line on seats, trim or in the engine bay before cleaning.
Keep insurer, recovery, transport and garage documents. They help establish the event, but they do not replace a description of the car’s actual current condition.
- Water type and highest level
- Whether it entered the cabin and engine bay
- Whether the car was powered up or started afterwards
- Cleaning, drying and repair work already performed
2. Starting the car may increase the damage
Water in the intake, connectors or control units can cause major damage only when systems are powered. Do not reconnect the battery or attempt to start if the affected area is unknown, connectors are wet or there is an unusual smell.
Electric and hybrid cars add a high-voltage risk. Do not touch orange cables, the battery enclosure or damaged components. Tell the recovery specialist clearly that the car was flooded.
3. What to include in the enquiry and agreement
Provide the VIN, model, year, water level, key availability, wheel condition and access. Add full exterior views, the cabin, boot, engine bay and places showing silt, damp or corrosion.
Record the known water damage, circumstances and completed work in the sale agreement. Do not describe the car as fully repaired unless the moisture and electronic consequences were professionally checked.