What flood damage means at auction
Flood vehicles were submerged or soaked. Water causes electrical faults, mold, and corrosion that keep surfacing long after a cosmetic clean-up, which makes flood cars uniquely risky.
Auction cars are often sold as-is with limited disclosure, so the VIN history is your best protection. Before you bid, run the VIN to check for a matching title brand, prior salvage, theft, lien, and odometer records — the details a listing photo will not show you.