The dangers of Hurricane Katrina, Rita, and Wilma are still present today. With reports varying, upwards of 600,000 vehicles damaged by floodwaters have begin to circulate there way through many states via used car auctions and used car dealers and dealerships. I will be giving you a few tips and suggestions on how to avoid the flooded storm cars that lie out there.

Sellers have attempted to hide the origin of where these flooded storm cars have came from by registering the vehicle in different states, it creates a paper trail that can be difficult to trace unless you spend the time for researching.

You may ask your self what steps should a consumer take to minimize their risk of purchasing one of these damaged flooded storm cars? These tips below, ideas and suggestions will minimize your risk of purchasing a flooded storm car that has been involved with flood waters.

Check the National Insurance Crime Bureau's web site at www.nicb.org, they have compiled a list of vehicles that have that have been affected by hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma.

You should also run an online history report, but once again, this database may not be all-inclusive, it's simply another step in the process of elimination.

Check the vehicle's title history - it may state flood damage.

Examine the interior and the engine compartment for evidence of water and grit from suspected submersion.

Check for a recently shampooed carpet.

Look under the floorboard carpet for water residue or stain marks from evaporated water not related to air-conditioning pan leaks.

Inspect for rusting on the inside of the car and under interior carpeting and visually inspect all interior upholstery and door panels for any evidence of fading.

Check under the dashboard for dried mud and residue, and note any evidence of mold or musty odor in the upholstery, carpet or trunk.

Check for rust on screws in the console or other areas where the water would normally not reach unless submerged.

Look for mud or grit in alternator crevices, behind wiring harnesses and around the small recesses of starter motors, power steering pumps and relays.

Complete a detailed inspection of the electrical wiring system looking for rusted components, water residue or suspicious corrosion.

Inspect the undercarriage of other components for evidence of rust and flaking metal that would not normally be associated with late model cars and trucks.

Now that you have a few helpful hints and suggestions on how to avoid the damaged flood cars that are floating around out there in the used car market as well as at automotive auctions. You will be able to spot those flooded storm cars and will know to stay away from them. A great website that I happen to come across a great website that provides you with the best database for a collection of online automotive auctions. They have done all the leg work of doing numerous background checks on each of these auction websites.