Car businesses flooded in Brown County
NASHVILLE, Ind. (WISH) — Brown County was one of the hardest hit areas in the recent storms.
Flooding has caused major problems for both residents and businesses. One business in particular: auto.
That’s because when cars are flooded, they’re considered totaled; a big concern because flooded vehicles are often resold.
Driving through Nashville on State Road 46, the damage was evident. A car dealership and auto dealer were both underwater.
“As you can see, everything is turned upside down,” said Debbie Guffey of Brown County Tire and Auto.
Her shop looks more like a war zone. Guffey is now trying to figure out where to begin with cleanup.
“This is one of the vehicles that survived, because it’s up,” said Guffey.
But about a dozen of her customer’s vehicles didn’t survive. A Camaro sits on the lot. It’s trunk is stuck open as water poured in, leaving still water. The interior is caked in mud.
“We did about $1,100 worth of work to it. We was waiting for the guy to pick it up. The back trunk came open from the water,” said Guffey.
The business has flood insurance. Guffey is now waiting to hear back from her insurance company to determine if her customer’s cars are covered.
On the same property is Rick’s Auto Sales. A viewer sent video of the lot under water. Some cars are almost completely submerged. Every single vehicle is considered totaled due to the flood.
Kevin Ault is the property manager.
“At one point, the water hits the batteries and engines. They actually start shorting out because you can drive by and see the lights flashing. So when the lights quit, it means they’re totally shorted,” said Ault.
Ault says the insurance company will total the cars, then take over them. As for Rick’s Auto Sales, the future doesn’t look so bright.
“They’ve lost all their cars. So unless they’re going to purchase new inventory, they’re probably done for business,” said Ault.
Both businesses say they will allow their insurance companies to take it from here and not try to resell the vehicles. The Attorney General’s Office says it’s legal to resell flooded cars, however it has to be properly disclosed.
The title also has to reflect that the vehicle has flood damage.