DMV Issues Important Warning For Car Buyers, Dealers In Wisconsin

It was a rainy summer at times in Wisconsin, especially recently, when severe and historic flooding occurred in the Milwaukee area in August.

Heavy rains caused widespread damage, with some areas receiving over 14 inches of rain in 24 hours, leading to a state of emergency, early closure of the Wisconsin State Fair, and significant damage to homes and infrastructure.

While flooding is known to cause extensive damage, including physical destruction of buildings and infrastructure, destruction of personal property and crops, health hazards from contaminated water and mold, and environmental damage to ecosystems, it can also create issues for people beyond where the actual flooding took place.

If the flooding in Wisconsin didn't impact you personally, consider yourself fortunate, but the Wisconsin Department of Transportation Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) says people throughout the state could still be harmed from past flooding.

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A Warning For Wisconsin Car Buyers & Dealers

​The Wisconsin DMV recently reminded consumers and dealers who are buying a used vehicle to check it carefully for potential flood damage.

Water can cause mechanical or electrical issues, affecting the overall safety of the vehicle. The DMV has resources to help identify damaged vehicles, tips for car buyers, and support if a faulty vehicle is purchased from a Wisconsin dealer.

“It may be difficult for consumers to identify whether recent floods have damaged a vehicle they are looking to purchase. Flood damage can be serious and not apparent until months after the flood," said Wisconsin DMV Dealer and Agent Section Chief Maura Schifalacqua. He went on to add that Dealers must clearly indicate if a vehicle they are selling has any flood damage.

If you're unsure about a vehicle’s history or sense any problems, be cautious because you may not immediately notice the effects of flood damage, which may lead to substantial and expensive repairs later on.

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Anyone considering buying a vehicle should begin by thoroughly inspecting it. The Wisconsin DMV offers tips on what to look for when buying a used vehicle:

• Check for a damp or musty smell.
• Look for water stains, discoloration, or mud in the engine, trunk areas, or the interior, including under the carpet and hard-to-reach areas.
• Test the functionality of electrical components. Moisture, condensation, or corrosion could indicate damage. Ensure all components work properly.
• If possible, have your own mechanic inspect the vehicle prior to purchasing it.

It's Important to Know The Vehicle’s History

The DMV says the Wisconsin Buyers Guide, the inspection sheet that discloses the vehicle’s condition and price, must be displayed on every used vehicle sold by a dealer.  It documents the dealer’s visual inspection and test drive of the vehicle.

If the vehicle has been branded with flood damage, it must be disclosed under the Title Brands section on the Wisconsin Buyer's Guide. The guide provides the following information:

• How a vehicle was used (private use, business use, lease use, rental, etc.)
• Price
• Title brands (including Flood damage or Salvage)
• Make, year, model, identification number, engine size, and transmission type
• If it's being sold with the remaining manufacturer's warranty, a dealer warranty, or "As Is"
• Description of the items the dealer inspected
• Condition of the vehicle and its safety equipment, with defects explained

Lastly, car buyers should also get a vehicle history report from providers such as Carfax or AutoCheck, which basically provide background checks for a vehicle. Most reports include historical details such as title records, crashes, service or repair records, and information about the vehicle’s mileage history. This history may very well include any flood damage.

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